Dental Assistant Schools in Florida
Dental Assistant Programs in Florida
The state of Florida has one of the largest medical industries in the country. With its rapidly growing senior population, the need for healthcare professionals has grown consistently for several years. As an aspiring healthcare professional, you may get started in this field by assisting high-level practitioners.
The field of dental assisting is an excellent option for those who enjoy the consistency of dental office hours and want to help people maintain their physical health through dental care.
Whether you’re looking for dental hygiene schools in Tampa, dental schools in Orlando, or programs in another area entirely, get started now by reaching out to dental assisting schools below.
Dental Assistant Schools in Florida
Depending on which dental hygienist college you decide to attend in Florida, you may be able to complete your education on a fairly tight timeline. Many programs aim to get students working and gaining practical experience as quickly as possible.
If you opt for a certificate or diploma program, you may graduate as little as six months or one year. If you decide to earn an Associate’s degree, plan on spending approximately two years in school.
Across different degree levels, training topics are often very similar, encompassing the courses and subjects found below.
Courses Offered at Dental Assistant Programs in Florida
- Allied Dental Theory
- Dental Office Emergencies
- Head, Neck, and Dental Anatomy
- Dental Assisting in Orthodontics
- Dental Radiology
- Computer Applications in Dentistry
- Preventive Dentistry
- Dental Materials
- Clinical Practice
Program availability varies in different parts of Florida. For example, if you are looking into dental assistant schools in Miami or dental school Fort Lauderdale options, you may find that there are many choices. This allows you to find a program that meshes with your learning goals and your schedule.
More remote parts of the state may have fewer programs, but you can still consider online dental assistant programs in Florida. Online programs allow you to complete your theory training on your schedule and get your clinical work done at an approved location near you.
Be sure to look into financial aid options after getting accepted to a school. Through the American Dental Association Foundation, you can apply for several scholarship programs.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Florida
You do not need a license to get started in your dental assisting career. You may need to pursue certification to perform x-rays ordered offer expanded functions, but you may weigh those options after getting some work experience.
In Florida, the average salary for a dental assistant is $35,780 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Between 2014 and 2024, job openings may swell 22% (O*Net, 2016).
You might look for work in private clinics and large chains after graduation. If you complete an internship, you may be able to continue working at your practicum site after graduation. Many dental assistant schools in south Florida and other parts of the state have connections with local employers.
Recent growth in the healthcare industry makes this the perfect time to jump into a new career.