Weekend programs are an excellent option for aspiring dental assistants who may not have the flexibility to make weekday or weeknight classes work. You can still receive a top-quality education with weekend courses, but in a way that’s much less taxing on your current schedule. We’ve pulled together the critical details for local weekend programs to help you compare and contrast the available options in Jacksonville.
Explore detailed summaries of each program below, including information on costs, schedules, certifications, and contact details.
Jax Beaches Dental Assisting School
Jax Beaches Dental Assisting School’s accelerated 12-week dental assistant program is tailored for weekend learners, with classes held on Saturdays, allowing students to balance other commitments while gaining essential dental assisting skills. Each week, students attend structured, hands-on sessions that progressively build their knowledge, starting with an introduction to dental anatomy, infection control, and clinic observation.
By week three, students advance to chairside assisting, practicing patient care, dental instrument handling, and moisture control techniques. Mid-program weeks focus on specialized areas such as radiology, preventative care, and restorative procedures, providing a well-rounded training experience. This weekend-only schedule ensures concentrated learning in practical topics that prepare students for real-world scenarios.
In the final four weeks, students complete an internship at a dental office, applying their skills in a clinical setting. The program costs $2,500, which includes educational materials and certifications for CPR, OSHA, and HIPAA. An additional fee covers Expanded Duty and Radiology certification courses held over two weekends at the University of Florida in Gainesville, required for state certification.
| Category | Description |
| Cost | $2,500 (additional fees for Expanded Duty and Radiology Certification) |
| Program Duration | 12 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Saturdays, with additional certification courses over two weekends |
| Location | 802 3rd St, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 |
| Phone | (904) 247-0111 |
Bartram Dental Assisting School
The Bartram Dental Assisting School’s program is a 10-week accelerated course that meets on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for dental assisting roles in a short time frame. The program’s weekend schedule is ideal for those balancing other commitments, offering intensive full-day sessions once a week.
Throughout the 10 weeks, students cover a wide range of topics essential to dental assisting. Initial classes focus on foundational subjects, such as Intro to Dental Assisting, anatomy, and infection control. Subsequent weeks introduce specialized skills like radiology, four-handed dentistry, and working with various dental materials such as amalgams and composites. Midway through the program, students also learn about office management, scheduling, and state regulations, equipping them with administrative as well as clinical skills.
Advanced topics include oral surgery, periodontics, crown and bridge work, and endodontics. In the final weeks, students receive hands-on practice in a clinic setting and take exams to evaluate their practical and theoretical knowledge. Upon successful completion, students earn certifications in Expanded Functions, Radiology, and CPR, as well as OSHA and HIPAA training. The program’s $6,200 tuition covers all necessary textbooks, supplies, and instruments, with only a uniform required as an additional cost.
| Category | Description |
| Cost | $6,200 |
| Program Duration | 10 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | 55 Jaidev Rd, St Johns, FL 32259 |
| Phone | (904) 201-6000 |
Accelerated Academy
Accelerated Academy’s dental assistant program in Jacksonville Beach is a 10-week course designed for weekend study, with classes held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This format allows students to gain essential dental assisting skills while balancing other responsibilities. Each week focuses on a different area, beginning with Introduction to Dental Assisting and Sterilization on the first Saturday, which also includes CPR/BLS certification.
In subsequent weeks, students study Radiology, Four-Handed Dentistry, and Crown and Bridge procedures, followed by more specialized topics such as Endodontics, Orthodontics, and Periodontics. The curriculum includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on training in a functioning dental office, providing practical, real-world experience.
As students progress, they complete both a midterm and practical x-ray exam to assess their skills. The final weeks involve clinic days and exams, concluding with a final practical exam to ensure readiness. Upon completion, students earn certificates in Expanded Functions, Radiology, and CPR/BLS, equipping them with the credentials required for entry-level positions in dental assisting.
| Category | Description |
| Cost | $3,579 |
| Program Duration | 10 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | 227 11th Ave South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 |
| Phone | (904) 241-4237 |