Tampa has several dental assistant training options, including public technical college programs, private career schools, and short 10 to 12-week courses.
Costs range from about $2,795 to more than $18,000.
Dental Assistants annual average salary in Florida is $38,769 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
#1 Erwin Technical College
Erwin Technical College is one of the strongest dental assisting options in Tampa.
It is a public technical college and is a good fit for students who want a full-length program at a lower cost than many private schools.
Programs Offered
Erwin offers a Dental Assisting Technology and Management Applied Technology Diploma.
The program includes chairside assisting, dental radiography, expanded functions, infection control, dental materials, patient care, dental office procedures, and clinical skills.
Tuition and Cost
The estimated program cost is about $5,500.
Students should also budget for:
- Tuition: about $2.92 per clock hour for Florida residents
- Books and supplies: about $350 to $800
- Uniforms: about $50 to $150
- CPR and health requirements: about $100 to $300
- Exam or certification fees: about $200 to $700
A realistic total estimate is about $5,500 to $6,500.
Program Length
The program is about 1,230 hours and usually takes about 13 to 14 months.
The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, about 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Why It Stands Out
Erwin stands out because it offers a full public technical college program with expanded functions and radiography training.
It is one of the best-value options in Tampa for students who want more than a short course.
Address: 2010 East Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610
#2 Concorde Career Institute, Tampa
Concorde Career Institute is a private healthcare career school in Tampa.
It is a good fit for students who want a structured program with lab training, externship experience, and career support.
Programs Offered
Concorde offers a Dental Assistant diploma program.
Training includes dental sciences, chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, dental materials, dental office procedures, patient care, and CPR preparation.
The program also prepares students for the Florida Dental Radiology License and Expanded Functions Certificate requirements.
Tuition and Cost
Estimated program costs are commonly around $18,000 to $19,500.
Students should ask for a current cost sheet covering:
- Tuition and fees: about $18,000 to $19,500
- Books and supplies: about $700 to $1,200
- Application fee: about $100
- Uniforms and lab materials: ask if included
- Exam or certification costs: about $200 to $700
Program Length
The program can be completed in as few as 9 months.
Why It Stands Out
Concorde is a good option for students who want a private healthcare school with a faster timeline than a traditional 1-year public program.
The externship gives students real dental office experience before graduation.
Address: 4202 W Spruce St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
#3 Academy for Dental Assistants
The Academy for Dental Assistants offers dental assistant training in the Tampa area.
It is a good fit for students who want a short program with Florida EFDA and dental X-ray certifications.
Programs Offered
The school offers a 12-week Entry-Level Dental Assistant Training Program.
The program uses a blended format with online learning and 1 day per week of hands-on clinical training.
It includes EFDA certification, dental radiology certification, state board exams, and externship preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $2,795 when paid in full.
Payment plan pricing may include:
- Deposit: about $600
- Weekly payments: 12 payments of about $195
- Payment plan total: about $2,940
- Finance charge: about $145
- Optional printed handout binder: about $200
- Textbook: about $140
Program Length
The program takes about 12 weeks.
Why It Stands Out
Academy for Dental Assistants is one of the more affordable Tampa-area options.
It is especially useful because EFDA and dental X-ray certifications are included in the program.
Address: 4995 49th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709
#4 Tampa Dental Assistant School
Tampa Dental Assistant School is a short-term dental assistant training option for students who want to start quickly.
Classes are usually held in a dental office-style setting.
Programs Offered
The school offers a Dental Assistant program with hands-on training.
Students learn chairside assisting, sterilization, dental instruments, patient care, dental materials, office basics, and career preparation.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition is about $3,650.
Students should ask what is included, but a practical budget may include:
- Tuition: about $3,650
- Weekly payment plans: about $100 per week
- Books and supplies: ask if included
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150 if separate
- CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300 if separate
Program Length
The program takes about 12 weeks.
Why It Stands Out
This is one of the faster and lower-cost dental assistant school options in Tampa.
