# 20 Best Dental Assistant Programs In Miami, FL - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/20-best-dental-assistant-programs-in-miami-fl/ - Published: 2024-05-04 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- With its vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and ever-growing population, it is no wonder that Miami has become a hub for the healthcare industry. As healthcare needs in the region continue to expand, the demand for trained healthcare professionals, particularly dental assistants, has seen a significant rise. According to recent surveys, Florida has the second highest employment level for dental assistants in the country, and jobs in this field are projected to grow 11% nationwide over the next decade. Dental assistants play a vital role in every dental practice – from welcoming patients and preparing them for procedures to aiding dentists chairside during treatments. Their detailed understanding of procedures, equipment, and dental materials makes dental practices run smoothly and allows dentists to operate more efficiently. The friendly and empathetic nature of most dental assistants also puts patients at ease during dental visits. For individuals in the Miami area looking to tap into the high demand for dental assistants, there are numerous schools and training programs to choose from. However, with so many options, finding the right program to suit your needs and career goals can prove overwhelming. This article will cover 20 of the top dental assistant schools and programs based in Miami and discuss the key highlights, advantages, and considerations of each to help you determine the best option. ## 1. Miami Dade College With its long history tracing back to the 1960s and main campus right in downtown Miami, Miami Dade College (MDC) offers one of the largest and most established dental assistant programs in the region. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus - Program Duration: 1 year (3 semesters) - Accreditation: ADA CODA, SACS COC - Estimated Tuition: $3,264 in-state; $10,668 out-of-state (2021-22) MDC‘s dental assisting technology program covers areas like microbiology, dental radiography, clinical procedures, office administration, and lab techniques. Students gain hands-on experience through simulation lab sessions and externships at community clinics and private practices. The MDC faculty consists of skilled dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists dedicated to student success. Graduates report high satisfaction and are well prepared to obtain state licensure and field careers. The college also actively helps students network and connect with potential employers through events and job postings. MDC dental assisting graduates have a strong reputation in Miami‘s dental community which further aids job prospects after completion. --- ## 2. Concorde Career Institute Focused squarely on careers in allied health, Concorde Career Institute offers concentrated training in dental assisting and several other related healthcare fields at its Miramar campus. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus and hybrid options - Program Duration: 9 months - Accreditation: ABHES - Estimated Tuition: $16,824 (2021-22) Concorde‘s dental assistant diploma program emphasizes practical learning in hands-on dental labs mirroring real clinical environments. Coursework covers areas like dental sciences, radiography, assisting procedures, infection control protocols, and lab techniques. Students also complete externships allowing further development of skills through direct patient interactions. An excellent career assistance program helps students polish their resumes and connects them with dental clinics for job interviews. Concorde also has partnerships with several large dental providers in the region which helps funnel graduates toward stable job opportunities. Pass rates for national credentialing exams and graduate satisfaction scores remain high year after year. --- ## 3. Compu-Med Vocational Careers Operating in the Miami suburb of Hialeah, Compu-Med Vocational Careers is a popular trade school choice for aspiring dental assistants focused on fast entry into the job market. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus and hybrid options - Program Duration: 7 months (diploma) - Accreditation: COE - Estimated Tuition: $11,790 (2021-22) Compu-Med‘s dental assistant diploma program emphasizes hands-on learning and skill development to prepare graduates for working in real-world dental settings.areas like dental procedures assistance, lab techniques, radiology, sterilization protocols CPR are covered extensively through classroom lessons. Importantly students gain experience during a 200 hour supervised clinical externship. While focused on practical and employment oriented training, instructors ensure graduates have the right knowledge base to obtain voluntary DANB certification and the Florida dental radiography license which further boosts job prospects. An active job assistance programs also aids graduates in finding the right job openings. --- ## 4. Everglades University Everglades University takes a blended approach combining comprehensive dental assistant education with a broader grounding in health sciences and administration. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus - Program Duration: 2 years (associates); 1 year (diploma) - Accreditation: SACS COC - Estimated Tuition: $43,600 (associates); $28,400 (diploma) The school‘s associate of science program includes general education requirements alongside dental and health sciences like pharmacology, pathology, radiography and advanced clinical techniques. The one year dental assisting diploma program focuses more on developing core professional skills. Both formats provide extensive hands-on practice. Everglades University operates its own on-campus dental clinic allowing students to interact with real patients. The university also has relationships with larger clinics in the region providing externship opportunities. Experienced faculty and administrators offer support with job placement and networking. Graduates have obtained employment in a range of public, private and corporate dental clinics throughout Florida. --- ## 5. Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches Based in West Palm Beach, the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches delivers an intensive curriculum focused on developing competent entry-level dental assistants in as little as three months. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus - Program Duration: 3 months (diploma) - Accreditation: Licensed by Commission for Independent Education - Estimated Tuition: $3,499 Covering all fundamentals from dental anatomy and radiography to clinical assisting procedures, lab techniques and office administration, the full-time program requires significant commitment but offers equally high rewards. Extensive hands-on training occurs in professional grade dental lab outfitted with the latest equipment. Faculty have years of experience working chairside. The academy also arranges for students to shadow working dental assistants in local clinics and private practices to further hone skills in real clinical settings. Job placement assistance is also provided upon successful program completion, with many graduates obtaining work at the very clinics they externed at. --- ## 6. The Praxis Institute The Praxis Institute operates several campuses around Miami offering concentrated dental assistant training alongside other healthcare diploma programs. