Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary

College Application Steps

Visit our Enroll Now page to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).

Additional Program Specific Steps

• Attend an information session (expand the next collapsible).
• Download and read our program information packet (PDF 508 KB).
• Apply to our program.

Important Dates for EFDA Class of 2027

• Online application opens: April 2026 
• Online application closes: August 26, 2026 
• Dexterity Assessments: September 2026 (by appointment only, dates TBD) 
• Mandatory orientation: September 25, 2026 
• Start of Classes: January 4, 2027

Live Information Sessions

• April 20, 10 a.m., Zoom 
• June 1, 10 a.m., Zoom 
• June 22, 10 a.m., in-person at Health Education Center

Please contact DentalPrograms@seattlecolleges.edu for further information.

Recorded Information Session

This EFDA program information session recording was made for the Class of 2025 admissions cycle. Most information is still relevant, but refer to the current information packet for best information.

College Tuition

Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.

Save money at Central. Tuition and fees at a two-year college are significantly lower than a four-year college or university.

Program Fees

There are program-specific fees and costs required of all dental programs students. Please see program information packet or contact DentalPrograms@seattlecolleges.edu for further information.

Financial Aid

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

• Online Scheduled Asynchronous w/ In-person
• In-person

This is a cohort-based program and typically begins in Winter Quarter.

The Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

This certificate is for students focused on learning a skill or technology for immediate employment as a dental assistant.

Credits earned in certificate programs are generally applicable toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.

Math and English placement are required. Use Central’s free Math and English Directed Self Placement tools to establish placement.

MATH 87/91 or higher

ENGL 98 or higher

15 Units

Technical Specialty Courses

Units

The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.

Before you begin:

• Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
• Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
• If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Academic Advising Center.
• Research and apply for grants and scholarships.

Quarter 1, 6 Units

To-do List

Quarter 2, 6 Units

To-do List

Quarter 3, 3 Units

To-do List

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior and service to diverse populations.
• Support evidence-based dental care as a member of the oral healthcare team.
• Value their responsibility to the community by providing community service and outreach.
• Appreciate the scientific method, self-assessment, and life-long learning.
• Achieve personal and professional goals in diverse settings based on the Seattle Central College learning outcomes.

Dental Education Clinic

Dental care services are available to the public at the new Dental Education Clinic on the fourth floor of Seattle Central College’s Health Education Center in the historic Pacific Tower. The Dental Education Clinic operates under a dual education and service model, the first of its kind in the nation.

Through a groundbreaking partnership with Delta Dental and Neighborcare Health, the Dental Education Clinic offers preventive and restorative dental services performed by a licensed dentist with the support of Dental Hygiene, Dental Assistant, and Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) students.

The clinic is fully accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA), and offers pricing models to serve low-income patients.

Learn more about Neighborcare Health at Pacific Tower.

Program data from ctcLink:

• Academic Plan: DEAEFC01
• Degree: CERT
• Plan Transcript Description: Certificate - Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
• Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
• Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 51.0601

Dental Programs
DentalPrograms@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-4086

Advising Center
BE 1102
AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-4068