Dental Assistant Programs in Coral Springs, FL: Blended Online and Clinical Training
Broward Dental Academy offers dental assistant programs in Coral Springs, FL, from its academy at 8888 Royal Palm Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33065, serving Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Programs combine online lessons, clinical immersion, and in-office internships so graduates are practice-ready, not just test-ready. Seven courses run from entry-level Dental Assistant Level 01 through specialty tracks in periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery.
If you are searching for dental assistant programs near you, you probably want two things at once: training that fits around work, family, and commute, and the fastest realistic path to being job-ready in a real dental office. This page explains exactly what we offer, how the blended model works, who teaches, what Florida requires, and how to enroll.
Key takeaways
- What does Broward Dental Academy teach?
Dental assisting, from Level 01 chairside fundamentals through Level 03 expanded functions, plus specialty courses in periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics and oral surgery — seven courses at one Coral Springs location. - How is the training delivered?
Blended: online lessons for theory, supervised clinical immersion for hands-on skills, and an in-office internship in a real practice with real patients. - What credentials does Florida require?
Florida ties requirements to tasks, so radiography and expanded functions need documented training while general chairside duties do not. - Where is the school?
Coral Springs, Florida, serving students across Broward County and South Florida.
What courses does Broward Dental Academy offer?
Broward Dental Academy offers seven dental assistant programs in Coral Springs: Dental Assistant Level 01, Level 02, and Level 03, plus four specialty programs in Periodontics, Endodontics, Orthodontics, and Oral Surgery. Each course page lists the instructor, duration, tuition, and next start date. Enrollment status is shown on each course below.
Not sure where to start? Most students begin with Level 01 or Level 02, then add a specialty once they are working. If a course you want is currently full, contact us to be notified when the next cohort opens.
Seven courses, one Coral Springs location
Dental Assistant Level 01
(Enrollment Open)
Dental Assistant Level 02
(Enrollment Open)
Dental Assistant Level 03
(Enrollment Filled)
Periodontics
(Enrollment Filled)
Endodontics
(Enrollment Filled)
Orthodontics
(Enrollment Filled)
Oral Surgery
(Enrollment Filled)
Not sure which course?
(Compare all seven)
Ready to apply?
(Enrollment Application)
Flexible scheduling and flexible financing options are available so you can train without putting life on hold. Ask about current terms when you contact us or call 954-761-5388.
How does the blended training model work?
(online lessons + clinical immersion + in-office internship)
Broward Dental Academy trains through three connected stages: eLearning lesson plans for theory you can study remotely, clinical immersion in a training environment for hands-on competencies, and in-office internships in a working dental practice. Students are engaged in a clinical setting from early in the program, not only at the end.
Dental assisting is a clinical job. A program that promises no hands-on time is not preparing you for it, which is why every Broward Dental Academy course includes supervised clinical practice.
1. Online lessons
theory you study remotely
Best for building the knowledge base: terminology, anatomy, infection control theory, procedure sequences, patient care concepts, and compliance topics.
What you study online
- Dental terminology, anatomy, and materials
- Infection control and compliance theory
- Procedure sequences and patient care concepts
How it fits your life
- Study on your schedule, with progress check-ins
- Structured lessons, so you always know what done looks like
Online lessons carry the theory so your in-person time is spent on skills, not slides.
2. Clinical immersion
hands-on skills, supervised
Best for turning knowledge into muscle memory. Skills are practiced under instructor supervision until they feel natural.
Skills you practice
- Instrument identification, tray setups, and transfer
- Operatory setup, turnover, and sterilization
- Four-handed dentistry and radiography positioning
How they are checked off
- Instructor-supervised skills check-offs
- Repetition with feedback on every core skill
- Measurable competencies, so nothing is left to guesswork
Repetition with feedback is what removes first-day panic when you start in a real office.
3. In-office internship
(real practice, real patients)
Best for proving you are job-ready. You work alongside a dentist and hygienists in a working practice with real patient flow and real time pressure.
What the internship adds
- Real patient flow and teamwork
- Real time pressure and communication
- A working interview with a potential employer
How to make it count
- Be early, every day
- Take feedback without defensiveness
- Document your competencies as you go
- Ask what you can do to help the room run smoother
What does a dental assistant actually do?
A dental assistant keeps a dental office running smoothly while supporting the dentist and protecting the patient experience. Typical duties include chairside assisting, instrument setup and tray preparation, suctioning and retraction, charting and documentation, sterilization and operatory turnover, patient communication, and, where trained and permitted in Florida, radiographs and impressions.
01
Day-to-day responsibilities you should expect
Most entry-level dental assistants do a mix of:
- Chairside assisting during procedures
- Instrument setup and tray preparation
- Suctioning and retraction
- Charting and documentation
- Impressions (where allowed and trained)
- Sterilization and operatory turnover (a crucial aspect where understanding infection control and sterilization is essential)
- Patient communication and comfort support
- Scheduling support (in some offices, there is overlap with “dental office assistant” tasks)
02
Clinical setting realities (the part brochures do not emphasize)
A dental office is a production environment. You will be expected to move with purpose while staying calm and accurate.
