Florida Dental Assisting Schools

Here is a list of Florida dental assistant and dental hygiene schools which offer a wide variety of degrees and diplomas in the dental field. We've also gathered information about a career in the dentistry, located at the bottom of the page. Read an article about the education and training required to become a dental assistant in Florida.

Dentistry Career Information

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Most Dental Assistants work chair side as dentists examine and treat patients. Assistants also many hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care. Those with laboratory duties might make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions taken by dentists, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns.

Dental hygienists are projected to be one of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the coming years. They remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care. Dental Hygienists examine patients' teeth and gums looking for abnormalities. They remove stains and plaque from teeth; take and develop dental x rays; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some States, hygienists administer anesthetics; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; perform root-planning as a periodontal therapy; and smooth and polish metal restorations.

Dentistry Career Paths

• Dental Assistant
• Dental Hygienist

Dentistry Salary Information

Median hourly earnings of dental assistants were $12.49 in 2000.
Median hourly earnings of dental hygienists were $24.68 in 2000.

Have we forgotten a Florida dental school?

If you know of a school in Florida offering dental assistant or dental hygiene training that we don't have listed here, please let us know by emailing us at info@florida-vocational-schools.com.