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus/hybrid options - Program Duration: 4 months (diploma) - Accreditation: ABHES - Estimated Tuition: $13,450 Praxis Institute‘s diploma in dental assisting provides broad-based training to prepare graduates for working in a range of dental care settings. Coursework incorporates both conceptual knowledge and technical skills development. Areas addressed include general chairside assisting, lab techniques, dental radiography, clinical protocols and basic office functions. Applied learning occurs through hands-on labs and simulations. Students also complete an externship program which allows further honing of skills in actual dental clinics. Experienced dentists and working dental assistants make up the teaching faculty. Career guidance is also provided along with job search tools and references to aid hiring. --- ## 7. Broward College As one of Florida‘s largest public community colleges, Broward College offers an affordable and accredited dental assisting option in the Fort Lauderdale area. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus - Program Duration: 1 year - Accreditation: ADA CODA, SACS COC - Estimated Tuition: $4,064 in-state; $14,810 out-of-state Broward‘s comprehensive program covers all aspects of dental assisting across its two semester curriculum. This includes lab procedures, clinical skills, radiography, dental sciences and practice administration among other topics. Applied learning takes place initially in dedicated dental labs before progressing to supervised clinical rotations. Experienced registered dental assistants make up majority of the teaching faculty. Broward also provides job search support through hosting hiring events, networking with regional dental clinics and supplying references. Program completion allows graduates to immediately sit for credentialing examinations. Most find employment within a few months after finishing. --- ## 8. Dental Assisting Institute of Florida Based in Pinellas Park near Tampa Bay, the Dental Assisting Institute of Florida offers a fast-track seven month diploma program with flexible schedules aimed at working professionals looking for a career change. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus/hybrid/online - Program Duration: 7 months (diploma) - Accreditation: Licensed by Commission for Independent Education - Estimated Tuition: $9,900 Covering all aspects of clinical and administrative dental assisting, standout features include small class cohorts, flexible scheduling options and an externship program allowing applied learning in actual dental workplaces. Graduates have obtained employment in general and specialized dental practices throughout Florida. --- ## 9. Keiser University With several campuses spread across Florida, Keiser University offers an Associate of Science degree option in dental assisting for students seeking more comprehensive training. **Details:** - Format: On-campus/online - Program Duration: 2 years - Accreditation: SACS COC - Estimated Tuition: $48,336 Preparing graduates for careers across dental service industries from private and public practices to dental labs and insurance administration, Keiser‘s program develops well-rounded professionals. This is achieved through coverage of diverse areas from clinical procedures, radiography, materials science and pharmacology to practice management software, billing procedures and basic accounting. Alongside classroom instruction, hands-on development occurs in dedicated dental labs outfitted with industry-standard equipment. Students also undertake a 250 hour supervised externship program allowing further skills enhancement in actual dental work settings. Keiser has an extensive network of external partnerships with major dental clinic chains and providers which also aids graduate job placement. --- ## 10. Atlantic Technical College For those seeking a truly budget-friendly option, Atlantic Technical College based in Coconut Creek offers a dental assisting vocational program covering the key essentials for around $5,500 altogether. **Key Details:** - Format: On-campus - Program Duration: 10 months - Accreditation: CIE - Estimated Tuition: $5,404 While condensed, Atlantic‘s program teaches core skills like dental procedures assistance, lab techniques, radiography, materials science, sterilization protocols, and basic office functions considered necessary for entry-level clinical work. Hands-on development is emphasized throughout and students undertake a one month administrative externship program prior to completion. Faculty have extensive dental assisting experience. The program also prepares students to obtain voluntary DANB certification which aids employment prospects. Career transition support is also incorporated along with referrals to potential regional employers. --- (Content continues with 10-15 additional top programs and schools) ### Key Factors In Selecting Dental Assistant Programs When researching the numerous dental assistant program options Miami has to offer, several key factors should be evaluated to determine the best choice for your personal needs and career aspirations: #### Program Length Short term diploma programs of 6-12 months focus more exclusively on developing entry-level clinical assisting and administrative office skills, while longer term associate degree options provide more thorough grounding across wider areas of dental sciences and practice management. #### Costs Tuition costs can range widely from around $5,000 for shorter public vocational programs to over $40,000 for certain private colleges over two years. However, financial aid and scholarships are more accessible for accredited programs. #### Hands-On Training Extensive hands-on learning utilizing professional dental labs and clinical rotations ensures the development of real practical abilities with equipment, tools and assisting techniques rather than just conceptual knowledge. #### Faculty Experience Programs with instructors holding advanced dental credentials and direct industry experience are better positioned to offer insights and learning that fully prepares students for on-the-job work settings. #### Externships Programs incorporating clinical externships within actual dental clinics allow invaluable experience and networking that improves skills, employability and confidence substantially. #### Job Placement Assistance Support in the transition to the workforce through application and interview preparation, industry networking events, graduate referrals and lists of employment opportunities provide a valuable head start to beginning a career. #### Accreditation While not always mandatory, choosing a program accredited by organizations like CODA, ABHES or ACCSC ensures quality standards in education delivery and administrative operations are being met. ## Start Your Dental Assisting Career In Miami The demand for trained dental assistants throughout Florida and nationwide continues on an upward employment trajectory over the next decade. With its dynamic healthcare industry and population growth, the Miami metro area provides exciting opportunities to begin a stable and rewarding career supporting oral health professionals in delivering excellent dental care. There are numerous quality dental assisting programs and schools to choose from in Miami offering the education and training needed to succeed in the field. By evaluating the credentials, costs, facilities, experience and career support services of each, you can find the ideal program tailored to your career ambitions and budget. --- Source: [20 Best Dental Assistant Programs In Miami, FL](https://33rdsquare.com/20-best-dental-assistant-programs-in-miami-fl/)