Schools to Become a Dental Assistant in Florida

Florida has the third largest level of employment for dental assistants in the U.S., employing just over 25,000 people in this position.

Dental assistant jobs in Florida are vital since the state has a large elderly population requiring more dental care than other age groups.

Training & Trade Schools

Attending a dental assistant trade school is the place to start. Most programs take less time than other dental professions.

Program Benefits

In addition to becoming qualified fro an entry level job, you be ready to take the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exams by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

How Long Does It Take?

Between 6 to12 months.  The time it takes to complete the course is based on the study schedule that you determine.

How Much Does it Cost?

$2,000, but financing is available.

What Do You Study?

Modules will cover topics such as

• How to manage a dental office
• Common dental terminology
• Patient dental problems
• Appointment management software
• Accessing patient records
• Accounting and recall systems
• Insurance claims
• Industry codes

Assistance with externships is also a component.

More Local Programs

Educational Requirements

While you may not always need your high school diploma or GED, you still must be 18 years or older to attend a Florida dental assistant training school.

Becoming a Professional Dental Assistant in Florida

Dental Assistant Requirements In Florida

Most dental assistant training programs in Florida prepare students for entry-level jobs.

At the same time, there are supplementary training requirements needed if you want to qualify for more jobs and greater pay, which includes expanded duties training in addition to a certificate as a dental radiographer.

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

With formal training, dental assistants can perform various basic tasks without direct supervision. To work alongside a dentist and perform procedures yourself, you must receive special training as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant or EFDA.

There are two ways a student can become an EFDA in Florida:

1. Complete a dental, dental hygiene, or dental assisting training program with expanded functions that are part of the curriculum OR
2. Complete additional expanded duties training via a Florida Board of Dentistry-approved institution

Dental assistants with sufficient training and direct supervision can do advanced tasks such as performing coronal polishing and removing sutures after oral surgery.

The two tasks essential to an EFDAs work that you can only perform with expanded training are monitoring nitrous oxide and operating x-ray equipment.

Monitoring Nitrous Oxide Analgesia

Nitrous oxide, when used in dentistry, helps relieve pain and anxiety felt by patients during procedures. To monitor this treatment, dental assistants must have the right training and certification.

They may either attend a two-day course approved by the ADA or receive certification by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or similar organization regarding adult and infant CPR, obstructed airways, and the use of a defibrillator.

Dental Radiography

Performing dental radiographic procedures, or operating x-ray equipment, is an essential and regular task in dentistry.

Because of this, dental assistants must undergo special training to receive certification as dental radiographers. Many earn this education during the initial dental assistant training.

If you do not attend a school that teaches radiography, you must instead complete three months of on-the-job training and learn how to position and expose dental radiographic film under the supervision of a dentist. You should also take a board-approved radiology course within the year.

Regardless of how you receive the training to be a dental radiographer, you still have to apply for certification through the Florida Department of Health. The current fee is $35.00.

Do Dental Assistants Need a License in Florida?

Unlike dentists, Florida does not license dental assistants and there is no exam needed to work in the state.

If you want to work in this career field, you need your dental assistant certification in Florida with proper expanded duties training and on-the-job experience provided by approved and accredited institutions.

Dental Assistant Salaries in Florida

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average dental assistant salary in Florida is $46,420.

Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.

Location	Per Hour	Per Year
Cape Coral-Fort Myers	$23.14	$48,130
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin	$22.08	$45,920
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach	$21.04	$43,750
Gainesville	$21.44	$44,590
Homosassa Springs	$20.88	$43,440
Jacksonville	$22.09	$45,960
Lakeland-Winter Haven	$21.30	$44,310
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach	$21.96	$45,670
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island	$26.99	$56,150
North Florida	$21.81	$45,370
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton	$23.20	$48,250
Ocala	$21.02	$43,720
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford	$22.09	$45,960
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville	$22.58	$46,970
Panama City	$21.82	$45,390
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent	$21.02	$43,720
Port St. Lucie	$21.65	$45,040
Punta Gorda	$21.54	$44,800
Sebastian-Vero Beach	$21.51	$44,740
Sebring	$19.76	$41,090
South Florida	$22.31	$46,410
Tallahassee	$19.66	$40,890
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater	$23.35	$48,570
The Villages	$21.72	$45,170

Occupation: Dental Assistants(SOC Code319091)
source: data.bls.gov

Where Do They Get Paid the Most in Florida?

Highest Salaries in Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island
This region reports the highest wages at $26.99/hr ($56,150/year), significantly above other areas. This may be due to a higher cost of living, strong demand for healthcare professionals, and a wealthier patient base.

Tampa and Sarasota Offer Competitive Wages
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($23.35/hr, $48,570) and North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton ($23.20/hr, $48,250) provide some of the highest salaries outside of Naples, likely due to large metropolitan populations and strong healthcare industries.

