
Dental Assistant Programs in Jacksonville
Dental Assistant Programs in Jacksonville is your trusted resource for exploring all available pathways to becoming a dental assistant in Jacksonville, Florida. Here, we provide a detailed look at the various training programs offered locally, as well as insights into choosing the right program for your needs. From certificate courses to associate degree options and financial aid resources, our guide can help you make informed decisions about your future in this rewarding field.
Featured Schools
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Florida Institute of Dental Assisting
The Florida Institute of Dental Assisting’s six-month program prepares students for entry-level roles in dental assisting through a blend of theory, lab work, and hands-on externship hours. Students learn essential skills, including radiology, sterilization, dental materials, and chairside assisting, all taught in a modern dental office setting.
The program includes 142 hours of theory, 76 lab hours, and 160 externship hours, covering critical areas such as infection control, four-handed dentistry, and office management. Upon completion, students earn certifications in BLS/CPR/AED, radiology, and expanded dental functions, making them job-ready for various dental practices.
Category | Description |
Price | $9,850 |
Duration | 6 months |
Class Schedules | Not specified |
Degrees/Certifications | BLS/CPR/AED, Expanded Functions, Radiology |
Location | 8761 Perimeter Park Blvd, Ste. 107, Jacksonville, FL |
Phone | (904) 674-3131 |
Jax Beaches Dental Assisting School
Jax Beaches Dental Assisting School offers a 12-week program designed to prepare students for entry-level dental assisting roles. The curriculum covers essential skills like sterilization, dental anatomy, radiology, and patient care, paired with hands-on practice in a clinic. Students also complete certification courses for CPR, OSHA, and HIPAA.
The program's cost is $2,500, with an additional fee for state-required certification courses held in Gainesville. Classes follow a self-paced, structured weekly schedule. Graduates earn certifications in Expanded Duty Dental Assisting and Dental Radiology.
Category | Description |
Price | $2,500 (additional fees for certifications) |
Duration | 12 weeks |
Class Schedules | Self-paced, structured weekly topics |
Degrees/Certifications | Expanded Duty Dental Assisting (EDDA), Dental Radiology, CPR, OSHA, HIPAA |
Location | 802 3rd St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 |
Phone | (904) 247-0111 |
Bartram Dental Assisting School
Bartram Dental Assisting School offers a 10-week dental assisting program designed to equip students with essential dental skills through hands-on experience. Classes are held on Saturdays, providing flexibility for those with weekday commitments. The program covers various topics, including radiology, expanded functions, and CPR, preparing graduates for entry-level positions in dental practices.
In addition to classroom learning, students participate in an externship, gaining practical experience in real dental settings. This program is ideal for individuals seeking a fast-track route to a dental assisting career. With a focus on practical skills, graduates receive certifications in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting, Radiology, and CPR.
Category | Description |
Price | $6,200 |
Duration | 10 weeks |
Class Schedules | Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Degrees/Certifications | Expanded Functions, Radiology, CPR Certification |
Location | 55 Jaidev Rd, St. Johns, FL 32259 |
Phone | (904) 201-6000 |
Florida State College at Jacksonville
The Dental Assisting Career Certificate (C.C.) program at Florida State College at Jacksonville prepares students for entry-level positions in dental offices. Covering essential topics like dental radiographic techniques, chairside assisting, and office management, the program equips students with practical and clinical skills. Certification includes expanded functions and dental radiology, approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
This is a 1,230-hour program with classes starting in the fall. Admission is competitive, requiring a background check, drug screening, physical exam, and CPR certification. Graduates can earn a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential by passing the DANB exam.
Category Description
Price $3,592
Duration 1,230 contact hours
Class Schedules Fall start, limited access
Degrees/Certifications Career Certificate, Expanded Functions, Dental Radiology
Location 101 W State St Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone (904) 646-2300
Concorde
The Concorde Dental Assistant program in Jacksonville, FL, offers a 9-month diploma course designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in dental assisting. This program provides both online and on-campus instruction, covering essential skills like patient care, radiology, and office management, along with hands-on training through a required externship.
The curriculum teaches the foundations of dental care and includes lab hours and real-world practice. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles, from assisting dentists during procedures to managing dental office operations. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and the program is approved by the Florida State Board of Dentistry.
Category | Description |
Price | Contact Concorde for details |
Duration | 9 Months |
Class Schedules | Monday - Friday |
Degrees/Certifications | Diploma |
Location | 7259 Salisbury Rd Suite 120, Jacksonville, FL 32256 |
Phone | (904) 515-5518 |
Fortis
The Fortis Dental Assisting program in Orange Park, FL, provides a 48-week hybrid training designed to prepare students for entry-level dental assisting roles. Combining online and on-campus instruction, the program covers vital skills in clinical and administrative tasks, including radiology and infection control, with hands-on learning through an externship.
Graduates earn a diploma and are ready to take the DANB credentialing exams, enhancing their employability in dental settings. Classes run Monday to Thursday, offering predictable schedules, though externship hours vary. Financial aid options and job placement assistance are available for qualifying students.
Category | Description |
Price | $22,144 |
Duration | 48 Weeks |
Class Schedules | Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Degrees/Certifications | Diploma |
Location | 700 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32065 |
Phone | (855) 436-7847 |
Accelerated Academy Jacksonville
The Accelerated Academy Dental Assisting Program in Jacksonville Beach, FL, is a 10-week course with Saturday-only classes, ideal for students seeking a quick path to an entry-level dental assisting career. Covering essential skills in radiology, expanded functions, and patient care, this program provides hands-on learning in a real dental office setting.
Graduates receive certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR), Expanded Functions, and Radiology, qualifying them for entry-level positions in Florida dental practices. Flexible payment options are available, making it accessible for those balancing financial commitments.
Category | Description |
Price | $3,579 |
Duration | 10 Weeks |
Class Schedules | Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Degrees/Certifications | Entry-Level Dental Assisting, Expanded Functions, and Radiology Certificates |
Location | 227 11th Ave South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 |
Phone | (904) 241-4237 |
Dental Assisting Academy of Jacksonville
The Dental Assisting Academy of Jacksonville offers a 7-week program with Friday-only classes, perfect for those seeking a quick path into dental assisting. Covering essentials like four-handed dentistry, radiology, and preventive care, the program provides hands-on experience in a real dental setting, equipping students with the skills required for entry-level dental assisting roles.
Graduates earn certifications in Expanded Functions, Radiography, CPR, OSHA, and HIPAA, qualifying them to work in dental practices across Florida. Flexible payment options are available, making this program accessible to a wide range of students.
Category | Description |
Price | $5,000 |
Duration | 7 Weeks |
Class Schedules | Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Degrees/Certifications | Expanded Functions, Radiography, CPR, OSHA, HIPAA Certifications |
Location | 7740 Point Meadows Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32256 |
Phone | (352) 214-8280 |
Why Pursue a Career in Dental Assisting?
Dental assisting is a dynamic career choice, combining clinical, patient care, and administrative skills. With the demand for dental assistants steadily increasing, Jacksonville offers multiple training programs designed to prepare you for success in this growing field. Dental assistants not only help dentists during procedures but also provide patient care and handle vital office tasks, making them essential to any dental team.
Choosing the Right Dental Assistant Program
Selecting a dental assistant program in Jacksonville depends on several factors, including your career goals, schedule, and preferred learning style. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Program Length: Certificate programs are generally faster, while associate degree programs take longer but offer more in-depth training.
- Learning Format: Decide if a fully in-person, online, or hybrid format works best for you. Hybrid programs are increasingly popular as they offer flexibility while maintaining the hands-on learning dental assisting requires.

- Certification Preparation: If certification is part of your career plan, ensure the program prepares you for the necessary exams.
- Cost and Financial Assistance: Check if the school offers financial aid options, scholarships, or flexible payment plans to help manage tuition costs.
Types of Dental Assistant Programs in Jacksonville

Certificate Programs
Typically shorter, certificate programs focus on core skills like infection control, radiology, and basic chairside assisting. Many certificate programs can be completed in under a year, making them ideal for those eager to enter the workforce quickly.

Hybrid Online Programs
Many Jacksonville schools now offer hybrid programs, blending online coursework with in-person clinical training. These programs are particularly helpful for students who need flexible schedules, as they allow for online learning while still providing the necessary hands-on experience through clinical hours.

Associate Degree Programs
Associate degrees provide comprehensive training, often covering additional subjects like dental office management, advanced radiography, and expanded dental procedures. These programs usually last about two years, preparing graduates for a broader range of responsibilities and potential career advancement.
Affordable Programs
For those concerned about cost, Jacksonville offers several opportunities for tuition-free or low-cost dental assistant training. Community organizations, local health programs, and workforce development initiatives may offer funded or subsidized courses. To qualify, you may need to meet specific criteria, such as being unemployed, low-income, or a resident of certain neighborhoods. These programs are a valuable resource if you’re eager to enter the dental field without significant financial investment.