In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
Why choose Florida?
There are several good reasons to consider Florida as a destination to practice dental assisting.
Florida has a large and growing population, including a significant number of retirees who require extensive dental care. This creates a high demand for dental services, leading to more job opportunities for dental assistants. Florida’s dental assistants can also work in a variety of settings, from private dental practices to large dental chains, public health clinics and even specialized practices like pediatric or cosmetic dentistry.
Best of all is dental assistants in Florida may enjoy competitive salaries, especially in urban areas like Miami, Orlando or Tampa. The combination of a higher cost of living location and demand for dental services usually contributes to a favorable compensation climate.
Quick view
There are roughly 25,370 people employed as dental assistants in Florida. This equates to approximately 2.6 people working in the field for every 1,000 people who reside in the state. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that Florida is the third highest state in the country for employment of dental assistants, preceded only by California and Texas. The median wage per hour is $23 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 6.4%, faster than the national average for all job fields combined.
Florida’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle are attractive to many professionals, including dental assistants. The state offers a quality of life that includes access to beaches, outdoor activities and cultural attractions, and the state’s dedication to providing opportunities for dental assistants to advance their careers through additional certifications and continuing education is another plus.
Here are just five Florida employers that provide dental assistants with diverse opportunities to apply their skills in clinical, administrative and educational settings:
- University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL:
- UF’s College of Dentistry in Gainesville offers dental assistants a unique opportunity to work in an academic setting. Here, assistants support dental students and faculty in clinical settings, participate in research and assist with specialized procedures in fields such as oral surgery, periodontics and orthodontics. This environment also allows dental assistants to gain exposure to cutting-edge dental technologies and practices.
- Dental Care Alliance (DCA), Sarasota and multiple locations, FL:
- DCA supports a network of dental practices throughout Florida. Dental assistants in DCA-affiliated offices are key players in patient care, performing tasks like chairside assistance, radiography and maintaining patient comfort. They also play a role in practice management by handling patient scheduling, coordinating with dental hygienists, and ensuring the smooth operation of the office.
- Heartland Dental, Jacksonville, Naples, Ocala and multiple locations, FL:
- Heartland Dental operates many affiliated practices in Florida. Dental assistants here perform essential clinical duties like assisting in restorative procedures, taking impressions and fabricating temporary crowns. They are also trained in advanced techniques such as placing sealants and administering fluoride treatments. Heartland emphasizes continuous professional development, allowing assistants to expand their skill sets.
- Coast Dental, Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando and multiple locations, FL:
- Coast Dental is one of the largest dental providers in Florida, with practices across the state. Dental assistants at Coast Dental assist with a variety of tasks, including taking X-rays, preparing instruments, managing patient records and ensuring infection control. They also support dentists during procedures, provide post-operative instructions and help with the overall management of the dental office.
- Aspen Dental, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Lakeland and multiple locations, FL:
- Aspen Dental operates numerous locations throughout Florida. Dental assistants here are involved in chairside assistance, patient education, taking radiographs, sterilizing instruments and supporting the dentist with a range of procedures, from routine cleanings to more complex restorative work. Aspen Dental also emphasizes patient management and administrative skills, such as scheduling and billing.
Salary statistics for Florida
While the national median salary for dental assistants is just over $47,300 a year, pay in Florida may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live in the state, how much experience you have, what professional credentials you have earned and your level of education.
Median salaries for dental assistants in Florida
The median annual salary for dental assistants in Florida is $47,060, which is just slightly below the national median. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location. Looking at the salary widget below you can see that Naples, followed by the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area pays best.
Dental Assistants
10%$37,430
25%$40,870
50%$47,060Median
75%$49,620
90%$57,950
Median Hourly Wage$23
Job growth6.4%
Total Employment23,020
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $59,520 | $41,760 | $72,380 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $48,760 | $39,350 | $60,520 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $47,940 | $33,200 | $57,620 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $47,500 | $37,920 | $56,910 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $47,480 | $25,120 | $57,460 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $46,580 | $38,290 | $57,020 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $46,560 | $36,710 | $57,390 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $46,150 | $35,480 | $56,440 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $46,080 | $37,330 | $54,760 |
| Gainesville, FL | $45,860 | $35,870 | $55,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for dental assistants working in Florida
The salary range for dental assistants in Florida spans from $37,430 to $57,950 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other important factors such as experience, education, certification and time in the position. In fact, the most significant factor contributing to seniority is the number of years in the profession and certification. The most commonly attained certification by dental assistants in Florida is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, issued by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Here’s why this certification helps:
- The CDA credential is nationally recognized, which not only enhances a dental assistant’s professional credibility but also signals a high standard of knowledge and skill.
