Broadening EFDA Training Gives Tennessee Dentists a Workforce Advantage

Tennessee dentists looking to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality may soon have a larger pool of highly trained team members to help. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry has expanded its Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries (EFDA) Certification Program with new training sites in Kingsport and Chattanooga, making advanced education more accessible across the state.

The expansion comes as demand for oral healthcare continues to rise and practices face ongoing workforce challenges. By providing dental assistants and dental hygienists with advanced restorative and prosthetic training, the EFDA program enables dentists to delegate more clinical procedures while maintaining supervision. That translates into smoother workflows, shorter appointment times, and the ability to treat more patients.

Since launching in Memphis in 2006, the program has certified more than 2,000 dental auxiliaries. Following the successful expansion into Knoxville in 2022, where courses have consistently filled to capacity, the addition of two new locations reflects strong demand from practices seeking advanced clinical training closer to home.

Practices that incorporate EFDAs can increase patient capacity by an estimated 15% to 40%, allowing dentists to focus on more complex procedures while trained team members perform expanded restorative functions. The model mirrors the growing use of advanced practice providers in medicine, helping practices deliver care more efficiently without compromising quality.

The expanded program also supports long-term workforce development by making continuing education more accessible throughout Tennessee. As more auxiliaries gain advanced clinical skills, dental practices will be better positioned to meet growing patient demand, improve productivity, and expand access to care in communities across the state. Click here to read more.