Can an Orthodontic Assistant Get a Expanded Duties Certificate?

The Oregon Board of Dentistry approves an Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assistant certificate.

According to the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), Oregon is the only state that offers an Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assisting (EFOA) certificate. The Oregon board of dentistry defines an EFOA as a dental assistant certified by the board to perform expanded orthodontic function duties.

Considerations

To qualify for the EFOA certificate, an orthodontic assistant must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) dental assisting program and pass one of the three following tests: the Oregon Basic Dental Assisting exam, the National Certified Dental Assistant exam (CDA) or the Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) exam. In addition, the candidate must pass the Oregon Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assisting (ORXO) exam and provide evidence from a licensed dentist that the applicant has completed the clinical requirements. As of October 2010, the ORXO examination fee was $125. Once the student passes the ORXO, the candidate may submit an EFOA certification form to the DANB.

Function

Under the supervision of a licensed dentist, a certified EFOA may remove cement or re-cement loose orthodontic bands, remove orthodontic appliances and replace ligatures and separators. A dentist is responsible for checking the EFOA's work before and after the procedure.

Identification

The EFOA certificate is regulated by the Oregon board of dentistry. The certification exam is administered by the DANB.

References

• Dental Assisting National Board: Oregon Expanded Functions -- Orthodontic Assistant Exam
• Oregon Administrative Rules: Oregon Board of Dentistry Dental Assisting Definitions

Resources

• Oregon Board of Dentistry: Certification By Credential
• PayScale: Certification -- Expanded Function Orthodontic Assistants