- The pace can be quick, especially in high-volume general dentistry.
- You will work closely with a dentist and often hygienists.
- Patient anxiety is common, so tone and reassurance matter.
- Small details matter. A missed step in infection control or documentation can become a serious issue.
03
What Broward Dental Academy training covers
Every course builds these habits deliberately:
- Infection control and sterilization
- Dental anatomy and terminology
- Dental materials and instrument identification
- Radiography fundamentals and the Florida training pathway
- Patient safety and communication
- Documentation, professionalism, and clinical workflow
04
Where the role can go
You might start as a general chairside assistant, then move toward:
- Specialty assisting in periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, or oral surgery
- Expanded functions under Florida Board-approved training (Level 03)
- Lead assistant and office operations roles
Who are these programs for?
Broward Dental Academy programs are built for career changers entering healthcare, working adults who need flexible scheduling, current dental assistants who want expanded functions or a specialty, and dental practices seeking better-prepared team members. Most students live in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties and train around existing jobs and family obligations.
Level 01 is for you if
- You have no dental background
- You want the fastest structured route into an entry-level chairside role
- You need training that fits around a job or family
Level 02 is for you if
You already assist and want more from the role.
- You want more responsibility and elevated duties under supervision
- You want better speed and accuracy chairside
- You are positioning for a raise or a lead role
Level 03 is for you if
You meet the Florida experience prerequisite for expanded functions training.
- You are an experienced assistant or a hygienist
- You want to legally perform restorative functions under a dentist’s supervision
- You want Florida Board-approved training built to the rule’s clock-hour and exam requirements
A specialty course is for you if
You want to differentiate yourself quickly. Specialty practices hire assistants who already know their workflows.
What credentials do dental assistants need in Florida?
Florida does not license entry-level dental assistants; they work under a dentist’s supervision. However, the Florida Board of Dentistry requires Board-approved training before an assistant can expose dental radiographs, and Board-approved formal training before performing expanded functions. National certification such as DANB’s CDA is voluntary in Florida but valued by many employers.
Three kinds of credentials, and what each one means
Program completion certificate
Proof you finished a school’s curriculum. Every Broward Dental Academy course issues one.
Professional certification
A recognized national credential earned by exam, such as the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Voluntary in Florida, but a recognized signal of competence.
Florida Board-approved training
Florida requires Board-approved training for specific duties: dental radiography, and expanded functions such as restorative procedures. Our Level 03 course is built to that rule.
Common role labels you will see
RDA (Registered Dental Assistant): a state registration used in some other states. Florida does not use this designation.
CDA (Certified Dental Assistant): a national credential from the Dental Assisting National Board, earned by exam. Not required in Florida, but valued by many employers.
EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant): Florida-specific, Board-approved coursework that legally permits additional duties. Our Level 03 course is built for this pathway.
Where dental x-ray training fits
Florida requires Board-approved radiography training before an assistant may take x-rays, and radiography is a major employability factor. Ask us how it is handled in the course you are considering.
A quality program is transparent about:
- Whether radiography is included
- Whether additional steps are needed after graduation
- How compliance and safety standards are taught
Where to read the full breakdown
OSHA, HIPAA, continuing education, and Florida rule citations are covered in depth on these pages:
Certifications: dental program certifications and Florida dental assistant credentials, explained.
Licensing and compliance guide: dental certifications, licensing, and compliance for Florida dental assistants.
Level 03: Florida expanded functions training
Built to Florida’s rule for restorative expanded functions, including its clock-hour and examination requirements. See the Level 03 course.
Who teaches at Broward Dental Academy?
Programs are led by Professor Harry Panahi, a Florida-licensed general dentist with hospital-based residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Anesthesiology at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the University of Miami’s primary teaching hospital, and an active adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Faculty also includes Dr. Golsheed Zeiarati, a published pharmacologist and adjunct professor at Florida International University.
Professor Harry Panahi
Dr. Panahi’s clinical focus during residency included trauma care, anesthesia management, and reconstructive surgery. He mentors post-doctoral dentists at NSU and brings the same evidence-based approach to dental assistant training.
- Florida-licensed general dentist
- Hospital residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital (University of Miami)
- Adjunct Professor, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
- Excellence of Practice Award, Implant Dentistry Award, Clinician’s Award
Dr. Golsheed Zeiarati
Dr. Zeiarati’s instruction on medication safety and pharmacology supports the specialty tracks in periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery.
- Master of Science in Pharmacy, University of Toronto
- PhD, Florida International University College of Medicine (valedictorian)
- Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology, Florida International University
Where is Broward Dental Academy located, and when is it open?
