What is the South Florida Dental Assisting School Known For?
The South Florida Dental Assisting School is known for its accelerated 12-week licensed programs, offering a swift path to graduation under the direct guidance of experienced dentists. The fast graduation time appeals to those seeking a quick entry into dental assisting.
With two convenient locations in Oakland Park and Hialeah, the school provides accessibility for students in South Florida. The institution additionally offers advanced certification programs, specifically in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) and radiology. These specialized certifications surpass the basics, equipping graduates with enhanced skills and knowledge.
The emphasis on advanced certifications demonstrates the school’s dedication to producing highly skilled dental assistants, making it a preferred choice for individuals looking to enter the workforce quickly and excel with specialized expertise in dental assisting.
Is it Legit?
The South Florida Dental Assisting School is licensed through the Florida Board of Dentistry and the Florida Commission for Independent Education. SFDAS alums are nationally recognized.
Is the South Florida Dental Assisting School Worth It?
The South Florida Dental Assisting School offers a comprehensive and practical approach to dental assisting education, making it a good investment for prospective dental technicians. Graduates receive both a Diploma of Dental Assisting and a Certificate of Completion in Radiology, demonstrating a well-rounded training that includes x-ray exposure and development skills.
The school’s job placement assistance is a significant advantage, with a network of dentists and recruiters seeking qualified dental assistant graduates.
The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning in an actual dental office sets it apart, providing students with practical experience that may facilitate a smooth transition from classroom to career. Additionally, tuition financing makes the program accessible to more individuals.
For those looking for a more efficient alternative to more extended dental programs, the South Florida Dental Assisting School’s focused curriculum and connections within the dental community make it a worthwhile investment in one’s dental assisting education and career prospects.
The South Florida Dental Assisting School vs. Community College
Students should choose the South Florida Dental Assisting School over a community college for its flexibility and comprehensive curriculum. The evening program, scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., accommodates busy working schedules, allowing individuals to pursue their education while managing other commitments.
Additionally, Friday and Saturday programs provide further flexibility.
Moreover, the dental assisting program at South Florida Dental Assisting School goes beyond basic training. It encompasses mastery of various expanded function dental assisting duties, including specialized procedures like rubber dam placement, Tofflemire matrix assembly and removal, temporary crown fabrication and cementation, coronal polishing, suture removal, and temporary restoration placement and removal.
This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped with advanced skills, enhancing their competitiveness in the workforce.
Acceptance Rate
The South Florida Dental Assisting School has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
The South Florida Dental Assisting School’s tuition costs $4,250 per program.
School Catalog
A copy of the curriculum catalog can be found here.
School Hours
The South Florida Dental Assisting School is generally open to the public from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 9 AM to 12 PM on Fridays.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare and Nursing
- Dental Assistant
Campus Locations
Fort Lauderdale Campus 4001 North Ocean Drive, Suite 202 Lauderdale, FL 33308
Hialeah Campus 2387 West 68th Street, Suite 302 Hialeah, FL 33016
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the South Florida Dental Assisting School receives mixed feedback, with students generally happy with the instruction but highly critical of the administrative support and communication, particularly for prospective and withdrawing students.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Quality of Instruction and Hands-on Training: Students consistently praise the program’s effectiveness, noting that they learned “so much every day” and that the training gave them a “head start” without doubt in their minds. Reviewers appreciate the hands-on learning, small class sizes, and the dedication of the instructors, who are described as amazing, “very self explanatory, sweet and have a lot of patience.”
Supportive and Encouraging Environment: The school is frequently described as a “great family” with “spectacular team” members who fill the classroom with good energy. The professionals are 100% recommended by some graduates.
Included Perks: One reviewer mentioned an appreciation for the uniform being provided as part of the program.
Common Criticisms
Extremely Poor Communication/Accessibility (Pre-Enrollment): Several highly critical reviews warn against wasting time due to the inability to contact the school. Prospective students reported calling the school and leaving voicemails “at least 10 times” at both locations without ever receiving a return call. Attempts to use the online chat were also reported as unsuccessful in obtaining necessary information.
Difficulty with Refunds/Financial Withdrawal: A highly negative recent review strongly advises potential students not to attend if they value their money. This student claims to have signed a document regarding cancellation but was unable to receive a refund after withdrawing due to financial issues, suggesting a significant failure in honoring stated financial policies.
Momentum
The momentum shows a clear split. Highly positive reviews praising instructors and the classroom experience are clustered between three and four years ago. However, the most recent substantive review (6 months ago) is severely negative, focusing entirely on the claim of a significant failure in the refund policy and a disregard for the student’s money. This recent financial warning, coupled with older, persistent complaints about the school being impossible to reach by phone for prospective students, suggests that while the in-class experience may be strong, the administrative and financial dealings of the school are a severe and ongoing liability.