Davie, FL Career Guide for Dental Assistants

As a local career analyst who's watched Davie grow from a quiet suburb into a bustling healthcare hub, I can tell you this isn't just another Florida town. It's a strategic location for dental professionals—tucked between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, yet with its own identity and surprisingly strong job market for allied health. If you're considering a move here, you need the real numbers, the local quirks, and the insider knowledge that doesn't make it into glossy brochures.

Davie's dental market is unique. We have the suburban sprawl with families needing routine care, the transient population from nearby universities and hospitals, and a growing senior community. The median salary of $46,406/year for Dental Assistants here sits comfortably above the national average of $44,820/year, but the cost of living—especially housing—demands a strategic approach. With 215 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 7%, the market is stable but competitive. You need to know which clinics are hiring, which neighborhoods won't eat your paycheck, and how to navigate Florida's specific licensing requirements.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida Department of Health, and my own analysis of local job postings and real estate trends. No fluff, no speculation—just what you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

The salary landscape for Dental Assistants in Davie is more nuanced than the top-line number suggests. While the median salary of $46,406/year and hourly rate of $22.31/hour are solid, your actual earning potential depends heavily on experience, certification, and the type of practice you target. Davie's job market is dominated by general and family dentistry practices, with some specialty clinics in orthodontics and oral surgery.

Here’s how earnings break down by experience level, based on aggregated local job postings and industry reports:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Hourly Equivalent	Common Employers in Davie
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	$17.31 - $19.23	High-volume corporate clinics, new private practices
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$42,000 - $49,000	$20.19 - $23.56	Established private practices, some specialty offices
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$50,000 - $58,000	$24.04 - $27.88	High-end cosmetic practices, practice management roles
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$58,000+	$27.88+	Lead DA in large practices, corporate trainers, specialty centers

How Davie Compares to Other Florida Cities:
Davie sits in a sweet spot. It's more lucrative than smaller Florida markets like Pensacola or Tallahassee but lags behind major metros like Miami (where the median can hit $48,000) and Tampa ($47,500). However, when you factor in the commute, Davie's location is strategic. You're 20-30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale's higher-paying specialty clinics (like those on Las Olas) and 35-45 minutes from Miami's premium practices. Many Davie-based DAs work in Fort Lauderdale but choose to live here for the slightly lower rent and more family-friendly environment.

Insider Tip: The $46,406 median is heavily influenced by the prevalence of corporate dental groups (like Heartland Dental or Aspen Dental affiliates) in the area. These offer structured pay scales and benefits but may cap your growth. Private practices, while less common, often pay 10-15% more for experienced DAs with strong patient rapport.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about the math. A median salary of $46,406 sounds reasonable until you break it down for Davie's specific cost of living.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Individual Dental Assistant:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $46,406 / 12 = $3,867
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~25% = $967
• Net Monthly Income: $2,900

Monthly Expenses (Davie Averages):

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,621
• Utilities (electric, water, internet): $180
• Car Payment & Insurance: $450 (Davie is car-dependent)
• Groceries: $350
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-covered): $200
• Miscellaneous (gas, personal care, etc.): $300
• Total Monthly Expenses: $3,101

The Bottom Line: You're running a $201 monthly deficit on the median salary. This is the reality check. To live comfortably as a single person, you need to either:

1. Secure a mid-to-senior level position (earning closer to $50,000+), or
2. Share housing to reduce rent, or
3. Live in a more affordable neighborhood (see below).

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On a $46,406 salary, buying a home in Davie is extremely challenging. The median home price in Davie is approximately $425,000. A 20% down payment is $85,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, $14,875), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $2,400-$2,600—consuming nearly all your net income. This is not feasible for a single median earner without significant savings or a dual income.

Insider Tip: Many local DAs achieve homeownership by partnering with a spouse or partner, or by living in shared housing for 3-5 years to aggressively save for a down payment. Some also look at adjacent, more affordable towns like Cooper City or Southwest Ranches for starter homes.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie's dental job market is compact but diverse. The town is served by a handful of large employers and numerous private practices. Hiring is steady, but turnover is lower in the established private clinics.