Broward Dental Academy is located at 8888 Royal Palm Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33065, in Broward County. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 954-761-5388 or use the contact form to schedule a visit. All in-person classes and clinical sessions take place at this single location.
Students commute from Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Parkland, Tamarac, Margate, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and northern Miami-Dade and southern Palm Beach counties. Online lessons can be completed from anywhere.
How do I enroll?
Enrollment takes three steps: choose your course, submit the online enrollment application, and speak with our team to confirm your start date, schedule, and payment plan. Level 01 and Level 02 are the usual entry points; Level 03 and specialty courses have prerequisites listed on their pages.
Step 1
Choose a course
- Review the seven courses
- Read the course page for tuition, duration, instructor, and next start date
- Start with Level 01 or Level 02 if you are new to dentistry
Step 2
Apply online
Complete the enrollment application. It takes a few minutes and does not commit you to anything.
- Basic contact and background details
- Which course you are interested in
- Your preferred schedule
Step 3
Talk to us
- We confirm eligibility and any prerequisites
- We walk through the schedule and financing options
- Call 954-761-5388 or send us a message
Before your first day, plan for CPR certification if your course requires it, immunization and health documentation, any background check requirements, and reliable transportation for clinical days and internship shifts. Already enrolled? Log in to the student portal.
How should I compare dental assistant programs in Coral Springs?
Compare dental assistant programs in Coral Springs on five things: total hands-on hours and how skills are checked off, externship or internship quality and placement support, whether the training matches Florida credential requirements, written total cost and refund policy, and student support after graduation. Here is how Broward Dental Academy answers each.
For a fuller guide, read How to Choose the Right Dental Assistant School in Florida.
Check 1
Hands-on time
How we answer it:
- Supervised clinical immersion in every course
- Instructor-led skills check-offs
- An in-office internship, not just a lab
Check 2
Placement support
How we answer it:
- Internships coordinated in working dental practices
- The internship doubles as a working interview
- Help with paperwork and scheduling
Check 3
Florida alignment
How we answer it:
- Curriculum built around what Florida practices require
- Radiography pathway addressed in each course
- Level 03 built to Florida’s expanded functions rule
Check 4
Cost transparency
How we answer it:
- Tuition and duration published on every course page
- Ask for a written total cost before you enroll
- Flexible financing options available
Check 5
Instructor access
How we answer it:
- Licensed clinicians and university faculty
- Instructors you can actually reach
- Feedback built into every stage
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to become a dental assistant in Coral Springs, FL?
The fastest realistic path is a structured blended program that combines online theory with supervised clinical practice and an in-office internship, such as Dental Assistant Level 01 at Broward Dental Academy. Duration is listed on the course page. Programs that skip hands-on training are faster on paper but leave graduates unprepared for real practice.
Do I need a license to be a dental assistant in Florida?
No. Florida does not license entry-level dental assistants; you work under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Florida does require Board-approved training before you may take dental x-rays, and Board-approved formal training before you may perform expanded functions. Broward Dental Academy courses are built with those Florida requirements in mind.
Can I complete dental assistant training online?
You can complete the theory portion online, and Broward Dental Academy delivers lessons through eLearning so you can study remotely. Clinical competencies, skills check-offs, and the in-office internship must be done in person. A program that is 100 percent online cannot make you job-ready for a clinical role.
What is the difference between Dental Assistant Level 01, 02, and 03?
Level 01 is the entry-level foundation for people new to dentistry. Level 02 is advanced chairside training for assistants who want more responsibility and higher performance. Level 03 is Florida expanded functions training for experienced assistants and hygienists who meet the state’s prerequisites and want to perform restorative functions.
How much do the programs cost?
Tuition and duration are published on each course page rather than on this page, so you always see the current figure for the course you want. Flexible financing options are available. Ask us for a written total cost, including any supplies, scrubs, CPR, or exam fees, before you enroll.
Do you help students find internships or jobs?
Yes. In-office internships are a built-in part of the training model and are coordinated in working dental practices. The internship functions as a working interview, and many assistants receive their first offer from the practice where they trained. Ask our team about current placement partners when you enroll.
Who teaches the courses?
Courses are led by Professor Harry Panahi, a Florida-licensed dentist with hospital residency training in oral surgery and dental anesthesiology and an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Golsheed Zeiarati, a pharmacologist and adjunct professor at Florida International University, also teaches. Full profiles are on the About page.
Where do students come from?
Most students live in Broward County, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Parkland, Tamarac, Pompano Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, along with northern Miami-Dade and southern Palm Beach counties. Online lessons can be completed from anywhere; in-person sessions take place at our Coral Springs location.
Ready to start?
Your future in dentistry starts with one step.
Review the seven courses, then apply online or call 954-761-5388 to talk through your options with our team.
Broward Dental Academy
8888 Royal Palm Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33065
Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm
