What tasks are delegated by a dentist to an EFDA in Ohio?
Please refer to for specific rules.
What if I'm not a Certified Dental Assistant, but am working on it? May I still apply?
You may apply, however, you must provide a copy of your application to sit for the DANB, CODA, or AMT exam, and a copy of your testing date to prove that you are indeed taking the exam. You must become certified and provide a copy of your certificate before the program start date.
What is the deadline for me to become certified in order to be considered for the next class?
You must have your test results submitted to the EFDA Program before the next class is chosen. Current CDAs will be given priority consideration.
How can I study for the entrance examination?
Any dental assisting review books or textbooks will help prepare you for the basic dental knowledge component of the exam. The spatial relations component of the exam measures general abilities in perceptual ability or your general ability to see objects in different ways. Both components are written as multiple choice tests. You can search for samples of spatial relations or perceptual ability tests on the internet for samples and practice examples to familiarize yourself with the test format.
How are the accepted candidates selected?
We are very selective in choosing candidates who will be most likely to do well in the program and on the state certification exam. This is accomplished by using a Quality Points system designed specifically to help us select our classes. Points are assigned to letters of recommendation, years of experience, CDA credential (or hygiene license), GPA, assisting school (if attended), and, most importantly, entrance examination scores. All points are tallied and candidates with the most points are accepted.
What if my points tie with another candidate?
If this occurs, we consider the higher entrance exam score and/or most years of experience.
Is there a waiting list to get into the program?
There is not a waiting list, but an "alternate list", which is in effect from the time of class selection in June until classes start in August. This is the only time that there is a "waiting list". This list is comprised of candidates (alternates) who did not score in the top 40, but did score well. They are put on a list to enter the class (in order of their point score) should one of the 40 accepted candidates decide to decline their seat before August. After August, the list closes and these applicants will be invited to re-apply the following year.
What if I am not accepted at all?
This means that your points were low, probably from low scores on the entrance examination. If this happens we will send you a letter the following year asking you if you would like to reapply and retake the entrance exam.
If I was on the alternate list but never got called to enter the class, do I have to re-take the entrance examination when I reapply?
You must retake the entrance exam only if you would like to try to raise your score. Scoring higher can earn you more points to improve your chance of getting accepted. You will be notified of your previous score in the re-application letter to help you make your decision.
What can I expect once I am accepted?
Once the classes are chosen, you will receive a letter of acceptance within a week of taking the entrance exam. You will then be expected to respond quickly to reserve your seat in the class. This means responding to the admissions response along with the tuition deposit payment by the posted deadline. Once your deposit has been received, we will send information on how to obtain a background check and materials such as the program schedule and orientation information.
What is included in my tuition?
You will receive your own typodont, uniform scrub top, your own workstation assignment (equipped with state-of-the-art simulator, overhead lamp, articulator, drawers for supplies, and chair), use of instruments for the year, all materials needed to fill teeth MANY times, use of low and high speed handpieces for the year, MANY prepped typodont teeth, expert instruction, and mock board experiences.
How do I know if becoming an EFDA is right for me?
Any career decision is a personal one, but having a strong desire to do more with your dental expertise, being able to provide more hands-on care to your patients, and your employer having confidence in your abilities to contribute more to the team, are some of the reasons you might choose to become an EFDA.
What is the clinical / patient experience like while I'm in the program?
Students are required by the Ohio State Dental Board to complete at least 80 hours of hands-on patient care (placing restorations) during their training. Students must do so in their place of employment (the doctor signs a contract of supervision) or in our affiliated institution (MetroHealth Hospital) if the student does not have employer support or the student is unemployed. For those students whose employer will not agree to supervise this part of the training, the student may attend a facility, but availability to complete all 80 hours depends on the facility availability and will require the student to spend extra time in addition to their class day to complete the required hours. The student must pass competency assessments during the first semester in order to participate.
The Ohio State Dental Board requires patient clinical experience to sit for the state exam, in addition to successful completion of the EFDA Program.
I am a foreign-trained dentist. How do I apply for the EFDA Program?
To apply to the program, you must follow the same steps as previously listed, including the entrance examination. In addition, instead of CDA credentials, please submit transcripts from the dental school attended (officially translated into English by a translation service such as if in another language). Additionally, foreign applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by showing proof of (TOEFL) results. The minimum score to be considered for admission is 577 (paper-based) or 90 (internet-based). Applicants are exempt from TOEFL if they show proof of speaking English as their native language or a bachelor's degree or higher at a US college or university or a foreign university where instruction was in English.
Even though you have experience as a dentist in your country, we find that going through the EFDA program will better familiarize you with the restorative techniques used to prepare for the state certification exam in Ohio.
Where can I find information about the EFDA Board Examination?
Please contact: