Launch your dental career with free online training. Florida dental assistants earn $46,670+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$46,670/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
12,500+
Population 65+
21.3
Training Cost
FREE
Sunshine State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 12,500+ dental practices and a population where 21.3 are over 65.
Florida dental assistants earn $46,670 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $50,000 - $57,000.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Florida.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Florida requires dental assistants to be registered with the Florida Board of Dentistry. Registration is straightforward and requires completion of a Board-approved course in infection control and HIV/AIDS. Florida offers Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification for additional clinical procedures.
Florida requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass examination to expose dental X-rays. The Florida Board accepts DANB's Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification or Florida-specific certification. Certification must be renewed with continuing education.
Largest market, diverse patient base
Growing market, healthcare hub
Tourism economy, young professionals
Northeast Florida hub
Affluent area, retiree population
Florida offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 3,000+
Facilities: 200+ locations
Location: Throughout Florida
Major DSO with extensive Florida presence, doctor-led practice support.
View Careers →Employees: 2,000+
Facilities: 100+ locations
Location: Multiple FL locations
National DSO with comprehensive Florida coverage and structured career paths.
View Careers →Employees: 1,500+
Facilities: 75+ locations
Location: Throughout Florida
Major DSO expanding significantly across Florida markets.
View Careers →Employees: 300+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 1395 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32610
Florida's only public dental school with extensive clinical programs.
View Careers →Employees: 250+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 3200 S University Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
Private dental school serving South Florida region.
View Careers →Employees: 500+
Facilities: 30+ locations
Location: Miami-Dade County
Major FQHC system providing dental care to Miami's diverse communities.
View Careers →Employees: 300+
Facilities: 15+ locations
Location: Central Florida
Community health centers serving Florida's Heartland region.
View Careers →Employees: 18,000+
Facilities: 10,500+ practices
Location: Statewide
Massive private practice market serving Florida's diverse and growing population.
View Careers →Maria C.
Miami • Community Health of South Florida
"Serving Miami's diverse communities is incredibly rewarding. Spanish language skills are valuable!"
2024-11
James T.
Tampa • Heartland Dental
"DSO gave me structure and growth opportunities. Now managing multiple offices."
2024-10
Ashley R.
Orlando • Private Practice
"Theme park area brings interesting patients. No state income tax stretches my salary further!"
2024-09
Florida dental assistants earn an average of $46,670 annually ($22.44/hour). Entry-level positions start at $37,500-$42,500, while experienced DAs earn $50,000-$57,000. Palm Beach County and South Florida pay highest wages. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, Florida requires dental assistant registration with the Board of Dentistry. Registration requires completing approved infection control and HIV/AIDS courses. EFDA certification requires additional approved training and examination for expanded functions.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Florida requires additional infection control and HIV/AIDS courses (total about 8-10 hours). Radiography certification requires approved course plus examination. Most students are job-ready in 2-3 months.
Excellent! 6% projected growth in one of America's fastest-growing states. Florida's 22.6 million residents, 21.3% over 65 (highest elderly population percentage), and 12,500+ dental practices create massive sustained demand. DSO expansion continues aggressively.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Florida registration courses ($50-100), radiography certification, and any optional certifications when ready. Many Florida employers—especially major DSOs—reimburse certification costs for employees.
Palm Beach County leads with $47,000-$56,000 driven by affluent retiree population. Miami-Fort Lauderdale offers $45,000-$54,000 in the state's largest diverse market. Naples/Southwest Florida pays premiums for luxury market practices.
Florida offers: (1) Largest elderly population percentage (21.3% over 65) creating consistent demand, (2) No state income tax, (3) Major DSO presence with career opportunities, (4) Two dental schools providing academic employment, (5) Year-round pleasant weather and lifestyle.
Yes, extensively! Florida's elderly population creates significant demand for geriatric dental care including dentures, implants, and restorative work. Many practices specialize in senior dental care, and nursing home/assisted living facility dental services are common.
Join thousands of Florida residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredFlorida operates one of America's largest dental markets, serving 22.6 million residents through an estimated 12,500+ dental practices. The state's dental assistant workforce numbers approximately 35,000, reflecting massive employment opportunities across diverse regions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Florida employed approximately 35,200 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $46,670. While slightly below the national median, Florida's lack of state income tax improves net compensation.
Florida's demographics significantly shape dental demand—21.3% of residents are over 65, the highest percentage nationally. This aging population requires extensive restorative, prosthetic, and geriatric dental services, creating sustained demand for dental assistants skilled in these areas.
The state hosts two dental schools: University of Florida College of Dentistry (Gainesville) and Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (Fort Lauderdale). These institutions train dentists and provide clinical education opportunities for dental assistants.
Major dental support organizations maintain extensive Florida operations. Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental, and Pacific Dental Services together operate 375+ locations statewide, providing structured employment with benefits and career advancement opportunities.
Florida's federally qualified health centers—including Community Health of South Florida and Florida Community Health Centers—serve underserved populations across the state, offering mission-driven employment with potential loan repayment eligibility.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.