Program Length: 1,230 Hours
Program Objective:
The Dental Assisting program is committed to help students gain new knowledge and acquire professional skills in order to attain a meaningful position in a highly regarded field. By creating an environment in which students are stimulated to learn, grow personally, and to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills necessary to meet the demands of the profession and the community.
The course content includes, but is not limited to:
- Dental office and patient management
- Basic dental laboratory procedures
- Dental and general anatomy
- Dental terminology
- Oral pathology
- Nutrition and preventive dentistry
- Dental instruments and equipment
- Microbiology
- Dental pharmacology and anesthesia
- Chairside assisting and expanded functions
- Maintenance and asepsis of dental operator and instrumentation
- Employability skills
- Leadership and human relations skills: HOSA membership and participation activities
- Ethics and jurisprudence
- Dental materials and preventive dentistry
This program incorporates practical experience in dental clinics and offices. This program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission of Dental Accreditation. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Board Examination of Dental Assistants as well as obtain the Dental Radiographer Certification for the State of Florida.
- Students must be at least 16 years old and not attending high school
- Application
- Interview by a guidance counselor
- Fees for supplies and textbooks are required
The entire program is 1,230 hours but students can earn a certificate upon completion of the following OCPs:
| OCP | COURSE | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| OCP A | Introduction to Dental Assisting | 90 Hours |
| OCP B | Dental Infection Control Assistant | 210 Hours |
| OCP C | Dental Assistant 1 | 465 Hours |
| OCP D | Dental Assistant 2 | 465 Hours |
| Total Hours: 1,230 |
Satisfactory Completion of all OCPs and passing the Final Test (theory, practical and Clinical) will award student the Expanded Functions Certificate for the State of Florida. Minimum basic-skills grade levels required for awarding a Full Program Completion Certificate are 10th grade in Math, Reading, and Language on the TABE® test. Additional information can be provided by student services. Students are expected to complete program competencies.
Employment Opportunities
- Private Dental Offices
- Dental Schools
- Hospitals
Employment Requirements
License: Expanded Functions Dental Assist (EFDA)
Requirements vary per state; in-the-job training or postsecondary training in dental assisting are recommended
Students are strongly encouraged to earn the Dental Assisting National Board Certification.
Salary
The average wage for this career in Florida is $22.74 hourly or $47,300 annually.
In-state residents – $2.56 per hour (Subject to change)
Out of state resident – $10.25 per hour (Subject to change)
$20.00 application fee per trimester
Material Fee: $400
Identification fee – $5.00 per trimester
Liability/Accidental Insurance: $25.00
Students must purchase books/kits and/or uniforms, if applicable
Monday-Thursday, 4:00 pm—9:00 pm
