Navigating Dental Assistant Colleges in Florida: Requirements and Opportunities

A career as a dental assistant offers a blend of patient care, technical skills, and administrative responsibilities, making it a rewarding path for those interested in the field of dentistry. Florida offers numerous dental assisting programs, and understanding the requirements and opportunities associated with these programs is crucial for prospective students.

Understanding the Role of a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants are valuable and respected members of the dental care team, assisting the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care for people of all ages. Duties of a dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties.

Dental assistant’s job responsibilities may include:

Patient comfort
Prepare work area for treatments and procedures
Sterilize dental instruments
Four-handed/six-handed dentistry
Maintain moisture control
Review proper oral hygiene instructions with patients
Under the supervision of a dentist, process x-rays, and complete lab tasks
Maintain patient records
Schedule patient appointments
Work with patients on billing and insurance
Assistants perform lab procedures, such as taking and pouring up casts of a patient’s teeth, fabricating whitening trays, as well as creating temporary crowns.

Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and work closely with dental hygienists.

Job Outlook and Career Pathways

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. With ongoing research linking oral health to general health this will likely increase the demand for preventive dental services.

Attending and graduating from Broward College's Dental Assisting Program gives the dental assistant several different career pathways, from private practice dental offices to the armed forces and public health. Many hospitals have incorporated dental clinics within their institutions to provide dentistry for patients who are confined to the hospital or for outpatient services to patients with a specific disease. After earning the Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) in Dental Assisting, the dental assistant can work in a dental office performing all the dental assisting expanded functions outlined by the Florida Board of Dentistry.

Graduates of the dental assisting program are immediately employable under the supervision of a dentist or dental specialist and can perform expanded duties pursuant to Florida Law 64 B5 which indicates those delegable duties allowed to be performed by dental assistants with formal training.

OUR STUDENTS FIND EMPLOYMENT IN private dental offices, public health dental clinics, military services, laboratories, insurance companies and consulting firms.

Program Accreditation and Certification

The program is designed to prepare students for employment as dental assistants. Students graduate with entry-level skills for general chair side, dental laboratory and business office administration. Graduates receive a state certification in radiography and dental assisting expanded functions. The students are prepared to take the national board exam to earn the credential of Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). This program meets all competencies required by the Florida Department of Education for Dental Assistants.

The Dental Assisting Program at Edison State College leads to a Certificate of Completion and eligibility to take the Dental Assisting National Boards.

Read also: Aspiring Dentists Guide

The national certification exam is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The exam focuses on chairside, radiation health and safety, and infection control. The CDA credential is granted upon successful completion of all three sections. The exam fee is \$425. (Based on 2019-2020 fees).

Broward College

The Broward College Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission currently publishes in its accredited lists of programs the year of the next site visit for each program it accredits. In addition, the Commission posts its spring and fall Accreditation Announcements on ada.org, those programs being site visited January through June or July through December. Developing programs submitting initial accreditation applications may be scheduled for site visits after the posting of the Accreditation Announcements; thus, the specific dates of these site visits will not be available for publication. These programs will be noted in the Accreditation Announcements with a special notation that the developing programs have submitted initial accreditation applications and may or may not be scheduled for site visits.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of "approval without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program must complete all admission requirements to the College. The Dental Assisting program begins in the Fall semester and is a limited-access program. Dental Assisting graduates will receive a diploma and expanded functions certificate.

The Dental Assisting Program has limited enrollment due to clinical facilities and accreditation standards. Each applicant must meet specific criteria which are listed in the admission policies. The Criteria for Admission Policies are available through the program office or through the Division of Health and Science at (239) 489-9255.

General Requirements

To qualify for admissions, in most cases you must be a high school graduate or its equivalent. All applicants are required to complete a personal information sheet. During a personal interview with our admissions staff, we will review your career goals to help you find the right program to fit your needs. Every individual will be given the opportunity to tour the facility, meet with Financial Aid, and enroll in the next available classes.

