Dental assistants enjoy several career benefits, including opportunities for career growth, personal fulfillment, flexibility in work schedules, and competitive salaries. Individuals in Florida who want to start a career in this field will be glad to know they have come to the right page.
In the following sections, they will discover relevant information to make their journeys smoother and more enjoyable. Firstly, they will find a step-by-step breakdown of the entire process, outlined in an easily digestible manner.
Then, they will discover the licensure and certification requirements that can give them an edge in the employment market, along with a list of the top training programs to consider.
Lastly, the page also explores the potential annual average salary for dental assistants in Florida and the factors influencing these figures.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Florida
Below is a step-by-step outline of how to become a dental assistant in Florida.
Prerequisites
Anyone aspiring to become a dental assistant in Florida must meet a few prerequisites, including being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or GED. The state and prospective employers set these requirements.
Dental Assisting Training
As in virtually every state nationwide, individuals must receive substantial dental assisting training before securing employment in Florida. Candidates may receive training “on the job.” Still, the most common approach is to attend a training program offered by academic institutions to set a good theoretical foundation for acquiring hands-on training in the real world.
It is common for dental assistant training programs in Florida to last for around 9 to 12 months. This will see candidates graduate with a certificate that helps them stand out in the employment market.
Of course, a certificate should not be confused with a certification, as these are two different things. Later in the guide, we will examine certification opportunities and specific training programs for dental assistant certificates.
Specialty Training
After completing the above steps, candidates may secure employment in a dental office. However, to perform certain specialty duties, they must also complete additional courses, including the Restorative Functions Training course and a Radiography course for those working with dental X-ray equipment and performing radiographic procedures.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The Dental Assisting National Board offers a Certified Dental Assistant credential that dental assistants across the country highly value. Candidates in Florida may leverage this credential to secure high-paying employment while also setting themselves up for significant career growth.
A CDA credential requires passing a professional examination and meeting continuing education requirements for periodic renewal.
It is also worth mentioning that dental assistants in Florida who will be monitoring nitrous oxide inhalation and related duties must also complete an approved program by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. This program should include one-man CPR and two-man CPR training.
Top Dental Assistant Schools in Florida
The following are some prominent training programs for aspiring dental assistants in Florida.
Miami Lakes Educational Center
Miami, FL Campus Only
Miami Lakes Educational Center & Technical College’s dental assistant training program teaches foundational dental assisting skills, problem-solving, work attitude, and employability skills.
Tuition
$3,846 per ProgramContact
(305) 557-1100
PR8901@dadeschools.net
The Praxis Institute
Miami, FL Campus + Online
The Praxis Institute offers a strong dental assisting program teaching x-rays and equipment handling, sterilization techniques, and administrative duties.
Tuition
$14,000 per ProgramContact
(786) 577-6909
admissions@praxis.edu
Florida National University
Miami, FL Campus Only
Florida National University’s dental assistant training program can be completed in 8 months. It includes a strong curriculum teaching key topics such as infection control and radiation health and safety using classroom, lab, and real-world training.
Tuition
$7,650 per ProgramContact
(305) 821-3333
kblanco@fnu.edu
Explore dental assistant schools in Florida by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A survey of dental assistants in Florida revealed that the annual average salary for these professionals is $68,948. The survey also revealed that while dental assistants in the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $52,872, those in the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $89,913.
Experience, location, and credentials, among other factors, can propel candidates from the lower end of the salary range to the higher end.
Concerning the highest-paying locations in the area, Palm Beach Gardens and Dunedin, with annual average salaries of $74,233 and $72,374, are the highest-paying cities for dental assistants in Florida. They are followed in the top five by Jacksonville, with an annual average salary of $72,289; Sarasota, with an annual average salary of $72,289; and Clearwater, with an annual average salary of $70,911.
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