A career as a dental assistant can be exceptionally rewarding. Dental assistants get to be part of a healthcare team that helps patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. This growing field is expected to see 11% job growth in Orlando between 2019-2029, much faster than the average across all occupations.
With the right education and training from an accredited dental assisting program, you’ll be fully equipped with the skills and experience to begin a stable, well-paying career in the Orlando area.
This guide will provide an in-depth look at the top dental assistant schools and training programs in Orlando. You’ll learn about admissions requirements, program length and structure, hands-on training opportunities, certification, job outlook and average salaries. With all this information, you’ll be able to determine which Orlando dental assistant program is the best fit to help you achieve your career goals.
Why Choose an Accredited Dental Assistant Program?
Pursuing your education at an accredited dental assisting program is highly recommended for several key reasons:
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Curriculum aligned with industry standards: Accredited programs meet strict educational guidelines, ensuring you’ll be fully prepared for a dental assisting career.
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Hands-on training experience: Quality accredited programs provide the chance to gain real-world experience in labs and clinics. This is invaluable preparation for working in dental offices after graduation.
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Earn certifications: Certain accredited programs allow you to become certified in areas like dental radiography, which increases your appeal to potential employers.
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Better career opportunities: Graduates of accredited dental assistant programs often have an advantage when it comes to job placement and securing well-paying positions at respected dental offices.
When researching programs, look for ones accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation or another reputable accrediting organization.
Dental Assistant Program Admissions Requirements
While each school may have slightly different admissions criteria, most dental assistant programs in Orlando require prospective students to:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent GED certificate
- Complete an application with personal statement
- Pay application fee
- Undergo criminal background check
- Submit immunization records proving up-to-date vaccinations
Applicants interested in highly competitive dental assistant programs may also need to complete pre-admission testing, interviews or provide letters of recommendation.
Be sure to connect with admissions staff at any prospective schools to learn about program-specific requirements and deadlines. This will help ensure you submit a complete, eligible application.
What Will I Learn in a Dental Assistant Program?
Quality accredited dental assistant programs provide well-rounded education and training focused on equipping students with all the competencies required for career success.
Common courses and learning opportunities include:
Dental science fundamentals: Anatomy and physiology, dental terminology, microbiology, nutrition, pharmacology
Clinical care procedures: Chairside assisting, dental imaging, lab techniques, emergency response
Patient care and communication: Interpersonal communication, patient relations, medical recordkeeping
Practice management: Appointment scheduling, billing procedures, dental software, inventory control
Regulations and safety: Infection control, sterilization, OSHA guidelines
Hands-on lab sessions and live clinics are also integrated into most dental assistant curriculums. These simulate real work environments and allow students to apply knowledge and refine skills under instructor supervision.
Program Types and Time Commitment
In Orlando, those looking to start their dental assisting education can choose from certificate and diploma programs ranging from about 7 weeks up to 10 months long.
Here is an overview of program options and time commitments:
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Certificate programs: Take 7 weeks up to 6 months to complete. Offer accelerated curriculums focused specifically on dental assisting competencies.
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Diploma programs: Typically 8-10 months in length. Take a more comprehensive approach including general education and science prerequisites.
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Hybrid/online programs: Balance web-based online instruction with in-person lab and clinical learning. Length varies based on structure.
When deciding which type of program works best for your needs, consider your academic background, career goals and how much time you have to dedicate.
No matter what kind of program you choose, check that it holds ADA accreditation or another respectable form of professional accreditation.
Hands-On Training for Real-World Experience
Gaining first-hand experience in professional dental office settings is an invaluable part of preparing for a dental assisting career. The top schools and programs in Orlando provide access to state-of-the-art dental lab facilities as well as clinics where students get hands-on practice.
Under the guidance of licensed dentists and instructors, students enrolled in these highly-immersive programs get to:
- Interact with real patients and practice communications
- Use digital dental technology and specialty equipment
- Assist dentists with clinical procedures like fillings and crowns
- Perform tasks like taking dental impressions and oral radiographs
- Use sterilization techniques and follow infection control processes
This real-world insight and practice strengthens clinical confidence and competency. Students who take part in hands-on clinical training often have a smoother transition into dental assistant roles after graduation.
Earning Dental Assistant Certifications
Some accredited dental assistant programs prepare students to sit for nationally-recognized certifications that can enhance employability and earning potential.
Two of the most common certifications are:
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Dental Assistant Radiation Health and Safety (RHS): This demonstrates proficiency in using x-ray technology to obtain dental radiographs. It requires passing a written exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
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Certified Dental Assistant (CDA): A generalized certification that shows verification of your knowledge across core dental assisting subject areas. Multiple exam components administered by DANB.
Inquire with prospective schools to learn if their program curriculum incorporates certification preparation and testing. Successfully earning certifications along with your program diploma or certificate can give you a valuable edge in the job market.