It is a good fit for students who want a short program with flexible payment options.
Address: 4206 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629
#5 Accelerated Academy, Tampa
Accelerated Academy offers dental assistant training in Tampa through a dental office location in Carrollwood.
It is a good fit for students who want a short Saturday program in a real dental office setting.
Programs Offered
The program includes hybrid learning and hands-on dental office training.
Students learn chairside assisting, dental instruments, sterilization, patient care, dental office procedures, and clinical skills.
Tuition and Cost
Students should confirm the current tuition before enrolling.
A practical budget may include:
- Deposit: about $200
- Tuition: about $2,500 to $5,000
- Books and supplies: ask if included
- Scrubs or uniform: about $50 to $150
- CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300 if separate
- Possible early enrollment discount: about $300
Program Length
The program takes about 10 weeks.
Classes are usually held on Saturdays.
Why It Stands Out
Accelerated Academy is one of the shortest Tampa dental assistant training options.
The Saturday schedule is useful for students who work during the week.
Address: 11123 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618
#6 Dental Assisting Institute, Tampa Area
Dental Assisting Institute offers dental assistant training in Florida and may be useful for Tampa-area students who want a short program with practical clinical training.
Programs Offered
The school offers dental assisting training that may include chairside assisting, dental procedures, radiology basics, patient care, sterilization, infection control, practice management, and hands-on dental office skills.
Tuition and Cost
Program costs may vary by location and schedule.
A realistic estimate may include:
- Tuition: about $4,500 to $6,000
- Books and supplies: about $100 to $500
- Uniforms: about $50 to $150
- CPR or certification fees: about $75 to $300
- Exam or state-related fees: about $100 to $500
Program Length
Many Dental Assisting Institute programs run about 12 to 13 weeks.
Why It Stands Out
Dental Assisting Institute may work well for students who want a short dental office-style training program.
Students should confirm the exact Tampa-area location, current tuition, and included certifications before enrolling.
Address: 4326 Park Blvd, Suite I, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Schools Summary Table
Florida Salary by Metro Area
This table provides a breakdown of average salaries by metro area, showing how wages differ across regions within the state using recent BLS data.
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 800 | $47,490 | $22.83 | $59,450 | $39,090 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 250 | $45,860 | $22.05 | $56,440 | $35,480 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 610 | $42,840 | $20.60 | $53,030 | $30,200 |
| Gainesville, FL | 360 | $44,820 | $21.55 | $55,900 | $35,870 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | 70 | $43,280 | $20.81 | $53,830 | $33,920 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 2,020 | $44,370 | $21.33 | $57,460 | $25,120 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 470 | $45,640 | $21.94 | $57,390 | $37,560 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 7,190 | $46,810 | $22.50 | $57,950 | $38,510 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | 510 | $56,550 | $27.19 | $72,380 | $41,760 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | 1,210 | $50,900 | $24.47 | $60,520 | $39,350 |
| Ocala, FL | 330 | $43,660 | $20.99 | $54,460 | $35,300 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 2,980 | $46,780 | $22.49 | $56,910 | $37,920 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 710 | $46,480 | $22.35 | $57,020 | $38,290 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | 150 | $45,710 | $21.98 | $54,760 | $37,330 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 460 | $44,240 | $21.27 | $55,820 | $34,790 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 390 | $44,530 | $21.41 | $56,620 | $31,200 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 170 | $45,570 | $21.91 | $57,390 | $36,710 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL | 200 | $42,860 | $20.61 | $49,560 | $37,950 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 320 | $41,310 | $19.86 | $49,920 | $28,920 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 3,000 | $47,550 | $22.86 | $57,620 | $33,200 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | 90 | $46,240 | $22.23 | $57,050 | $36,390 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Schools by City in Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, FL7 Schools
- Jacksonville, FL6 Schools
- Miami, FL7 Schools
- Orlando, FL7 Schools
- Tampa, FL6 Schools
