Due to the high contribution of dentistry schools in Florida, there are more than 140,000 active dentists in the U.S. today.
Most dentists practice general dentistry, giving them the capability of providing comprehensive care to a wide variety of patients.
Some dentists choose to limit their practices to one of the nine recognized dental specialties.
A specialty is an area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the American Dental Association as meeting the Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties and National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists.
The nine recognized dental specialties are: Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics
Dentistry Schools in Florida
Predoctoral (Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)/ Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)) Dental Education Programs
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) College of Dental Medicine
As with the College of Osteopathic Medicine and School of Pharmacy, the mission of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine is to prepare students to become dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity.
LECOM’s evidence-based, quality dental education program will train students to provide patient-centered care with optimal therapeutic and economic outcomes, promote disease prevention and enhance patient and provider education.
Also, LECOM offers the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree through a full-time, four-year pathway at the Bradenton campus.
The curriculum consists of two years of basic science delivered through Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions, and pre-clinical dental education instruction with traditional lectures, laboratories and an early introduction to clinical experiences. Years three and four offer primarily hands-on, clinical experiences.
Address: 4800 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Bradenton FL 34211-4909
Phone: (941) 405-1600
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Choosing to become a dentist is a major decision in your life, and the next major choice is where to study. What can you expect from your studies at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine? Expect the best possible training in the best possible location.
A four-year curriculum divides into the first two years of fundamentals and the second two years of rotations and advanced study.
The rotations challenge you to help underserved and highly vulnerable populations.
The entire curriculum is organized around four themes of Patient Care Foundations, Clinical Practice of Dentistry, Public Health and Primary Care, and Human Biology and Disease.
With clinics available on campus and in nearby communities, you’ll have direct experience with patients of various ages and backgrounds.
A high-tech simulation laboratory prepares you to avoid making mistakes on live patients.
Highly experienced preceptors and faculty group practice leaders provide early introductions into clinical settings.
Everyone needs a dentist, and every dentist answers that calling.
Their active alumni association can provide guidance about how to begin your career and where it can take you.
The excellent postdoctoral programs at NSU offer opportunities for surgical and other specializations, as well as research to support the future of dentistry.
Address: 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314
University of Florida College of Dentistry
Established in 1972, the University of Florida College of Dentistry (UFCD) is the only publicly-funded dental school in the state and ranks as a national leader in dental education, research, patient care and community service.
The college is housed in the Dental Sciences Building located on the UF Academic Health Center campus.
Their students and faculty participate in interdisciplinary learning and research that benefits the college and its patient community, resulting in a well-rounded curriculum that produces dentists skillful in the art and science of dentistry.
The college educates the state’s future dentists and dental specialists through 16 degree and certificate programs.
Each year they admit a new class of 90+ D.M.D. students who are among the top predental students in the nation.
The college is nationally recognized for its oral health research enterprise, emphasizing infectious diseases in dentistry, bone biology, pain and neurosciences, and translational research to improve clinical care.
The UFCD research enterprise now ranks 5th nationally among all U.S. dental schools in NIH funding according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
They recruit mid-career basic scientists to achieve excellence in strong areas of research within the college, while also aligning the college with key research initiatives within the university and UF Academic Health Center, including: genomics of infectious diseases, immunology, autoimmunity, biostatistics, cancer epidemiology and prevention, cell biology/cell signaling, and pain and neurosciences.
Address: 1395 Center Drive Gainesville, FL 32610
Allied Dental Education Programs (Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting)
South Florida State College (SFSC)
South Florida State College is an open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a learning-centered environment through quality programs, training, and services.
Working in partnerships with organizations and communities, the College provides leadership and a comprehensive range of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic development of the service district.
There are two directions you can go if you want to pursue a career in dental at SFSC
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygiene
Address: 600 West College Drive Avon Park, FL 33825
State College of Florida
The Dental Hygiene Program will prepare the student for employment as a dental hygiene clinician and educator in a variety of settings including private dental practice, public health departments, institutional and research facilities, and public and private schools.
Graduates of the Dental Hygiene Program will be awarded an associate in science degree and will be eligible to take the National Board Examination and the Florida State Licensing Examination which are both required for licensure in the state of Florida.
The course of study includes general academic studies, technical courses in dental hygiene concepts and procedures, clinical experiences in the dental hygiene clinic and community facilities, and community and public health education experiences.
Integrated into the program is the dental “team concept” with the inclusion of four-handed dentistry and those expanded dental functions that can legally be delegated to a dental hygienist in the state of Florida.
Address: 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207
Students accepted into the program get a strong foundation in dental assisting through classroom instruction, clinical experience, and laboratory practice.