- Holding a CDA certification may make a dental assistant more competitive in the job market, as many employers in Florida prefer or require this certification. It demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a mastery of essential skills.
- In Florida, to perform certain expanded functions (like radiography), a dental assistant must complete specific training and may need to pass the CDA’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Obtaining the full CDA certification covers this requirement and more, allowing them to perform a wider range of duties.
- The CDA certification can serve as a stepping stone for dental assistants who want to pursue advanced roles or further specialization, such as becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or a Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions (EFDA) in Florida.
Some dental assistants may choose to continue their education become dental lab technicians or dental hygienists, as these roles may offer opportunities for higher salaries. You can compare dental assistant pay to other dental career salaries below:
Pay by metro area
As we’ve noted, your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. It’s common for cities to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is a dental industry hub, say for example you work in the Tampa or Gainesville area, which are home to high profile dental brands and the University of Florida Dental College, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, Florida doesn’t rank in the top 10 for pay, however the BLS said it does take the number five spot for highest employment of dental assistants in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area.
Salary growth and job outlook
The dental assisting industry in Florida is growing, with the BLS touting a 6.4% job growth rate through 2034. Several factors contribute to this positive trend:
Growing population: Florida has one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, with a significant influx of residents, including retirees and families. This population growth increases the demand for dental services, leading to a greater need for the role.
Large retiree population: Florida is a popular retirement destination, and the aging population requires more dental care, particularly in preventive, restorative and prosthetic dentistry. This demographic trend drives the need for more dental practices and, consequently, more dental assistants.
Expanding dental practices and chains: With the increasing population and demand for dental care, dental practices in Florida are expanding, both in terms of size and number. Large dental chains, as well as independent practices, are opening new locations across the state, creating more job opportunities for dental assistants.
Seasonal population: Florida’s tourism industry brings a large, seasonal population, especially in areas like Miami, Orlando and Tampa. This transient population also contributes to the demand for dental services, as many tourists and part-time residents seek dental care while in the state.
State support: Florida’s government has initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and services, including dental care. This support often includes funding for public health clinics and programs that employ dental assistants, contributing to job growth in the sector.
New technologies: New dental technologies, such as digital imaging, laser dentistry and computer-aided design and manufacturing systems, has increased the scope of dental assistant roles. This advancement necessitates more trained dental assistants who can work with these technologies, potentially boosting job growth.
Factors affecting dental assisting salaries in Florida
The top factors that may impact your pay as a dental assistant in Florida, and ways you can improve your circumstances, include:
- Location within the state:
- Salaries can vary significantly depending on where you work in Florida. Urban areas like Miami, Orlando and Tampa typically offer higher wages due to a higher cost of living and greater demand for dental services. In contrast, rural areas might offer lower wages but can have other benefits, like a lower cost of living. Suggestion: To improve your salary, consider working in a metropolitan area where wages are higher. However, weigh this against the cost of living. If moving to a high-paying area isn’t feasible, commuting to a nearby city or working in a high-demand specialty practice within your area could also boost earnings.
- Level of experience and education:
- Dental assistants with more experience and advanced certifications (such as the CDA or EFDA) may earn higher salaries. Specialized training in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery can further enhance earning potential. Suggestion: Invest in continuing education and seek certifications that are in high demand or are in specialized fields.
- Your employer:
- Salaries can differ depending on the type of employer. For example, dental assistants working in large dental chains, hospitals or specialty practices may earn more than those working in small, private practices. Employers offering advanced dental services or located in affluent areas may also pay more. Suggestion: Target employment at larger practices, dental chains or specialty practices that may offer higher wages. If you are in a smaller practice, negotiating your salary based on your skills and contributions may also be effective.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills:
- Florida has a significant Hispanic/Latino population, particularly in cities like Miami, Orlando and Tampa. This group includes people of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Dominican and other Latin American descents. In some areas, Hispanics/Latinos make up the majority of the population. Suggestion: Study a language that may help you in your job. Spanish is widely spoken in Florida, and there are many communities where Creole, Portuguese, French and other languages are common.
What do I do if I think my pay is unfair in Florida?
The Florida government, along with federal laws, provides several protections to ensure that workers receive fair pay and wages. Here’s how you are protected:
Minimum wage laws
- Florida’s minimum wage: Florida has a state-specific minimum wage, which is often higher than the federal minimum wage. As of 2024, Florida’s minimum wage is $12 per hour, with scheduled increases each year until it reaches $15 per hour in 2026. Employers are required to pay the higher of the state or federal minimum wage.
- Protection: If you are paid less than the minimum wage, you have the right to file a complaint with the Florida Department of Commerce or take legal action to recover unpaid wages.
