University of Bridgeport has been awarded a three-year grant which includes a $2,500 scholarship for each student in the program's first cohort.

Expanded Function Dental Assisting (EFDA) Program

Applications are now being accepted for August 2025

UB EFDA students Apply Now   Program Details

University of Bridgeport’s Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) program is designed for dental professionals who aspire to expand their skills and advance their careers. This continuing education program offers comprehensive training and hands-on experience in advanced dental procedures, including:

  • Applying sealants
  • Placing composite and amalgam restorations
  • Coronal polishing
  • Applying topical anesthesia and topical fluoride treatments
  • And more!

Learn from experienced dental professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom — gain practical experience with the latest dental technology and techniques in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Delta Dental SMILE Workforce

Delta Dental Foundation Logo

University of Bridgeport’s Expanded Function Dental Assistant program has been awarded a three-year grant from the Delta Dental New Jersey Foundation. The total tuition for the program is $5,200.This grant includes a $2,500 scholarship for each student in the program's first cohort.

Advance your dental career

When you complete this comprehensive program, you’ll increase your job opportunities and earning potential in the field of dental assisting. This hybrid EFDA program runs or approximately 14 weeks. You will complete your coursework online and attend on-campus clinical lab sessions once or twice per month. For your convenience, on-campus sessions are offered on either a Friday or a Saturday, depending on the month.

Admission requirements

This selective admissions program will run continuously. All factors are considered for admissions, including personal statement, employer recommendation, and CDA status.

Requirements for EFDA status in Connecticut may be completed in any order. This program will satisfy the following requirement:

Successfully complete an expanded function dental assistant program at a higher education institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) that includes educational courses related to didactic and laboratory preclinical objectives and at least four hours of education in ethics and professional standards for dental professionals and a comprehensive clinical exam administered by the higher education program at the conclusion of the program.

Meet the faculty

headshot of Jennifer Boyce, DMD

Jennifer Boyce, DMD

Associate Director of
Clinical Affairs

  • Fones School of Dental Hygiene
    EFDA Course Coordinator
headshot of Amanda Sargent, MSDH, RDH

Amanda Sargent, MSDH, RDH

Assistant Professor

  • Fones School of Dental Hygiene
    EFDA Course Developer / Faculty Lead

Rosaura Frias, RDH, MSDH

Assistant Professor

  • Fones School of Dental Hygiene
    EFDA Course Faculty

Judith Benjamin, DMD

Adjunct Faculty

  • Fones School of Dental Hygiene
    EFDA Course Faculty

For more information contact:

Jennifer Boyce
  • Email
Apply Now