
Why Should You Become a Dental Assistant?
High Demand Career
Step into a growing profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects ~52,900 openings for dental assistants each year.
Start Your Career Quickly
Unlike many healthcare careers, you can complete your training in just 10 Saturdays and begin working sooner.
Make A Difference
Dental assistants play a vital role in helping patients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for while supporting dentists in improving oral health.
Career Growth Opportunities
Dental assisting is a great starting point for a long-term career in dentistry, with opportunities to advance into expanded functions (EFDA), office management, dental hygiene, or other specialized roles.
Every Day Is Different
Enjoy a fast-paced, hands-on career where no two days are the same. You'll work directly with patients, assist in a variety of procedures, and be an essential part of the dental team.
Stable & Rewarding Career
Dental assisting offers reliable employment, flexible work environments, and the opportunity to build a fulfilling career in a respected healthcare profession.
Why Choose Dental Careers School of Tampa Bay?
Modern Technology
Train using the latest dental technology and equipment in a professional setting that reflects today's dental practices.
Real Office Training
Gain hands-on experience in an active dental office used by dental professionals every day.
Licensed Program
We're licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (#3681) and approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
Career Ready Fast
Start your path toward a rewarding dental career in just 10 Saturdays with our EFDA Dental Assistant Training Program.
Small Class Size
Receive personalized, one-on-one support designed to help you build confidence and succeed.
Payment Plans Available
Flexible payment options make it easier to invest in your future and pursue a career that works for your budget.
Our EFDA Dental Assistant Training Program...
Prepares you with the essential clinical, laboratory, and administrative skills needed to excel as a dental assistant. Throughout the course, you'll gain hands-on experience and learn how to:
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Assist the dentist during a variety of dental procedures
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Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials before each appointment
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Safely sterilize and disinfect dental instruments and equipment
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Ensure patients are comfortable and prepared for treatment
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Pass instruments and materials efficiently during procedures
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Use suction and isolation techniques to maintain a clear working field
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Take and process dental X-rays under the dentist's supervision
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Mix and prepare dental materials for impressions, restorations, and other procedures
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Clean and polish removable dental appliances
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Fabricate temporary crowns and other basic laboratory restorations
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Understand daily dental office workflows, infection control, and patient care
The 10-Week Course Curriculum
I. Dental Theory and Terminology
II. Four-Handed Dental Assisting
III. Radiology
IIII. Impressions and Model Trimming
V. Cements and Liners
VI. Sterilization Techniques
VII. Job Interview Assistance
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Dental and oral anatomy, tooth identification and numbering system
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Instrument nomenclature and identification for all aspects of General Dentistry
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Dental terminology
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Equipment operation, chair positioning, assistant equipment usage
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Treatment options available, depending on oral conditions
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Instrument transfer techniques, chair-side assisting and patient suctioning
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Chair-side doctor-patient-assistant positioning
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Tub and tray systems of instruments and materials
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Familiarity and use of instruments and materials in assisting for:
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Operative Dentistry – amalgam and composite restorations
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Crown and Bridge – polyvinyl impression taking, temporary fabrication, cord packing, hemostatic agents, introduction into various crown types
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Endodontics – instruments, medicaments and materials, how and why they are used
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Periodontics – disease origin and usual treatment methods
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Pediatrics – commonalty and differences in treating children vs. adult patients
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X-ray theory and technique, use of Rinn© holders and other methods
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Intraoral, bitewing, panoramic, and endodontic exposure methods
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X-ray identification, interpretation, safety and precautions
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Impression materials and practice in their uses: alginates, poly vinyl siloxane, etc.
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Wax bites, counter impressions,
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Model pouring and trimming
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Introduction to various cements and liners used in dentistry
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Practice mixing cements and liners
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Sterilization theory and terminology, autoclave operation
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Instrument and equipment sterilization / disinfection
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Treatment room disinfection and asepsis techniques
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Handpiece care and maintenance
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Proper image, dress, resume, and how to prepare for the job interview itself
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Difficult questions you may face - how to answer them
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Do's and dont's during the interview process, what to expect
Our Upcoming Courses
You are 10 weeks away from an exciting new career. You’ll be glad you made the call!

Winter Course
Starts Jan 9, 2027

Spring Course
Starts March 20, 2027

Summer Course
Starts August 14, 2027

Fall Course
Starts Oct 23, 2026
Read Over 160 5-Star Reviews From Real Students!
How The Program Works
Request Info
Get started on your future in dental assisting today! Explore everything our EFDA Dental Assisting Program has to offer—from course details and schedule options, to what your hands-on training will actually look like. Request a tour, see our real dental office environment, and take the first exciting step toward your new career!
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Enroll
You’re almost there, let’s make it official! Choose your course date, secure your seat with a deposit, and get ready to jump into something life changing. Our enrollment process is quick, simple and clear, so you can step into your next chapter feeling confident and ready.
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Start Learning
This is where it all begins! Our 10-week EFDA Dental Assisting Training Program will have you start learning in a real dental office. Build hands-on skills, gain confidence chairside, and learn everything you need to launch a high-demand dental career. Your future starts the moment you walk in.
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Launch Your Career
You did it! Now it’s time to begin your new future. After graduation, you’ll be ready to enter the dental field with real, hands-on skills and the confidence to succeed on day one. This is where your hard work turns into a paycheck and a profession you’re proud of.
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