Dental Assistant Schools in Fort Myers, Florida

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Fort Myers, Florida can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Dental assistant Schools Near Fort Myers, Florida

#1

Hodges University

Fort Myers, FL 0.8 miles away

Hodges University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Fort Myers, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Florida SouthWestern State College

Fort Myers, FL 6 miles away

Florida SouthWestern State College is a Public, 4-year in Fort Myers, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#3

Cape Coral Technical College

Cape Coral, FL 9.2 miles away

Cape Coral Technical College is a Public, <2-year in Cape Coral, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#4

Charlotte Technical College

Port Charlotte, FL 33 miles away

Charlotte Technical College is a Public, <2-year in Port Charlotte, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#5

Lorenzo Walker Technical College

Naples, FL 33.3 miles away

Lorenzo Walker Technical College is a Public, <2-year in Naples, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#6

Meridian College

Sarasota, FL 64.1 miles away

Meridian College is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Sarasota, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#7

South Florida State College

Avon Park, FL 70 miles away

South Florida State College is a Public, 4-year in Avon Park, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#8

State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota

Bradenton, FL 73.4 miles away

State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota is a Public, 4-year in Bradenton, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#9

Manatee Technical College

Bradenton, FL 76.1 miles away

Manatee Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Bradenton, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

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#10

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, FL 93.8 miles away

St Petersburg College is a Public, 4-year in St. Petersburg, FL serving about 18,759 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,682
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,286
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Fort Myers

There are 10 schools within 94 miles of Fort Myers.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Hodges University0.8 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Florida SouthWestern State College6 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Cape Coral Technical College9.2 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Charlotte Technical College33 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Lorenzo Walker Technical College33.3 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Meridian College64.1 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
South Florida State College70 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota73.4 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Manatee Technical College76.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
St Petersburg College93.8 mi$2,682N/APublic, 4-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Dental Assistant Salary in Florida

Entry-level dental assistants in Florida earn around $37,430 per year. The median salary is $47,060, which is 0.5% below the national median of $47,300. Top earners make up to $57,950 per year.

Florida vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
MetricFloridaNational
Median salary$47,060$47,300
Average salary$46,670$48,860
25th percentile$40,870$39,520
75th percentile$49,620$56,910
90th percentile$57,950$61,780

Florida employs approximately 23,020 dental assistants (2.3 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.96).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Dental Assistant Job Outlook

6.4% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 381,900 to 406,300 jobs nationwide. About 52,900 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In Florida, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.96), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental assistants make in Florida?

The median annual salary for dental assistants in Florida is $47,060. Wages range from $37,430 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $57,950 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many dental assistant schools are near Fort Myers?

There are 51 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Fort Myers. The closest is Hodges University, approximately 0.8 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for dental assistants?

Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034. About 52,900 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does dental assistant training cost near Fort Myers?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Fort Myers ranges from $2,563 to $3,155. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a dental assistant in demand in Florida?

Demand for dental assistants in Florida is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.96. The state employs 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.