Equal pay laws
- Equal Pay Act (EPA): Under the federal Equal Pay Act and Florida law, employers are prohibited from paying different wages to employees of different genders who perform substantially the same work under similar conditions.
- Protection: If you believe you are being paid less than a colleague of the opposite gender for the same work, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or pursue a lawsuit to address wage discrimination.
Wage and hour protections
- Overtime pay: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees in Florida are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
- Protection: If you are not being paid overtime when due, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or seek legal recourse.
Wage theft prevention
- Local ordinances: Some Florida counties, such as Miami-Dade and Broward, have wage theft ordinances that provide additional protections. These ordinances allow workers to file claims against employers who withhold wages, pay less than the agreed-upon rate or fail to pay for all hours worked.
- Protection: These local laws give workers an avenue to recover unpaid wages without having to go through lengthy legal processes.
Anti-retaliation protections
- Federal and state laws: Both federal and Florida state laws prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who assert their rights to fair wages, such as filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.
- Protection: If you face retaliation for asserting your wage rights, you can file a complaint with the EEOC, the Florida Commission on Human Relations or seek legal action for damages.
Collective bargaining
- Protection: Being part of a union may provide additional protection against unfair wages and ensure that your rights are defended collectively.
- Union rights: In Florida, workers have the right to join unions and engage in collective bargaining for better wages and working conditions. Unionized workplaces often negotiate higher wages and better benefits for their members.
Education and training for FL dental assistants
To become a dental assistant in Florida, the education requirements can vary depending on the specific duties you want to perform. Here’s an overview of the educational pathways:
- High school diploma or GED: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement to start a career as a dental assistant in Florida. Basic courses in biology, chemistry and health sciences during high school can be helpful.
- Complete a formal dental assisting program: While not mandatory for all dental assistant positions, completing a dental assisting program from an accredited institution is highly recommended. These programs typically offer a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in areas like dental anatomy, radiography, infection control and dental materials. These programs usually take about nine to 12 months to complete and may result in a certificate or diploma. Some programs offer an associate degree, which takes about two years.
- Certification: Certification is optional and although not required by Florida law, obtaining the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is beneficial. This certification may make you more competitive in the job market and allow you to perform additional duties like radiography.
- Advance to the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) credential: To perform expanded duties like applying sealants or fluoride treatments, you’ll need to complete additional training and pass a state-approved course or exam.
- On-the-job training: Some dental assistants receive their training on the job, particularly in smaller practices that may not require formal education. However, this may limit your ability to perform certain tasks or advance in your career without further education.
- Ongoing learning: Florida requires dental assistants to participate in continuing education to maintain certain certifications (such as those who monitor nitrous-oxide inhalation analgesia) and to stay updated on the latest dental practices and technologies.
Cost of living considerations
When evaluating dental assistant salaries in different areas of a state as large and diverse as Florida, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living. The cost of housing, transportation, healthcare and other expenses can vary widely across cities or regions. Understanding the cost of living helps you gauge how salaries align with your expenses and obligations and may help you make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
Overview:
Florida averages 2% less than the national cost of living, according to RentCafe. This is good news for dental assistants, as median salaries in the state are only slightly below the national median. Housing and utilities are right at the national average, and food and necessities are 1% lower, making Florida an attractive state to consider.
Highest cost of living cities:
Of the cities that are major dental industry hubs, only Miami (18% higher) and Sarasota (4% higher) are above the national average for cost of living.
Lowest cost of living cities:
Of the metro areas listed on RentCafe, cities that are dental assisting hubs but equal to, or lower than, the national average include Gainesville (6% lower), Orlando (0% or right at the national average), Tampa (3% lower), Jacksonville (7% lower), Daytona Beach (2% lower) and Ocala (8% lower).
Professional groups for Florida dental assistants
These associations offer valuable resources for dental assistants in Florida, including continuing education, professional networking and advocacy, all of which can contribute to career growth and personal development.
- Florida Dental Assistants Association (FDAA):
- The FDAA is the state branch of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA). It provides resources, networking opportunities and continuing education for dental assistants in Florida. The FDAA advocates for the interests of dental assistants and offers various programs to enhance professional development.
- Florida Dental Association (FDA):
- While the FDA primarily serves dentists, it also supports dental assistants by providing education, professional development and advocacy. Dental assistants can benefit from the FDA’s resources, such as conferences, workshops and networking events.
- Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association (FDHA):
- Though primarily for dental hygienists, the FDHA can be a useful association for dental assistants interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in areas related to oral health care. The association offers educational resources and networking opportunities that may benefit dental assistants.
Find dental assistant salary guides for different states: Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | New Jersey | North Carolina | Ohio | Texas
Our dental assistant salary guide for Florida strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, navigating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.