Major Local Employers for Dental Assistants:

1. Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Dental Medicine: Located right in Davie, this is a major employer. They hire DAs for their patient care centers, which serve the public at reduced rates. It's a great place to gain experience with complex cases and a diverse patient population. They often have openings for Entry to Mid-Level DAs. Benefits are excellent (including tuition remission for further education).
2. Heartland Dental (Multiple Practices): Heartland operates several affiliated practices in Davie and nearby Plantation. They are a large corporate employer with standardized pay scales and benefits packages. Hiring is frequent, and they often recruit directly from dental assisting schools. Good for new grads seeking stability.
3. Davie Dental Care (Private Practice): A well-established, family-owned practice on Stirling Road. Known for a strong community reputation. They typically hire for experienced DAs (Mid-Level and above) and value long-term employees. Less turnover here means openings are rare but coveted.
4. Broward Health Medical Center: While the main hospital is in Fort Lauderdale, its affiliated clinics and outreach programs serve Davie. They hire DAs for oral surgery and pediatric dental departments. These positions come with hospital benefits and higher pay but often require BLS certification and hospital experience.
5. Aspen Dental (Davie Location): Part of a large national chain. They have high patient volume and frequent openings. The environment is fast-paced, which is excellent for building speed and efficiency. Pay is competitive for the mid-range, and they offer clear advancement paths to office manager roles.
6. South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (SOFOMS): Located in neighboring Plantation but serving all of central Broward County. They specialize in oral surgery and implantology. They hire DAs with surgical assisting experience or a Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Assistant (COMSA) credential. Pay is at the higher end ($50,000+).
7. Various Pediatric Dental Practices: Davie has several dedicated pediatric offices (e.g., Davie Pediatric Dentistry). These practices often seek DAs with patience, a fun demeanor, and sometimes a background in child care. They may offer slightly different hours to accommodate school schedules.

Hiring Trends: The market favors DAs who are EFDA-certified (Expanded Function Dental Assistant) or have experience with digital scanners (iTero, Trios). There's a noticeable push toward teledentistry support roles in larger groups, where DAs handle patient coordination and remote monitoring. The 7% job growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of corporate dental groups into suburban markets like Davie.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has specific, non-negotiable requirements for Dental Assistants. Unlike some states, Florida does not have a formal "Dental Assistant" license, but it has strict radiation safety and infection control mandates.

Key Requirements & Costs:

1. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: Required for all DAs in Florida. Must be from the American Heart Association (AHA). Cost: $75-$125 for the course. Timeline: 1-day course, valid for 2 years.
2. Radiation Safety Course: To legally take dental X-rays, you must complete a Florida Board of Dentistry-approved radiation safety course. This is a critical credential. Cost: $200-$400. Timeline: Typically a 2-day course. You cannot take X-rays without this.
3. Infection Control Course: Florida requires a specific course on infection control. Cost: $100-$200. Timeline: Often completed online in 4-6 hours.
4. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA): While not required by the state, most employers prefer or require certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This involves passing three exams (Infection Control, General Chairside, Radiation Health & Safety). Exam Costs: ~$400 total. Timeline: Study time varies; can be completed in 3-6 months.

Total Estimated Startup Cost: $800 - $1,200 (excluding the cost of a formal dental assisting program, which can range from $5,000 at a community college to $15,000 at a private school).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Fast Track (Already Certified): 1-2 weeks to get BLS and Florida-specific courses done, apply for jobs immediately.
• New Graduate (From an Accredited Program): 1-2 months to complete state-mandated courses and secure BLS, then start job hunting.
• On-the-Job Training: Some private practices will hire you as a "Dental Assistant Trainee" and guide you through the required courses while you work. This is less common but exists, especially in high-turnover corporate settings.