Specific Admission Requirements for Florida State College at Jacksonville

To meet the minimum requirements for consideration and acceptance to the Dental Assisting program, students must:

Complete a Florida State College at Jacksonville application.
Complete a Dental Assisting application.
Successful completion of the Background and Drug Screening process upon acceptance into the program.
A physical examination will be required upon acceptance into the program.
Complete an approved course in healthcare provider-level CPR with first aid prior to the start of class.
Submit one of the following:
- An official (unopened) High School completion transcript (no diplomas) or college transcript
- An official copy of GED® test scores (a copy will be made and the original returned to the applicant). Note: Florida State College at Jacksonville transcripts can be unofficial. Transcripts from outside colleges must be official (unopened).

Note: Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, and have met the exit adult basic skills requirements or have submitted a waiver.

Broward College Admission Criteria

Admission is based on points. GPA of Dental Assisting ATD. Grades Earned in General Education Courses. Prior Educational Experience. Military Service.

For the June 2023 Dental Assisting program, admitted students earned 11 to 17 points, with overall GPAs between 2.56 and 4.0 and HESI scores above 84 in both Reading and Math.

Selection Based on Points. HESI Score (minimum 75 Reading/50 Math.

Drug Screening

Prior to admissions, each student is required to successfully complete a drug screening. Please be advised that certain over-the-counter supplements and alternative medicinal products, including but not limited to CBD, THC Cannabinoid, and Cannabinoid Oil may trigger a positive result, consequently, the student will not be able to be admitted to the Health Science program. A Second drug-tested sample is not allowed per Broward College Admissions Procedure A6Hx2-5.01.

Prerequisite Coursework

Completion of ENC1101, SPC1608 or SPC1017, POS2041 or AMH2020, SYG2000, CORE HUMANITIES, GEN. ED. CHM1032 cannot be substituted with higher chemistry unless it contains biochemistry. Course description and learning outcomes would have to be evaluated by our Science Department. Effective Fall 2022, students must take either POS2041 (National Government) or AMH2020 (History of the United States Since 1877) to satisfy the Social/Behavioral Science elective required to graduate with an AS degree. Please see your academic advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

All applicants must review and sign the College's Infectious Disease Policy (PDF) prior to enrollment, in addition to reviewing the drug testing and criminal background check information.

Beginning with the application periods for the May, June and August 2026 cohorts: All applicants to the Health Science programs must have successfully completed the required mathematics and science prerequisite courses within the ten (10) years preceding the application submission date. Applicants who have completed prerequisite coursework more than ten years prior to the application date are required to retake the relevant courses to meet this requirement. Prior to admissions, each student is required to successfully complete a drug screening. Please be advised that certain over-the-counter supplements and alternative medicinal products, including but not limited to CBD, THC Cannabinoid, and Cannabinoid Oil may trigger a positive result, consequently, the student will not be able to be admitted to the Health Science program.

Program Structure and Curriculum

This program provides students with the theoretical, practical and clinical skills necessary to get an entry-level position in a dental office, including dental basic sciences, dental radiographic techniques, dental materials, sterilization and infection control, chairside assisting, office management, dental specialties, and expanded functions.

The dental assisting program covers chairside assisting, laboratory procedures, and dental business operations. Below is the link to applicable standards and common hazards, including bloodborne pathogens, hazardous materials, ionizing radiation, needle sticks, and chemical exposures.

The student shall be required to wear the approved school uniform, protective eyewear, appropriate masks, gloves, and lab coats during the intro mural an extramural laboratory in clinical activities.

Broward College Program Structure

The Dental Assisting Program is a full-time daytime 12-month program. Upon completion of the Applied Technology Diploma, the dental assisting graduate will have completed the equivalency of 50 college credits.

Broward College is the affordable route to gain entry into the field of dentistry. Graduates of our 12-month Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) Dental Assisting program take the Dental Assisting National Board-Certified Dental Assistant exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

Program Competencies

The following program competencies reflect the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for the competent practice of dental hygiene. Achievement of these competencies requires general education background in oral and written communications, psychology, and sociology and a foundation in the biomedical sciences of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, general pathology, nutrition, and pharmacology. The following program competencies reflect the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for the competent practice of dental hygiene.

