Pulley Becomes Board Certified Expanded Function Dental Assistant

In May 2019 Sarah Pulley graduated from a 9-month program at Eastern Gateway Community College to become a board-certified EFDA (expanded function dental assistant). Sarah is employed as a Certified Ohio Dental Assistant at Freeport Family Dental Center.  

“We are very proud of Sarah for furthering her dental career to the highest level of a dental assistant,” said Dr. Amber Bauer, Dental Director, Ohio Hills Health Services. “This new credentialing allows Sarah to place and finish restorations under the supervision of a dentist. This will allow Freeport Family Dental Center to maximize the dental services we provide.”

Sarah Pulley started with Ohio Hills Health Services as a dental assistant in September 2014.  As she discovered how much she loved the field of dentistry, she furthered her career by becoming a certified dental assistant (CODA) October 2016.  She obtained two more certifications in February 2017 (Coronal Polishing and Sealant Application). 

An Ohio EFDA is a certified dental assistant, certified Ohio dental assistant, or a licensed dental hygienist who has graduated from an expanded functions training program and passed the Ohio EFDA state board. This auxiliary member is permitted to perform advanced remedial intra-oral procedures that involve the placement of preventative or restorative materials limited to sealants and metallic and nonmetallic restorative materials.

Ohio EFDAs commonly move into the operator’s position after the dentist is finished removing the diseased tooth structure. The EFDA then places and finishes the restorations. The dentist returns to check the EFDA's work before the patient is dismissed. Freeport Family Dental Center is currently accepting new dental patients and offers a sliding fee scale and accepts Medicaid. For additional information please call 740-239-OHHS or visit www.ohiohillshealthservices.com.