How to Become a Dental Assistant in Jacksonville
Start a rewarding healthcare career in as little as 12 weeks â no prior experience needed. Here's your step-by-step guide.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply now and a member of our admissions team will walk you through everything you need to know.
- Weeks to Graduate
- 12 Weeks
- Next Start Date
- November 21, 2026
- Total Tuition
- $3,250
Becoming a dental assistant in Jacksonville takes 12 weeks: apply, complete hands-on training, gain real-world experience through an externship, finish your program, and start applying for jobs. No prior healthcare experience, degree, or entrance exam required. Here's how each step works.
Become a Dental Assistant in 5 Steps
Dental assistants are in high demand across Jacksonville and the surrounding area. Here's how you can start your new career:
Apply to Jacksonville Dental Assistant School
Fill out our simple application â it takes about a minute. No prerequisites, no entrance exams. Our admissions team will guide you through the rest.
Complete Your Training
In just 12 weeks, you'll learn everything from dental terminology and clinical procedures to hands-on skills in a real dental office. Topics include infection control, chairside assisting, and digital charting.
Gain Real-World Experience
Work in a real dental office through our externship program, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of licensed professionals.
Finish Your Training
Graduate with a Certificate of Completion and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification card through the American Heart Association, plus documented hands-on hours in a real dental office â the experience employers ask about first.
Start Your Career
Our career services team helps connect you with local dental offices that are hiring. We assist with resume preparation, interview coaching, and job placement support.
Why Jacksonville Is a Great Place to Start
Dental assistants are in demand across Jacksonville and NC. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants earn a median annual wage of $48,070, with employment projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025).
12 Weeks
From enrollment to graduation
$3,250 Tuition
Weekly payment plans available â no need to pay it all upfront
Job Placement Support
Resume, interview coaching, and help finding open positions after graduation
No Experience Needed
You don't need any prior healthcare experience or college coursework to enroll. Our program is designed for people from all backgrounds who are ready for a career change. All you need is a desire to learn and a commitment to your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Jacksonville?
At Jacksonville Dental Assistant School, the program runs 12 weeks from enrollment to graduation, combining hands-on training with a real-world externship in a dental office.
What are the requirements to become a dental assistant?
You'll need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED â a U.S. college transcript showing your high school graduation date works too. There's no entrance exam, and no prior healthcare experience or college coursework is required. Contact admissions to confirm the exact enrollment requirements for Jacksonville.
How much does dental assistant training cost in Jacksonville?
Tuition at Jacksonville Dental Assistant School is $3,250. Weekly payment plans are available, so you don't need to pay the full amount upfront. See current tuition and payment plan details.
Is there a faster way to become a dental assistant?
Community college dental assisting programs commonly run 9 to 24 months. Jacksonville Dental Assistant School's 12-week program is built entirely around hands-on clinical training and a real-world externship, without the added general-education coursework those programs typically include.
Ready to start your dental assistant career in Jacksonville? Explore the Jacksonville Dental Assistant School program details or start your application today.
What Are Our Students Saying?
I attended Jacksonville DA School from February-May 2026. The online class work combined with the lab on the weekends made it easy to juggle while being a parent full time. This course has set me up for success, and I was offered a job befâĻ
I honestly was very skeptical of this school at first because there are no reviews or anything. I called and was able to join last minute, I started in April and it was such a great experience! Pam, Our instructor was nothing but amazing, âĻ
Your New Career Starts Here
Start your dental assistant career with Jacksonville Dental Assistant School.
- Mon–Fri
- 9:00am - 8:00pm ET
- Saturday
- 9:00am - 5:00pm ET
- Sunday
- Closed