Graduates must be competent in:

assessing the treatment needs and providing dental hygiene care for a diversity of patient types including children, adolescents, adults, geriatric, and special needs patients.
assessing oral health, analyzing assessment findings, establishing a care plan for optimal health, providing patient-centered treatment and evidence-based care, assessing goal accomplishment, and accurately recording all documentation of patient care.
providing dental hygiene care for all periodontal classifications, from gingivitis to severe periodontal disease.
interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups and other members of the health care team.
assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of community-based oral health and disease prevention programs.
providing appropriate support measures for medical emergencies that may be encountered in dental hygiene practice.
the application of the principles of ethical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and professional responsibility as they pertain to the academic environment, research, patient care, and practice management.
applying legal and regulatory concepts to the provision and/or support of oral health care services.
the evaluation of current scientific literature.
problem-solving strategies related to comprehensive patient care and management of patients.

Course Examples

Courses and Credit Hours

OCPCourse NumberCourse TitleLengthSOC Code
ADEA0725Introduction to Dental Assisting90 hours31-9099
BDEA0726Dental Infection Control Assistant210 hours31-9099
CDEA0727Dental Assisting 1465 hours31-9091
DEA0728Dental Assisting 2465 hours
1230 hours (approximately 11 months in length)

The program completes with a 300-hour internship at a local dental office or clinic.

Additional Information

Financial Aid

Tuition varies from program and campus. You've got obligations and responsibilities already, so financing your education is going to be a real concern. At FORTIS, we understand that. We are flexible and pragmatic in our approach.

Applying for aid is not difficult, but the application does take some focused time. The rewards are worth it. Unlike loans, you do not have to pay scholarship money back.

Career Services

At FORTIS, our Career Services professionals are committed to successfully supporting our graduates to secure employment in entry-level positions. Through career development, including professionalism, motivation, resume development, dress for success, interview coaching and the maintenance of ethical standards, we empower our graduates with the skills necessary to approach a job interview ready for success.

FORTIS operates a Career Services Center at each campus to assist graduates with career placement. FORTIS provides graduate employment assistance. As graduation approaches, students get the opportunity to meet with the Director of Career Services during their last semester to discuss career services available for their individual job search. As a graduate, you will want employment that reflects your skills, training, and allows for professional growth and development.

Third-Party Comments Regarding Accreditation

The United States Department of Education (USDE) procedures also require accrediting agencies to provide an opportunity for third-party comment, either in writing or at a public hearing (at the accrediting agencies' discretion) with respect to institutions or programs scheduled for review. All comments must relate to accreditation standards for the discipline and required accreditation policies.

HOW COMMENTS CAN BE SOLICITED: The Commission will request written comments from interested parties in the spring and fall posting of Accreditation Announcements. In fairness to the accredited programs, all comments relative to programs being visited will be due in the Commission office no later than 60 days prior to each program's site visit to allow time for the program to respond. Therefore, programs being site-visited in January through June will be noted in the fall posting of Accreditation Announcements of the previous year, and programs scheduled for a site visit from July through December will be noted in the spring posting of the current year. Those programs scheduled for review are responsible for soliciting third-party comments from students and patients by publishing an announcement at least 90 days prior to their site visit. The notice should indicate the deadline of 60 days for receipt of third-party comments in the Commission office and should stipulate that comments must pertain only to the standards for the particular program or policies and procedures used in the Commission's accreditation process.

TYPES OF COMMENTS CONSIDERED: All comments submitted must pertain only to the standards relative to the particular program being reviewed or policies and procedures used in the accreditation process. Comments will be screened by Commission staff for relevancy. For comments not relevant to these issues, the individual will be notified that the comment is not related to accreditation and, where appropriate, referred to the appropriate agency.

MANAGEMENT OF COMMENTS: All relevant comments will be referred to the program at least 50 days prior to the site visit for review and response. A written response from the program should be provided to the Commission office and the site visit team 15 days prior to the site visit. (Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 E.

COVID-19 Vaccination

During COVID-19, most clinical affiliates mandated vaccinations for all students attending clinical externships at off-campus sites. This was a clinical affiliate requirement and not a Broward College requirement, and declining the COVID19 vaccination prevented students from completing their program of study. At this time, clinical affiliates do not have mandatory COVID19 vaccination requirements.

tags: #dental #assistant #colleges #in #florida #requirements