Dental Assistant programs in Fort Walton Beach, 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 Walton Beach, Florida
#1
Northwest Florida State College
📍
Niceville, FL
•10.3 miles away
Northwest Florida State College is a Public, 4-year in Niceville, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.
Pensacola State College is a Public, 4-year in Pensacola, FL serving about 6,725 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.
Fortis Institute-Pensacola is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Pensacola, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.
H Councill Trenholm State Community College is a Public, 2-year in Montgomery, AL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AL.
Fortis College-Montgomery is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Montgomery, AL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AL.
Blue Cliff College-Gulfport is a Private for-profit, <2-year in Gulfport, MS serving about 259 students and accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MS.
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
Metric
Florida
National
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).
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.
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 Walton Beach?
There are 28 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Fort Walton Beach. The closest is Northwest Florida State College, approximately 10.3 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 Walton Beach?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Fort Walton Beach ranges from $2,348 to $3,932. 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.