Students work with dental patients, under the supervision of a licensed dentist and program faculty, in the on-site College Dental Clinic, or local area dental offices to gain maximum hands-on experience.
The Dental Assisting student will serve approximately 320 clinical hours treating patients, prior to graduation.
The Dental Assisting student is trained in subject areas such as: ethics and goals of the dental profession, human anatomy and physiology, dental equipment, instruments, materials, dental x-ray techniques, chair-side assisting techniques, sterilization, oral hygiene, office management and emergency patient care.
Various dental offices in Brevard County are utilized for clinical experiences. Students must furnish their own transportation to clinical sites.
Also, Eastern Florida State College offers a fully accredited, two-year Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
The curriculum is rigorous and includes general education courses, science education courses and dental specific courses.
Students complete at least two years of academic study including clinical practice under the supervision of EFSC faculty in the college’s dental clinic and designated external clinic practice sites.
General education and science courses may be completed prior to admission to the program or concurrently with the dental specific program courses.
Students are encouraged to complete these support courses prior to program admission.
Address: 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922
Atlantic Technical College
In Atlantic Technical College, they offer Dental Assisting Technology & Management (ATD) program.
Students will be taught the basic knowledge and skills to offer direct chairside assistance to the dentist, expose dental radiographs, and educate and instruct patients in preventive dental techniques.
Students will be trained in infection control procedures, disease prevention, dental procedures and instruments and business office procedures.
Upon successful completion of the program and in accordance with state guidelines, students are issued an Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) in Dental Assisting Technology and Management with Expanded Duties and Dental Radiography.
Address: 4700 Coconut Creek Parkway Coconut Creek, Florida 33063
Daytona State College
Daytona State’s Dental Assisting students train using the latest technology available and can seamlessly apply their skills in the workplace.
Graduates earn the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (E.F.D.A.) credential required by the state of Florida and are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination to obtain the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.
The Dental Hygiene Program is the development of professional, ethical, and competent members of the oral health team who provide quality, patient-centered care to diverse population groups in a variety of health care settings.
Also, the Dental Hygiene Program is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, emphasizing student success.
Address: 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 506-3000
Florida Southwestern State College
The Dental Hygiene program is designed to prepare the student to practice as a licensed dental hygienist. A graduate of the program is eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board, and, upon successful completion of that board, is eligible to take a state board to obtain a state license.
The program is comprised of general education courses, dental hygiene courses and clinical practice.
The general education course work is acceptable from any accredited college.
Students are required to obtain a “C” or higher in each general education, program specific and dental hygiene course to progress in the program curriculum.
Each core course must be taken in sequence.
A minimum of 88 credit hours is required for graduation.
The Florida Southwestern State College Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “Approval without Reporting Requirements”.
Address: 8099 College Pkwy Fort Myers, FL
Phone: (239) 489-9300
Indian River State College
In Indian River State College, students completing the dental assisting program can expect to take the Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB) to become a Certified Dental hygienists work with dentists to help patients maintain and improve their oral health and quality of life.
They examine the mouth; scale, root plane, clean and polish teeth; and expose and interpret x-rays.
Also, students completing their IRSC degree in Dental Hygiene can expect to take the Dental Hygiene National and State Licensure Board examinations and seek employment in a private dental office, public health agency, school system, hospital or clinic.
Address: 3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34981
The Santa Fe College-Florida offer both Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs.
The Dental Assisting program admits students each fall semester. The program is three semesters (10 months) of classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction.
The final semester includes classroom learning and a dental assisting internship.
The program is based on a 35-40 hour week schedule.
Curriculum includes basic dental sciences and didactic theory in current concepts of dentistry.
Program graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination sponsored by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Upon completion of the program, graduates are certified in all legally delegable expanded functions permitted by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
The Dental Assisting program at SF is accredited by the American Dental Association.
Also, the Dental Hygiene program is designed to educate the dental hygiene student to work in private practice, research, institutional, or public health settings.
Course work includes knowledge of the dental health care system, anatomic, biological and applied sciences and dental public health.
Upon completion of the Traditional or Bridge Dental Hygiene program students are eligible to sit for Dental Hygiene National Boards and state licensure examinations.
The Dental Hygiene Program at SF is accredited by the American Dental Association.
Address: 3000 NW 83rd Street Gainesville, FL 32606
Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College offer degrees in Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene.
Address: 4200 Congress Avenue Lake Worth, FL 33461
Gulf Coast State College
In addition to their quality Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs, they offer a state of the art Dental Clinic offering the latest technology for student learning and patient treatment.
The Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs offered by Gulf Coast State College were initiated in 1970 and 1996, respectively.
Also, the programs in dental assisting and dental hygiene are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.”
Address: 5230 West Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32401