Can I just take the medical assistant test?
Can I just take the medical assistant test?
In New York State, you cannot become a dental assistant by taking the medical assistant test — they are two completely different career paths, credentials, and regulatory frameworks.
Here’s what that means for you:
1. Medical Assistant vs. Dental Assistant
Medical Assistant (MA)
Works primarily in doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Assists with vital signs, injections, EKGs, blood draws, and charting.
Governed by medical or clinical assisting standards, often certified by national bodies like:
AAMA (Certified Medical Assistant – CMA)
NHA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant – CCMA)
AMT (Registered Medical Assistant – RMA).
Overseen by medical boards, not the New York State Education Department’s dental division.
Dental Assistant (DA / RDA)
Works in dental offices or oral surgery clinics.
Assists dentists chairside, manages sterilization, prepares instruments, mixes materials, takes impressions, and may take x-rays (if certified).
Overseen by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions, specifically the Dentistry Board.
Certification typically goes through DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) or the NYPDA exam, not a medical assistant test.
2. You Can Hold Both Certifications — But They’re Separate
If you want, you can study as a medical assistant and also later become a dental assistant, but you’ll need to complete separate schooling and exams for each.
MA certification does not transfer into dental assisting.
Likewise, being an RDA does not qualify you to work as a medical assistant in a physician’s office.
3. If You’re Already a Medical Assistant
If you’ve already completed a medical assistant program, that background can help you transition into dental assisting more easily. You’ll already have key skills such as:
Infection control
Anatomy & physiology
Patient care & ethics
Office procedures
However, to become a dental assistant in New York, you’d still need:
Dental-specific coursework (radiography, chairside assisting, restorative materials, etc.)
Hands-on dental clinic or externship hours
To pass DANB / NYPDA exams for RDA licensing.
If you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!
What are the best Dental Schools?
What is the highest paying dental assistant specialty?
https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-dental-assistants/license-requirements
DANB Dental Assistant Certification Info – https://www.danb.org/state-requirements/new-york-registered-dental-assistant
