Register for the only RDAEF program in Southern California held at a fully accredited dental school. 

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry launched its first Registered Dental Assistant in Expanded Functions (RDAEF) program in June 2017 to meet the demand for RDAEF2/RDHEF2. This comprehensive hybrid program provides 410 hours of instruction for RDAs and 318 hours of instruction for existing RDAEFs. Online lectures combined with onsite laboratory and clinical training make this program convenient and accessible for working professionals. 

Jeri Fowler portrait
Jeri Fowler,CDA, RDAEF2, OA
Assistant Director, Alumni Affairs
Director, RDAEF & OAP Programs
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

Curriculum

Students will learn and perform all the allowable duties in extended functions, which include: 

  • Conduct preliminary patient health evaluations, which include charting, intraoral and extra-oral soft tissue evaluations, classifying occlusion, and myofunctional evaluation. 
  • Perform oral health assessments in school-based, community health project settings under the direction of a dentist, registered dental hygienist, or registered dental hygienist in alternative practice. 
  • Size, fit, and cement endodontic master points and accessory points. 
  • Take final impressions for tooth-borne removable prosthesis. 
  • Place, contour, finish, and adjust all direct restorations. 
  • Polish and contour existing amalgam restorations. 
  • Adjust and cement permanent indirect restorations. 
  • Perform cord retraction of gingiva for impression procedures. 
  • Take final impressions for permanent indirect restorations. 

This program satisfies the California Dental Board’s requirements for RDAEF Licensure.  

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Program Length and Schedule

The RDAEF program is offered over a twelve-month period and features a series of three modules that must be successfully completed in a designated sequence and established time frame. Class sessions are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and from 8am-5pm every other Sunday. Lectures take place online via Zoom while laboratory and clinical instruction take place on campus. In Module 3 students must complete an extramural requirement of 20+ direct restorations on live patients. This requirement is completed in your private practice and graded by your dentist. 

Both RDAs and existing RDAEFs maintain the same course schedule throughout Modules 1 and 2. However, current RDAEFs will take fewer classes in Module 3 because they do not need to attend the patient sessions that involve cord packing and final impressions.  

Module 1: June 27, 2024 – September 22, 2024 (19 class sessions) 

  • June 27 
  • July 2, 7, 14, 16, 18, 28, 30 
  • August 1, 11, 13, 15, 25, 27, 29 
  • September 8, 10, 12, 22 

Module 2: September 24, 2024 – January 26, 2025 (24 class sessions) 

  • September 24, 26 
  • October 6, 8, 10, 20, 22, 24 
  • November 3, 5, 7, 17, 19, 21 
  • December 1, 3, 5, 15 
  • January 7, 9, 12, 21, 23, 26 

Module 3: February 4, 2025 – June 8, 2025 (30 class sessions) 

  • February 4, 6, 9, 18, 20, 23 
  • March 2*, 4, 6, 16, 18, 20, 30 
  • April 1, 3, 13*, 15, 17, 27, 29 
  • May 1, 4, 13, 15, 18*, 27, 29 
  • June 1*, 5, 8 

Please note, all classes that are highlighted in yellow are online. The rest are in-person and on campus. Any dates with an * are classes that existing RDAEF students are not required to attend. 

Attendance Policy 

One point will be awarded for each full hour of class attendance. Additional points may be earned for participation in special activities. To receive the maximum points available, it is extremely important to attend all classes and be on time each day. Arriving late and/or leaving early will result in deductions from the student’s participation points. A reduction in points may cause the student to not pass the course. 

Excused Absences: Legitimate and verified medical excuses must be signed by a doctor and discussed with the course instructor. Only approved medical absences or funeral services for a loved one will be considered for makeup assignments or tests. 

Students must maintain a grade of 85% or better to pass the participation grading category. 

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Application

To apply for the program, complete the online application and submit a $1000 non-refundable deposit. Next, email the following list of required supporting documents to the program director, Jeri Fowler, by June 27th, 2024. Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive enrollment confirmation. 

Required Supporting Documents: 

  • Current/active Registered Dental Assistant License  
  • Completion of certifications in coronal polishing, x-ray, and sealants 
  • Current CPR Basic Life Support Certification (AHA or ARC) 
  • Proof of having completed a 2-hour Board-approved course in infection control. 
  • Proof of having completed a 2-hour Board-approved course in California Dental Practice Act 
  • Verification of T.B. skin test or chest x‐ray clearance within the last year 
  • HBV vaccination clearance 
  • Proof of liability insurance coverage  
  • Complete the LLUSD Photo and Video Consent 

Liability Insurance 

Students completing their extramural requirements at LLU facilities must provide proof of professional liability insurance before any patient treatment is performed. Below are a couple of suggested resources. LLU has no affiliation with, nor do we endorse, any of these companies. Students are free to choose their own insurance provider. 

AMBA 
Allied Health is the professional liability insurance carrier. Visit www.proliability.com for a quote OR call the sales department at 1-800-375-2764, press option 1 for sales. 
 
CM&F Group
Visit www.cmfgroup.com to apply for an individual policy and receive same-day proof of coverage. Applicants may also call 800-221-4904 

Supervising Dentist 

Your dentist will be required to attend a clinical orientation session in order for them to supervise the 20+ restorations on live patients within their practice. Additionally, there are 5 sessions in Module 3 where students will pack cord and take final impressions on live patients with your dentist anesthetizing and supervising. A dentist may anesthetize and supervise up to 3 students.

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Fees

Program Fees for RDAs 

  • Tuition: $18,000 
  • Student Kit: $1,018.50 
  • Total Program Hours: 410 hours 

Program Fees for Existing RDAEFs 

  • Tuition: $17,000 
  • Student Kit: $1,018.50 
  • Total Program Hours: 318 hours 

Prospective students are required to make a $1,000 non-refundable deposit when submitting their application to the program. Upon acceptance into the program, a list of required supplies and materials, a detailed program schedule for the first module, and access to Canvas will be emailed to you. Canvas includes information for the course such as quizzes, schedules, grades, etc. 

Student Kit 

The student kit contains typodonts (adult & pediatric), prepped typodont teeth, typodont rod, rubber dam clamps, and a bur block with burs. 

Funding Options 

Funding is available to qualified candidates through the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan program. Please visit the Sallie Mae website for more information. 

This program is not eligible for other conventional federal student loan funding. However, participants for this program may be eligible to finance the cost of this professional development program through personal loans from a bank or credit union. 

Interest-free payment plans are also available through the Office of Continuing Dental Education. For example, Module 1 costs $4,700 – after payment of the $1,000 non-refundable deposit the student can then make payments towards the remaining $3,700 balance, as long as the balance is paid off by the end of that module. Email Jeri Fowler or call 909-558-4685 for more information on how to pursue this option. 

If you have any questions, please call 909-558-4685 or email Jeri Fowler.

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Testimonials

Steve Tatevossian, DDS

Steve Tatevossian, DDS

Dentist

I wanted to express how grateful I am to have sponsored two RDAEF2 candidates through Loma Linda University School of Dentistry’s Program. Over the years, I have worked with 13 different assistants who have earned their extended function certifications, but the LLU graduates are the most prepared and confident. They truly possess the knowledge needed to dive right in and help the practice get to the next level. Having EFs in my practice has taken away a lot of the stress of staying on schedule, enabling me to provide more services to my patients. Our productivity has definitely increased every year and I would never go back to working without EFs. I highly recommend the comprehensive program offered at Loma Linda University. The instructors are amazing and passionate about teaching students.

Sonia Mikhail, DDS

Sonia Mikhail, DDS

Dentist

I sponsored one of my RDA assistants at the Loma Linda University RDAEF II program. It was great experience for both myself and my assistant. The program is very detail oriented with a lot of hands on learning. All of the instructors and doctors that lead the program provide a great classroom environment as well as a one on one when needed. Sponsoring my assistant in this program was one of the best decisions for the practice. The skills that the RDAEF II program at Loma Linda University teaches the assistants far exceeded my expectations and it shows in the quality of work that my assistant can now do. My assistant has become a great asset to the company. Because she is able to pack cord, take final impressions, do the fillings and deliver the crowns, it allows me to have more time so I can spend it where I am more needed.  We are even able to add more patients to our schedule. I recommend an RDAEF II in every practice!

Kim Rust, RDAEF

Kim Rust, RDAEF

2018 Graduate

I have been working in the dental field for 18 years. In 2018 was sponsored by my employer and subsequently became part of the first graduating RDAEF class at Loma Linda University. I have been utilizing my extended functions for 7 years now. I enjoy every minute of it. My story has come full circle and I am now helping teach the very program I graduated from. This program is full of caring, helpful, educated and very experienced professionals. You will leave the program with all the tools you need to make a great career for yourself.

Christina Tamayo, RDAEF

Christina Tamayo, RDAEF

2022 Graduate

In short, I have worked 40+ hours a week for 15 years. Raising 3 boys just trying to even make time to spend with them was very hard! I felt like I was barely surviving. There were days where I was leaving the house at 6 in the morning and not getting back home until 7 at night. By that time there was only enough time for homework, very fast dinner, showers then bed by 8:30, only to do it all over again the next day. After graduating, I was able to find an amazing doctor who was not only willing to pay what I am worth but also willing to teach me and show me different ways to do things. He always takes time to explain what he is doing and why he is doing it.  I only work 3 days a week now and I make more money then I ever have! I’m able to have so much time with my family. I tell every RDA I know to come take the program at Loma Linda. I’m proud of this program and that I was able to be apart of it!!!

Paula Ramirez, RDAEF

Paula Ramirez, RDAEF

2020 GRADUATE

Being a RDAEF2 was something I always wanted to do ever since I moved to California and I discovered the multiple opportunities that a RDAEF2 would provide. I finally had the chance to attend LLU.

I graduated in 2020, but even during a COVID epidemic I was able to find a job as RDAEF2 before graduating and taking my board exams. Where I lived there were not that many of us (RDAEF2s) so I had to fight for my position and my duties. Currently, I am working at a new office now for almost two years, where I can do almost everything and patients love me and they ask to see me. I work only 3 days a week, giving me the opportunity to spend time and do the things I always wanted to do with my kids. I am in the position to request the days I want to work.

If you love dentistry as much as I love it, then you will fight for your position or be grateful at the office that you are at. Work hard, study and practice and you will be rewarded.

Best of luck and I hope to see you join the great community of RDAEFs.