In today’s economy, individuals seeking a new career or retraining in a different field are finding that one role consistently offers strong job prospects and competitive pay: Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA). While the title may sound like it requires years of education, students can become certified and start working in the field within six months through professional training programs like those at the Academy for Dental Assistants in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Tampa Bay Dental Assistant School Expands to Meet Growing Demand
To meet the rising need for certified dental assistants, the Academy for Dental Assistants has started construction on a new, state-of-the-art training facility in St. Petersburg. The expansion will accommodate more students and continue delivering high-quality education. In the meantime, classes continue at the current campus.
Students travel from all over Florida — including Miami, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Pensacola — to attend the Academy. This is largely due to its flexible hybrid format. Lecture and theory are delivered online, so students can study when it suits them. The hands-on, clinical portion is completed in person once a week. This offers great convenience for working adults and those with families.
A Program Designed for Every Learner
Ronda Miller, Director of the Academy and a licensed dental hygienist, created the curriculum after 23 years in the field. Her mission was to make dental assistant training effective for all learning styles. Since 2001, she has certified over 2,000 dental assistants in Florida. She also recognized that hands-on learning works best for many students. As a result, she designed a program that blends both online and in-person instruction.
Affordable, Fast, and State-Approved
The Academy’s programs are approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry. They include both certifications required to work in the state: Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) and Dental Radiology. The full program is priced at $2,295, which is far more affordable than other local options. Competing schools charge anywhere from $5,000 to $18,000. Payment plans are also available.
Compared to longer programs that take 8 to 14 months, students at the Academy can be certified and working in as little as six months. According to PayScale, EFDA professionals earn an average of $18.25 per hour. Experienced dental assistants can make up to $55,000 per year or more, depending on location and practice type.
Real Student Success
Graduate Alexandria Gonsman shared: “The teachers were very sweet and helpful. They made sure you understood what you were doing before moving on. The class included lots of hands-on activity, which made it easier to learn. I would recommend this class to anyone.”
Meeting the Industry’s Growing Needs
Besides EFDA and Dental Radiology, the Academy now offers Orthodontic Assisting and refresher courses. These programs are ideal for previously trained dental assistants moving to Florida who need certification. All courses are offered in the same hybrid format.
About the Academy for Dental Assistants
Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Academy for Dental Assistants is approved by the Florida Board of Dentistry. It offers certification programs including EFDA and Dental Radiology. All courses combine online learning with in-person training.
Contact Information:
Academy for Dental Assistants
4911 Park Street North, Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Phone: (727) 914-0599
Email: info@academy4da.com
Website: www.academy4da.com
About the Director
Ronda Miller is the Director of the Academy for Dental Assistants. She is a dental hygienist with 23 years of experience. In 2001, she began teaching and wrote the curriculum for the program. She later presented it to the Florida Board of Dentistry for approval. Since then, she has certified more than 2,000 dental assistants.
Miller holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Family Mediator for the Supreme Court, and a Parenting Coordinator. She says, “Having a background in psychology helps me understand our students’ needs and guide them toward success.”
