How to Become a Dental Assistant in Miami
Miami, Florida, also known as the Magic City, is well known for its diversified communities and beach and party scenes. Miami is also home to Miami Seaquarium and natural attractions like Everglades National Park. Additionally, Miami is an ideal city to begin a career as a dental assistant.
Dental assistants carry out various tasks, from office work to assisting dentists during procedures. They are most often in charge of patient care and may take X-rays. Most states have certification requirements for dental assistants, and you can read the Florida requirements here.
Dental Assistant Schools in Miami
State requirements will vary, but completing a dental assistant training program from an accredited school is usually a requirement for all states. Miami has a few options for you to choose from.
- Lindsey Hopkins Technical College. This 13-month program is accredited by the American Dental Association and prepares students to sit for the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) certification exam. Students practice on a human patient simulator at the onsite clinic. Lindsey Hopkins is just a few minutes’ drive from the American Airlines Arena, where the Miami Heat plays basketball. Other nearby attractions include the Freedom Tower, Marlins Park and the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts
- Robert Morgan Educational Center. This is a dual enrollment program for high school students. Students will earn dental aide certification by the end of their junior year and work in a clinical setting their senior year. Students will take a summer semester program immediately after high school graduation to complete the dental assisting certificate program.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Florida is expecting a 23 percent increase in the number of dental assistants working in the state in the 10-year period between 2016 and 2026. There are approximately 6,150 dental assistants in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach region. Dental assistants in this same region make an hourly average of $18.60 and an annual average of $38,690, with the highest earners making an average of $55,890.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Miami
Some dental offices to consider working at in Miami include Dental Care Alliance, Heartland Dental and Sage Dental Group. Most employers require that their dental assistants hold certification and pay them from $14 to $22 an hour, depending on experience. With several school and numerous work options available, Miami is a smart choice to consider working as a dental assistant.
Related:
- Dental Assistant Schools in Tampa
- Dental Assistant Schools in Orlando
- Dental Assistant Schools in Jacksonville
- Dental Assistant Schools in St. Petersburg