How can I change the value of an EntityField2 Directly and have the entity be marked as dirty?

Dim lObj As Object = Convert.ChangeType(lControl.Text, lEntityField.DataType) lEntityField.CurrentValue = lObj

This does not mark the entity as dirty.

You should use _SetNewFieldValue _entity's method:

order.SetNewFieldValue((int)OrderFieldIndex.ShippingDate, null);

Is there anyway to do it without having the Entity? Do the fields hold a reference to the entity somewhere?

Is there anyway to do it without having the Entity?

As far as I know no.

Do the fields hold a reference to the entity somewhere?

no.

May I ask why do you need it this way?