Dental Scholarships

Washington State Department of Health’s State Oral Health Program was awarded a Health Services and Services Administration (HRSA) grant for the proposal entitled: “WA State Dental Network for Training and Coordination.”

Seattle Community Central College - Dental Hygiene/Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program was included in this grant and is to receive $20,000.00 for their Scholarship Fund. The intent of this award is to provide scholarships for 1-2 students who are committed to work in public health settings to take the 6-month Expanded-Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) training.

The primary purpose of the request for funds is to enable Washington State to enhance its oral health system capacity. The ultimate goal is to decrease the state’s oral health disparities, which are concentrated among those with low-income, from racial/ethnic groups, uninsured, eligible for Medicaid, with disabilities or special needs, and residing in rural and remote areas.

The EFDA, a new licensed oral health practitioner, was created in response to assist dentists reach and treat more underserved populations especially in public health settings. These practitioners are specifically trained to treat patients with tooth decay in a more cost effective manner.

Seattle Central Community College Dental Hygiene Program opened an EFDA program summer quarter 2009. The first class will graduate at the end of fall 2009. This new 6 month program will take in their second class in winter quarter 2010. Fourteen students are admitted each summer and winter quarter. The EFDAs are licensed to place silver and composite (tooth colored) fillings.

For more information about the program, students should contact William Spence: wspence@sccd.ctc.edu.