Can You Take the Medical Assistant Test to Become a Dental Assistant in New York? What You Need to Know
Can You Take the Medical Assistant Test to Become a Dental Assistant in New York? What You Need to Know
Many people in New York looking for fast, stable careers in healthcare wonder if they can take a medical assistant test instead of going through dental assistant training. The short answer is no — medical assisting and dental assisting are two completely different professions, licenses, and exams.
Still, if you’re already a medical assistant or thinking about entering the field, your background can help you transition into dental assisting more quickly. Here’s everything you need to know about the differences, exams, and fastest paths forward.
1. Medical Assistant vs. Dental Assistant: Different Paths, Different Licenses
Although both roles are in healthcare, their daily duties, training requirements, and legal oversight are distinct.
Medical Assistants (MA):
Work in physicians’ offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Take vitals, perform EKGs, handle patient records, give injections, and assist doctors.
Certified through national exams like:
AAMA – Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
NHA – Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
AMT – Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Regulated by medical boards, not the New York State Education Department’s dental division.
Dental Assistants (DA or RDA):
Work in dental offices, orthodontic clinics, or oral surgery centers.
Assist with x-rays, impressions, sterilization, materials, and chairside procedures.
Certified through dental-specific exams such as:
DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) exams
NYPDA (New York Professional Dental Assisting Exam)
Regulated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions.
These two careers may look similar in title but operate under entirely different education and licensing systems.
2. Can You Take the Medical Assistant Test to Work as a Dental Assistant?
No, you cannot substitute a medical assistant exam for a dental assistant credential in New York State.
The medical assistant test (CMA, CCMA, or RMA) only certifies your ability to work in medical or clinical settings under physicians — it does not grant you legal permission to assist dentists or take x-rays.
To become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in New York, you must:
Complete a NYSED-approved dental assisting program or equivalent coursework.
Complete required clinical or externship hours.
Pass DANB or NYPDA exams covering chairside assisting, infection control, and radiography.
3. If You’re Already a Medical Assistant: How to Transition into Dental Assisting
If you’ve already studied or worked as a medical assistant, you have a great head start. Many of your foundational skills — anatomy, infection control, patient care, ethics, and recordkeeping — transfer naturally to dentistry.
To make the transition:
Enroll in a dental assisting certificate program (many in Queens and NYC are under one year).
Complete hands-on externship hours under a dentist’s supervision.
Prepare for and pass the DANB exams or New York’s NYPDA route.
Apply for your RDA license through the NYSED Office of the Professions.
Some dental schools may give you partial credit or advanced standing for your prior medical coursework, especially in anatomy or health sciences.
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 Certification Information (Dental Assisting National Board): https://www.danb.org/state-requirements/new-york-registered-dental-assistant
NYU Dental Assisting Certificate Program: https://dental.nyu.edu/education/dental-hygiene-programs/dental-assisting-certificate-program.html
