Dental Assistant Schools in Lakeland, Florida

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Dental Assistant programs in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland, Florida

#1

Traviss Technical College

Lakeland, FL 1.1 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Erwin Technical College

Tampa, FL 29.7 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Florida Career College-Tampa

Tampa, FL 31.7 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • 9950 Princess Palm Avenue Suite 100 Tampa, FL 33619-8347
  • (813) 577-3321

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Hillsborough Community College

Tampa, FL 31.8 miles away

Hillsborough Community College is a Public, 4-year in Tampa, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Concorde Career Institute-Tampa

Tampa, FL 34.8 miles away

Concorde Career Institute-Tampa is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Tampa, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

South Florida State College

Avon Park, FL 41.7 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.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Osceola Technical College

Kissimmee, FL 42.3 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Valencia College

Orlando, FL 43.9 miles away

Valencia College is a Public, 4-year in Orlando, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Pasco-Hernando State College

New Port Richey, FL 47.7 miles away

Pasco-Hernando State College is a Public, 4-year in New Port Richey, FL serving about 6,933 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: $3,155
  • Out-of-state tuition: $12,032
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

ATA Career Education

Spring Hill, FL 47.7 miles away

ATA Career Education is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Spring Hill, FL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across FL.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Dental Assistant Schools Near Lakeland

There are 10 schools within 48 miles of Lakeland.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Traviss Technical College1.1 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Erwin Technical College29.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Florida Career College-Tampa31.7 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
Hillsborough Community College31.8 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Concorde Career Institute-Tampa34.8 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
South Florida State College41.7 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Osceola Technical College42.3 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Valencia College43.9 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Pasco-Hernando State College47.7 mi$3,155N/APublic, 4-year
ATA Career Education47.7 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 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 Lakeland?

There are 55 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Lakeland. The closest is Traviss Technical College, approximately 1.1 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 Lakeland?

Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Lakeland 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.