Dental Assisting Program - Academic Year 2024-2025 - Frequently Asked Questions and Supplemental Information

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by Adam

Dental Assisting Program academic-year information for prospective students at Daytona State College outlines career prospects, training goals, and program outcomes. The one-year certificate prepares students for chairside assisting, minor laboratory support, office procedures, and infection control and biomedical waste management. Graduates earn the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (E.F.D.A.) credential required in Florida and become eligible for the DANB Certification Examination. It also provides details on employment outlook, entry-level salary ranges, typical working hours, and certification and board-examination requirements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Frequently Asked Questions and Supplemental Information

Employment opportunities for dental assistants

Average salary upon graduation

Typical working hours

Certification requirements for employment

Board examination requirements

Program start date

DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM Academic Year 2024-2025 To Prospective Dental Assisting Students: Dental Assisting is an exciting career for an individual to pursue. As a member of the dental health team, the dental assistant has the unique opportunity to participate in a challenging and rewarding field of the dental profession. The employment opportunities available to dental assistants are excellent. Dental assistants may choose to pursue a career in general dentistry and specialty offices, public health dentistry, armed forces, industry, sales, or education. The Dental Assisting Program at Daytona State College is a one-year certificate program and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The goal of the Dental Assisting Program is to prepare students to perform chairside assisting, minor laboratory, and basic office support procedures as well as to practice proper methods of infection control and bio-medical waste management. Upon completion of the program, graduates will 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 (DANB) Certification Examination. Students learn the theory and skills that are required to assist the dentist by taking courses in chairside assisting, dental radiology, dental materials, and dental sciences. The Program’s curriculum includes instruction in professionalism and effective communication skills when interacting with patients and other dental health care professionals. Students are also taught to perform certain intraoral tasks that enable them to become productive and effective members of the dental health team. As a part of their clinical training, student’s extern in dental offices during the Spring and Summer A semesters. The Dental Assisting Program is offered on the Daytona Beach Campus. There are 24 dental assisting students accepted each year and classes begin in July (Summer Term B) . Please find enclosed additional information that outlines the Program’s curriculum. Go to [https://www.daytonastate.edu/dental-sciences](https://www.daytonastate.edu/dental-sciences) to check for updatesand requirements for admission into Dental Assisting Program. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (386) 506-3758 or [Leslie.Fehl@daytonastate.edu](Leslie.Fehl@daytonastate.edu. Prospective)[. Prospective](Leslie.Fehl@daytonastate.edu. Prospective) students may also contact the Chairperson, Pamela Ridilla at (386) 785-2093 or Melissa Brown-Mack, Academic Advisor at (386) 506-3052. Thank you for your interest in the Dental Assisting Program at Daytona State College. Sincerely, Leslie Fehl, CDA, E. F. D.A., MPH Assistant Chair, School of Dental Sciences Manager, Dental Assisting Program School of Dental Sciences Dental Assisting Program Frequently Asked Questions and Supplemental Information 1. What are the employment opportunities for dental assistants? The employment opportunities for dental assistants in Volusia and Flagler Counties are excellent. There is an increasing demand for dental assistants in both general and specialized areas of dentistry. Job placement for graduates from the Dental Assisting Program is very good. 2. What is the average salary that one can earn upon graduation from this program? The average salary for an entry-level dental assisting position is approximately $18.00 to $23.00 per hour in Volusia and Flagler counties. 3. What are the typical working hours for this profession? Most dental offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 [a.m. to](a.m. to) 5:00 p. m. In addition, some private practices and dental clinics are open on Saturday and during evening hours. 4. Is certification required for employment for this profession? The State of Florida requires certification for dental assistants to perform certain expanded functions. Students will graduate as an Expanded Functions Dental

FAQs

What employment opportunities are available for dental assistants?

Dental assistants can pursue careers in general dentistry, specialty offices, public health dentistry, armed forces, industry, sales, or education. Employment opportunities in Volusia and Flagler Counties are described as excellent with increasing demand.

What is the average entry-level salary after graduation?

The document states the average entry-level dental assisting salary is approximately $18.00 to $23.00 per hour in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Is certification required for dental assistants to work?

Florida requires certification for dental assistants to perform certain expanded functions. Students graduate as Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (E.F.D.A.) and complete preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board examination, while credential requirements may vary by state and employer.

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by Adam