Major Metro Areas Pay Mid-Range Salaries
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach ($21.96/hr, $45,670) and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ($22.09/hr, $45,960) offer salaries in the mid-range, despite being major population hubs. The cost of living in these areas is high, but competition may keep wages from rising further.

Job Description

What Do They Do?

Dental assistants are full-time employees who help oral surgeons and dentists with procedures.

They may also perform clerical work like keeping records. Associated tasks depend on the kind of training you received in your education.

With more training and certifications, you can take on expanded functions.

Job Duties

A dental assistant’s duties in Florida can involve basic tasks as well as more complex assignments related to patient care. These duties include:

• Prepping patients for exams
• Performing X-rays
• Completing patient documents
• Sanitizing and preparing equipment
• Assisting the dentist with procedures
• Scheduling appointments
• Working with insurance companies to resolve issues

What Florida Employers Look for in a Dental Assistant

Employers across Florida seek dental assistants with strong clinical skills, expanded functions certifications, and a patient-centered approach.

While requirements vary by practice, experience, communication skills, and technical abilities are common priorities. Many employers also prefer bilingual candidates, particularly those fluent in Spanish and English, due to Florida’s diverse population.

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Key Qualifications and Certifications

1. Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) Certification – Many employers, including Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (Doral) and Gentle Dental Group (Fort Lauderdale), require EFDA certification to allow assistants to perform additional clinical duties.
2. X-Ray Certification – Required by the Florida Board of Dentistry, x-ray proficiency is essential, as seen in postings from Aspen Dental (Okeechobee), Richard Oklin (Hollywood), and Dental Care Group (Aventura & Pembroke Pines).
3. CPR Certification – A standard requirement for roles involving direct patient care, ensuring readiness for emergencies.

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Clinical Skills and Responsibilities

Dental assistants in Florida support dentists and hygienists in both general and specialty practices, including pediatric, orthodontic, periodontic, and surgical settings.

Employers like Pascia & Pascia Dentistry (St. Petersburg) and Tooth Tales Pediatric Dentistry (Coral Springs) emphasize the ability to:
✔ Take and develop digital x-rays
✔ Assist with crown and bridge work, including temporary crown fabrication
✔ Perform impressions, sealants, and fluoride applications
✔ Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-operative care
✔ Sterilize and maintain instruments following OSHA and HIPAA protocols

Some employers, like Richard Oklin (Hollywood), require assistants to assist in surgeries and periodontal procedures, demonstrating the crossover into surgical assisting and periodontics.

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Patient Interaction and Customer Service

Employers seek dental assistants who provide a friendly and supportive environment for patients, especially in pediatric and hospital settings.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (Doral) emphasizes the importance of working with children who have special needs, autism, or developmental delays. Similarly, Tooth Tales Pediatric Dentistry looks for assistants who can create a welcoming atmosphere, showing empathy and patience with young patients.

The ability to comfort and educate patients is essential across all settings, including Gentle Dental Group (Fort Lauderdale) and Dental Care Group (Hollywood), where assistants are expected to explain procedures, reassure patients, and contribute to a positive dental experience.

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Crossover with Other Disciplines

While most positions focus on general and pediatric dentistry, some Florida dental assistants work in orthodontics, oral surgery, and hospital-based dental care:
✔ Orthodontic assistance – Tooth Tales Pediatric Dentistry requires assistants to work with both pediatric dentists and orthodontists.
✔ Surgical assistance – Practices like Richard Oklin (Hollywood) and Gentle Dental Group (Fort Lauderdale) require experience in periodontics and oral surgery, including assisting with implants and extractions.
✔ Hospital settings – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital employs dental assistants to support operating room procedures, demonstrating crossovers into hospital-based dentistry and pediatric anesthesia care.

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Work Environment and Expectations

Florida dental assistants work in various settings, including private practices, hospital clinics, and large dental groups. While some roles, like those at Aspen Dental (Okeechobee), offer corporate benefits such as 401(k) matching and continuing education, private practices such as Pascia & Pascia Dentistry (St. Petersburg) focus on teamwork and professional development.

Common expectations include:
✔ Flexibility – Some employers offer part-time or full-time roles, while others expect assistants to cover additional shifts when needed.
✔ Bilingual abilities – Many Florida practices prefer Spanish-speaking assistants to accommodate diverse patient populations.
✔ Strong communication and teamwork skills – Offices like Dental Care Group (Aventura & Pembroke Pines) stress team collaboration and proactive problem-solving.

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Conclusion

Employers in Florida look for dental assistants who combine technical expertise, patient care skills, and adaptability. Certification in Expanded Functions (EFDA) and X-ray operation is highly desirable, and experience in orthodontics, pediatric care, and oral surgery can set candidates apart.

Strong interpersonal skills and bilingual abilities are also significant advantages, particularly in diverse areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. Whether in private practices, corporate settings, or hospital environments, dental assistants in Florida play a crucial role in delivering high-quality oral healthcare.

Related:
Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist