Can Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA) SOLVE The Dental Shortage?
Tue Feb 03 2026
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter
Dental practices are being stretched thinner than ever, but the solution isn't just hiring more people. It's learning how to better use, train, and trust the team you already have.
In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Singleton - assistant extraordinaire - to discuss how dental practices can adapt to staffing shortages by rethinking team roles and expanding responsibilities within proper scope of practice. We talked about expanded function dental assistants, smarter scheduling, access to care challenges, and the impact of investing in education and training. Stacey has built an accredited program all while working with dentists across states. Graduates seek out practices who elevate assistants, hygienists, and teams as a whole. Every dental office should be full of such colleagues!
Connect with Stacey
Website: https://www.talkteeth2me.com/
IG: @talkteeth2me
Link we referenced:
DANB State Dental Assisting Requirements
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Join us for Practice Management Power Day on Sept. 25 in Denver! This event is designed for experienced managers and dentists. Visit https://practicemanagementpowerday.com to register!
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Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.
Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees. Registration is open. Secure your spot today:
🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/
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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/
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Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services
https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy
NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.
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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.
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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.
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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!
**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt
#DentalPractice #DentalTeam #DentalStaffing #DentalAssistants #PracticeManagement #AccessToCare
More
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter Dental practices are being stretched thinner than ever, but the solution isn't just hiring more people. It's learning how to better use, train, and trust the team you already have. In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Singleton - assistant extraordinaire - to discuss how dental practices can adapt to staffing shortages by rethinking team roles and expanding responsibilities within proper scope of practice. We talked about expanded function dental assistants, smarter scheduling, access to care challenges, and the impact of investing in education and training. Stacey has built an accredited program all while working with dentists across states. Graduates seek out practices who elevate assistants, hygienists, and teams as a whole. Every dental office should be full of such colleagues! Connect with Stacey Website: https://www.talkteeth2me.com/ IG: @talkteeth2me Link we referenced: DANB State Dental Assisting Requirements ------------- Join us for Practice Management Power Day on Sept. 25 in Denver! This event is designed for experienced managers and dentists. Visit https://practicemanagementpowerday.com to register! —------------- Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more. Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees. Registration is open. Secure your spot today: 🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/ ------------- I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/ ------------- Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase. ------------- My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment. ------------- Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses. ------------- Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast! **If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!** YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt #DentalPractice #DentalTeam #DentalStaffing #DentalAssistants #PracticeManagement #AccessToCare