Dental Assistant Salaries and Job Outlook in Orlando
The Orlando metropolitan area offers fantastic job opportunities for qualified dental assistants. With many large practices and oral healthcare organizations throughout Orlando needing to hire talented assistants, your chances finding employment are very strong after graduation.
Here is a snapshot of key dental assistant salary and outlook stats for the Orlando metro area:
- Entry-level average wages: $35,850
- Overall average wages: $41,180
- 10-year job growth projection: 11% increase
Clinical settings like private practices tend to offer the highest salaries for experienced assistants at approximately $19-$23 per hour.
Top 8 Accredited Dental Assistant Schools in Orlando, FL
Now that you know what to look for in a reputable dental assistant program, check out detailed overviews of some of the top-rated accredited options in the Orlando area (listed alphabetically):
1. Concorde Career Institute – Orlando
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Highlights: Offers a Diploma in Dental Assisting program spanning 32 weeks of full-time instruction. Gets students ready to sit for DANB RHS and CDA exams.
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Admissions requirements: High school diploma or equivalent plus entrance exam
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Program length: 32 weeks
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Tuition cost: $17,775
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Certifications earned: Preparation for RHS and CDA exams
With its career-focused education and broad network of prospective employer connections, Concorde prepares graduates well for gainful dental assistant employment.
Learn more about Concorde Career Institute – Orlando
2. Dental Assisting Academy of Central Florida
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Highlights: Comprehensive accredited dental assistant diploma program with radiography certification prep.
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Admissions requirements: High school graduation plus admissions test
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Program length: 32 weeks of full-time study
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Tuition cost: Unavailable online
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Certifications earned: RHS Radiography Certification
This school is focused on delivering an immersive educational experience centered around hands-on learning in its state-of-the-art dental clinic with the latest tools and technology.
Learn more about Dental Assisting Academy of Central Florida
3. Florida Dental Assistant Training School
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Highlights: ADA CODA-accredited private college offering a dental assistant certificate with flexible schedules.
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Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED
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Program length: 10 weeks
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Tuition cost: $2,499
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Certifications earned: None
What sets this school apart is its very condensed 10-week program offering. Learners who want trained in dental assisting quickly may appreciate this fast-paced option.
Learn more about Florida Dental Assistant Training School
4. Dental Assistant Pioneer Academy
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Highlights: Hands-on certificate program with job placement support and financing options available.
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Admissions requirements: High school graduation
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Program length: 7 months
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Tuition cost: $13,750
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Certifications earned: None
Graduates praise Dental Assistant Pioneer Academy’s passionate instructors, flexible schedules and excellence clinical experience opportunities available to students.
Learn more about Dental Assistant Pioneer Academy
5. Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA)
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Highlights: Offers hybrid delivery dental assistant diploma program blending online and in-person learning.
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Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED
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Program Length: 41 weeks
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Tuition Cost: $15,095
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Certifications Earned: RHS Radiography Certification
UMA is aligned with a national network of healthcare employers, helping graduates secure jobs. Students get free tutoring and career coaching as well.
Learn more about Ultimate Medical Academy
6. Valencia College – Winter Park Campus
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Highlights: Public state college offering an ADA CODA-accredited dental assisting technology certificate.
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Admissions requirements: High school transcript submission
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Program length: 1 year
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Tuition cost: $3,474 for Florida residents
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Certifications earned: Prepares students to earn RHS and CDA certifications
Valencia College is accredited by CODA and provides excellent hands-on experiential learning. As a public state school, its tuition rates are very affordable.
Learn more about Valencia College’s Dental Assisting Certificate
7. East West College of Natural Medicine
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Highlights: ADA CODA-accredited school offering a dental assisting diploma program focused on vital skills.
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Admissions requirements: High school graduation
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Program length: 33 weeks
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Tuition cost: Unavailable online
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Certifications earned: Not specified
This established private college has been training dental assistants for over 20 years, underscoring its high quality. Students get to train using the latest equipment.
Learn more about East West College’s Dental Assisting Diploma
8. Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
While not a formal training program, the Dental Assisting National Board offers prospective dental assistants another pathway to gaining knowledge and certifications.
DANB administers the national General Chairside Assisting (GC) exam. Candidates can prepare independently to take this exam through self-study rather than completing formal dental assistant coursework. Upon passing, test takers earn the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.
Learn about DANB’s testing pathways to national certification
Pursue a Rewarding Career: Enroll in a Program Today!
Ready to take the next step in launching an enjoyable, stable and meaningful career as a dental assistant? Orlando offers some fantastic accredited program options to choose from.
Review the schools and training programs covered above to find the best fit for your goals and needs. Reach out to those programs that interest you to learn more and get started on the admissions process.
The hands-on education and experience you gain will equip you with exactly the skills modern dental employer are looking for. Before you know it, you can secure a dental assistant position helping dentists improve and maintain patients’ oral health!