10 Week Dental Assistant Program Class Registration
Dental Assisting Training Class Schedule Options
Fridays – Clinic Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Saturdays – Clinic Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Wednesdays – Clinic Hours: 9:00pm-4:00pm
Our dental assistant training programs have been certified by the Florida Board of Dentistry since 2000. Our 10 week dental assistant training program is designed to promote basic, entry-level dental assisting skills. After completing this course, you can begin a career in the dental field. Based in St. Petersburg, FL, this program focuses on the dental assisting skills and procedures you will utilize on a daily basis while working in the dental field.
To prepare any professional self-starter for an entry level position in the dental field where they can further utilize their training upon graduation.
The dental assistant training program runs for 10 consecutive weeks. The clinical portion of class is held 8 hours per week on either Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. This blended training program requires a Modern Dental Assisting book/workbook with an at home study format, online testing modules along with a large portion of the course being actual hands on clinical training.
During the training course, each student will be required to do a 40 hour practicum in local dental office.
Lecture / Lab – 80 Hours
Practicum – 40 Hours
TOTAL: 120 Hours
Dental Assisting Institute requires verification of a high school diploma or GED prior to attending.
Applicants who possess a certification in the medical field (CNA, LPN) are eligible for admission in lieu of a high school diploma or GED.
A high school student may attend the program with parent or guardian permission and a copy of current high school transcripts.
During this training program, each student will do required weekly reading and homework. Homework will be graded at the beginning of each class. Each student will take an online test covering each area of study for a total of 5 multiple choice tests during this program. In addition, each student is required to do a 40 hour practicum in local dental office. This practicum will allow you to observe the dental assistant duties in an actual dental office setting. You will receive a list of dentists who have participated over the last 20 years. It is the student’s responsibility to secure their internship office.
All students are required to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) in the clinical settings at all times. PPE is provided by the school for a one-time fee of $15.00. PPE includes gloves, masks, protective eyewear and gowns.
All students are required to purchase the latest version of Modern Dental Assisting Book and Workbook. This book can be purchased from the school for a one-time fee of $180.00.
Black Scrubs/Lab Coat must be worn to clinic and may be purchased from Walmart, Amazon or a local/online uniform store.
Students must bring a positive attitude and be prepared with completed weekly homework, have a professional appearance, long hair must be worn up, modest length nails, wear all-black medical scrub uniform and a black lab coat to class and non-porous nursing, clogs or tennis shoes.
After completion of the 10 week program and 40 hour practicum the student must complete 200 hours (a minimum of 3 months from start to finish) on the job training by a Florida licensed dentist to receive your Florida Certifications. The 3 month minimum on the job training can be done either by externship or as a paid position. Once the program is completed and the student receives formal training by a Florida licensed dentist for 3 months, the student will receive (at no additional cost) the X-RAY and EFDA State of Florida Certifications. The student will also receive a 2 year American Heart Association CPR certification for no additional charge.
In-house financing after $550 down payment is $240/week for 10 weeks or $480/week for 5 weeks.
Care credit 6 month interest free loan program. You must apply, select “dental” from the healthcare category to apply. You must be approved for this 6 month interest free payment plan from Care credit. Follow the instructions to apply for Care credit on the Payments and Financing page.
