Entry Level Dental Assisting — Diploma Program
FIDA's six-month Entry Level Dental Assisting diploma program takes you from no dental experience to clinic-ready: 142 hours of theory, 76 hands-on lab hours, and a 160-hour externship in a real dental office under a licensed dentist. Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (institution #6501) and taught in person in Jacksonville by instructors with 30+ years in dentistry.
“I have had the pleasure of three assistants coming out of this program. And I can say I couldn't be happier with the amount of skills they have accumulated during the program but also in office.”
Admission requirements
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a personal interview and a tour of our Jacksonville facility.
- Pass a criminal background screening. Applicants with felony convictions are not eligible for admission.
- Show proof of Hepatitis B vaccination, or declare the intent to receive it.
- Show proof of a current Tetanus vaccination.
- Sign the program registration forms.
What you will learn
Thirteen units take you from dental anatomy through chairside assisting, radiology, and front-office skills — a mix of classroom theory, hands-on lab work, and a real-office externship. You'll finish with BLS/CPR/AED certification (through AHA), be prepared to sit for the Florida Dental Radiography certificate, and graduate eligible for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam.
How much does the diploma program cost?
Tuition is $9,700 plus a $150 non-refundable registration fee — $9,850 total. That includes your two textbooks, a set of personalized scrubs, CPR/BLS/AED certification through the AHA, your student clinical kit, a personalized notebook binder, the resume workshop, membership to the American Dental Assistants Association, and all material and lab fees. Financing options are available — ask an advisor.
Entry Level Dental Assisting FAQ
How long does it take to become a dental assistant at FIDA?
Six months. The program totals 378 clock hours: 142 hours of classroom theory, 76 hands-on lab hours, and a 160-hour externship in a working dental office under a licensed dentist's supervision.
What certifications do I graduate with?
You earn the FIDA Entry Level Dental Assisting diploma and BLS/CPR/AED certification through the AHA, you're prepared to sit for the Florida Dental Radiography certificate, and you graduate eligible for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam.
When does the next cohort start?
The next cohort begins September 15, 2026 in Jacksonville. Seats are limited and applications are reviewed as received — start yours through Atticus, our admissions intake.
Is FIDA a licensed school?
Yes. The Entry Level Dental Assisting diploma program is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (institution #6501). FIDA's EFDA and Radiography courses are separately approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
What do dental assistants earn, and is the field growing?
Nationally, dental assistants earned a median $23.11/hour — about $48,000/year — as of May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS). In Florida, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 14% from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 3,490 openings per year (state labor projections via Projections Central).
Do I need any dental experience to apply?
No. This program is built for people entering the field. You need to be 18+, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete an interview and campus tour, pass a background screening, and show proof of Hepatitis B (or intent to receive) and current Tetanus vaccinations.
Ready to start your dental assisting career?
Apply through Atticus, our admissions intake — takes about five minutes, and a FIDA advisor follows up within one business day.