Insider Tip: The radiation safety course is your golden ticket. Take it as soon as possible. Many employers will not consider you for a full chairside role without it. Check the Florida Board of Dentistry website for the most current list of approved providers. Broward College often offers these courses at a lower cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Assistants

Choosing where to live in Davie impacts your budget and commute. The town is divided by I-595, with North and South Davie having different vibes and price points.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
North Davie (near NSU/595)	Young, professional, near major employers (NSU, corporate clinics). Quick access to Fort Lauderdale.	$1,700 - $1,900	DAs working at NSU or commuting to Ft. Lauderdale. Higher rent but saves commute time.
South Davie (near Stirling Rd)	Family-oriented, quieter, more suburban. Closer to private practices and older residential areas.	$1,500 - $1,700	DAs seeking a calmer environment, families, or those working at local private clinics.
Davie Ridge	Older, affordable apartments and condos. Central location, no-frills living.	$1,400 - $1,600	Entry-level DAs on a tight budget. A practical starting point.
Cooper City (Adjacent)	Technically a separate town, but a 5-minute drive. Excellent schools, very safe, slightly higher rents.	$1,650 - $1,850	DAs with families or those prioritizing safety and top-rated schools.
Davie Parklands	A mix of single-family homes and townhomes. More spacious but less rental inventory.	$1,550 - $1,750	DAs wanting a bit more space, willing to be in a less "apartment-heavy" area.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-595 during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can add 20 minutes to any commute. If you work in Fort Lauderdale, living in North Davie or even Plantation (just east) might be worth the slightly higher rent to avoid the daily grind. For those working locally, South Davie offers better value and a quieter home life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 7% in the Davie metro is steady, not explosive. To outpace that growth and increase your earnings significantly, you need to specialize or move into management.

Specialty Premiums:

• Oral Surgery Assistant: Can command $52,000 - $60,000+. Requires additional training and often COMSA certification.
• Orthodontic Assistant: Typically $48,000 - $55,000. Focus is on brackets, wires, and patient education.
• Pediatric Dental Assistant: Similar pay range to general, but highly valued for their patience and rapport with children.
• EFDA (Expanded Function Dental Assistant): Can perform restorative procedures (fillings, sealants) under supervision. Adds $5,000 - $8,000 to your salary and makes you indispensable.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Leadership: Become a Lead DA, overseeing other assistants and inventory. ($50,000 - $58,000)
2. Practice Management: Transition to Office Manager. This requires knowledge of billing, scheduling, and HR. Many DAs take business courses at Broward College to prepare. ($55,000 - $70,000+)
3. Education: Become a clinical instructor at a dental assisting program (like at Broward College or Atlantic Technical College). Requires experience and often an associate's degree.
4. Further Education: Use your DA experience as a springboard to become a Dental Hygienist. This is a common and lucrative path. Hygienists in Davie earn $65,000 - $80,000+, but it requires 2-3 years of additional schooling.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for DAs will remain strong due to Florida's growing population and the expansion of corporate dental chains. However, the most secure and highest-paid positions will go to those with EFDA certification, specialty experience, or management skills. The DA role is not a dead-end job here; it's a versatile foundation for a long-term career in dentistry.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary compared to national average.	High cost of living, especially housing. A $46,406 salary is tight for a single person.
Strong job market with 215 jobs and steady 7% growth.	Car-dependent. Public transportation is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Strategic location between Fort Lauderdale and Miami for career options.	Summer humidity and heat can be intense if you're not from a tropical climate.
Diverse employer base: corporate, private, university, and hospital-affiliated.	Competitive market for the best positions (private practices, specialty clinics).
Family-friendly suburbs with good schools in adjacent areas.	Hurricane risk and associated insurance costs.

Final Recommendation:
Davie is a strong "maybe" for a Dental Assistant, heavily dependent on your experience level and personal financial situation.

• Go for it if: You are a mid-level DA or higher (making $48,000+), are willing to have roommates or live in a budget-friendly neighborhood, and value a suburban lifestyle with easy access to major city amenities. The job market is solid, and the career growth paths are clear.
• Reconsider if: You are an entry-level DA on a single income. The math on a **$46,4