Jonathan BensonIf you’re planning a career in dentistry and want to study near Fort Lauderdale, FL, you’re in the right place. The Fort Lauderdale area and nearby South Florida region offer a mix of accredited dental schools, dental assisting programs, dental hygiene tracks, and support-focused degrees that can launch your dental career — from entry-level roles to full Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) programs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 dental education paths in Fort Lauderdale, including program types, costs, duration, career outcomes, and how to choose the right one for you.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Fort Lauderdale And Fees
1. Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (Fort Lauderdale)
One of the premier dental schools in Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) offers a full Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program — ideal if your goal is to become a licensed dentist.
Program Type: Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
Duration: 4 years
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $83,782 per year (tuition only). Total costs with housing, books, and supplies can exceed $100,000 per year.
Why Choose NSU?
- High-quality clinic experiences in the community.
- Strong research opportunities and specialty programs.
- Excellent board exam pass rates.
Best For: Future dentists seeking a full D.M.D. degree with hands-on clinical training.
2. Broward College Dental Support Programs
Broward College provides associate degrees and certificates in dental support fields, such as dental assisting. This is ideal for students starting their careers in dental hygiene or assisting roles.
Program Type: Associate Degrees / Dental Support Services
Duration: ~2 years
Tuition & Fees: Around $2,830 per year for in-state students.
Why Choose Broward College?
- Affordable tuition for quality programs.
- Flexible scheduling for working students.
- Strong regional recognition.
Best For: Students who want entry-level dental careers or plan to transfer to a dental hygiene school.
3. South Florida Dental Assisting School
This school specializes in dental assisting programs, offering hands-on skills to support dentists in clinical settings.South Florida Dental Assisting School is a specialized institution offering comprehensive dental assisting programs. With a focus on hands-on training, students gain practical skills to support dentists in clinical settings, preparing them for rewarding careers in dental care.
Program Type: Dental Assistant Certificate
Duration: 9–12 months
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $4,250 total.
Why Choose This School?
- Short, practical training for workforce readiness.
- High job placement rates for graduates.
Best For: Students seeking quick entry into dental careers without long-term commitment.
4. Fort Lauderdale Technical College – Dental Assisting Program
The local technical college offers comprehensive training in dental assisting technology and management, preparing students for office and clinical roles.
Program Type: Technical Certificate
Duration: ~1 year
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $14,330 for non-resident tuition.
Why Choose This Program?
- Strong management and clinical skills focus.
- Builds a foundation for dental office leadership.
Best For: Students wanting technical dental training with management experience.
5. Palm Beach State College – Dental Support Program
Located nearby in Lake Worth, Palm Beach State College offers an associate degree in dental support, providing a strong foundation for entry-level dental careers.
Program Type: Associate Degree (Dental Support)
Duration: ~2 years
Tuition & Fees: ~$3,050 per year for in-state students.
Best For: Students seeking an affordable degree with strong support credentials.
6. Nova Southeastern University – Dental Hygiene Track
NSU also offers dental hygiene programs, which are perfect for students aiming to work directly with patients in preventive care.Nova Southeastern University’s Dental Hygiene Track offers comprehensive programs preparing students for careers in preventive care. With a focus on hands-on training and patient interaction, graduates are equipped to work directly with patients, promoting oral health and wellness.
Program Type: Dental Hygiene
Duration: 2–3 years (associate or bachelor’s track)
Tuition & Fees: ~$20,000–$40,000 per year (varies by program).
Why Choose This Track?
- High demand for dental hygienists.
- Hands-on clinical experience with patients.
Best For: Students interested in preventive care and patient-facing dental roles.
7. Private Dental Assisting Trade Schools
Several private trade schools in Fort Lauderdale offer dental assisting certificates with flexible scheduling and specialized certifications.
Program Type: Dental Assisting Certificate
Duration: 3–12 months
Tuition & Fees: $4,000–$7,000 for full programs.
Why Choose These Schools?
- Quick path to dental assisting employment.
- Specialized certifications in areas like radiography.
Best For: Adults or career changers seeking certification quickly.
8. Health Career Prep Programs (Fort Lauderdale Area)
Community programs and prep courses help students prepare for dental school entrance exams (DAT) or strengthen applications for dental programs.
Program Type: Prep / Support Courses
Tuition & Fees: Varies (generally lower than full degree programs).
Best For: Pre-dental students preparing for D.M.D. or dental hygiene programs.
9. University of Florida – College of Dentistry
Though not in Fort Lauderdale, UF College of Dentistry is a top choice for Florida residents seeking a highly respected D.M.D. program.University of Florida’s College of Dentistry is a top-ranked program in the state, offering a highly respected D.M.D. degree. With a strong focus on clinical training and research, UF prepares students for successful dental careers, making it a great choice for Florida residents.
Program Type: Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
Duration: 4 years
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state: ~$41,720/year
- Out-of-state: ~$70,848/year
Why Choose UF?
- Lower tuition for Florida residents.
- Established reputation and strong board pass rates.
Best For: Students open to relocating within Florida for a D.M.D. program.
10. Continuing Dental Education Providers (Fort Lauderdale Area)
Various Fort Lauderdale-area providers offer continuing education (CE) courses for licensed dental professionals, including specialty workshops.
Program Type: CE / Specialty Workshops
Tuition & Fees: Varies by course.
Best For: Licensed dental professionals seeking continuing education credits or specialty training.
Comparison Table: Dental Programs & Fees (Fort Lauderdale Area)
| School / Program | Type | Duration | Approx. Tuition / Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine | D.M.D. | 4 yrs | ~$83,782+ / yr | Future Dentists |
| Broward College Dental Support | Associate Degree | ~2 yrs | ~$2,830/yr | Dental Support |
| South Florida Dental Assisting School | Certificate | ~9–12 mo | ~$4,250 total | Dental Assisting |
| Fort Lauderdale Technical College Dental Assisting | Certificate | ~1 yr | ~$14,330* | Assisting & Management |
| Palm Beach State College Dental Support | Associate | ~2 yrs | ~$3,050/yr | Support Roles |
| NSU Dental Hygiene | Dental Hygiene | 2–3 yrs | ~$20k–$40k/yr | Preventive Dentistry |
| Private Dental Assisting Trade Schools | Certificate | <1 yr | ~$4k–$7k | Quick Entry |
| Health Career Prep Courses | Prep / Support | Variable | Varies | Pre-Dental Prep |
| University of Florida College of Dentistry | D.M.D. | 4 yrs | ~$41,720–$70,848/yr | Florida Residents |
| Continuing Dental Education Providers | CE | Variable | Varies | Licensed Professionals |
*Non-resident or special program fees; confirm with institution.
What You Should Know Before Choosing a Dental School
Before diving into the top programs, consider:
- Tuition varies widely — from ~$4,000 for dental assisting certificates to $80,000+ per year for D.M.D. programs.
- Accreditation is key — ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Living expenses are often extra and should be included in your budget.
- Some programs focus on support roles, while others prepare you to become a licensed dentist.
Conclusion
Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida region offer a wide range of dental education options, from prestigious D.M.D. programs to affordable, entry-level dental assisting certificates. Whether you aim to lead a dental practice or support one behind the scenes, there’s a program to match your career ambitions and budget.
Before choosing, consider:
- Career goals (dentist, hygienist, assistant, or prep)
- Budget and financial planning
- Accreditation and program reputation
- Housing and living expenses
Choose the path that aligns with your vision for a rewarding dental career.