How to Switch from Medical Assistant to Dental Assistant in 6 Steps (Queens, NY 2025 Guide)
How to Switch from Medical Assistant to Dental Assistant in 6 Steps (Queens, NY 2025 Guide)
Step 1: Assess Your Current Qualifications & Skills
You already have training as a Medical Assistant (MA), so you likely have useful foundational skills: anatomy, infection control, patient communication, basic clinical procedures.
Check whether your MA program included biomedical science coursework that could be credited toward dental curricula. Some overlap (e.g. anatomy, physiology) might reduce the hours you need.
Make sure you meet the minimum eligibility for a dental assisting program: in New York, to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. DANB
If you don’t already have those, that needs to be your first small hurdle.
Step 2: Choose a Dental Assisting Program in Queens / NYC That Prepares You for Licensure
To practice legally as a dental assistant in NY, especially to perform expanded functions, you’ll need a program that aligns with NY State’s RDA education requirements. DANB+1
Here are local programs you might consider:
Queensborough Community College (CUNY) — a 60-hour “Dental Assistant” certificate program combining theory + hands-on labs + externship. Queensborough Community College
Dental Auxiliary Training Center (DATC), Queens location — offers evening / clinical classes in Queens. Dental Auxiliary Training Center
NYSMDA (New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants) — they run dental assistant programs (e.g. 10-month) with clinical training in NYC / Queens area. https://www.nysmda.com/+1
Lehman College (Bronx, accessible to Queens residents) — 80-hour training + 40-hour externship. lehman.edu
NYU College of Dentistry — they offer a 6-month Dental Assisting Certificate program (selective). dental.nyu.edu
When selecting a program, verify that it is NYSED-approved (or recognized as “licensure qualifying”) so that its graduates can apply for RDA status under state law.
Step 3: Complete the Required Coursework & Clinical / Externship Hours
A state-approved program must cover biomedical sciences, professional dental assisting theory, clinical techniques, and infection control. Office of the Professions+2Embrasure Space+2
It must also include clinical / hands-on training, often via externships in dental offices. Some certificate programs (e.g. Queensborough’s) explicitly include externships. Queensborough Community College
If your program is not fully approved (or you come in with MA credits), you may need to make up missing elements, or pursue an alternate pathway (see Step 4).
Be diligent about keeping records of all completed hours, coursework, and clinical rotations — you’ll need them for your licensure application.
Step 4: Use an Alternative / Work-Based Route (If Needed)
If you can’t find a fully NYSED-approved program, or if your MA background makes you eligible, New York allows an alternate course of study + significant experience route to RDA licensure:
The alternative must be acceptable to NYSED and include the same core content (biomedical, professional assisting, clinical). Office of the Professions+2Embrasure Space+2
Additionally, you must document at least 1,000 hours of relevant work experience as a dental assistant under a licensed dentist’s direct supervision. Office of the Professions+1
You’ll then still need to pass the same licensing exams (see next step).
This route is your fallback if your education doesn’t fully align but you have relevant on-the-job time or overlapping MA training.
Step 5: Pass the Required Licensing Exams & Apply for RDA Registration
Once your education and clinical credentials are in order, you must satisfy New York’s examination and licensing requirements to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). Office of the Professions+3DANB+3Office of the Professions+3
Here’s how:
Examination options (NY requires one of two pathways) DANB+2Office of the Professions+2
Pathway I: Pass all three parts of the DANB CDA exam — Radiation Health & Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), General Chairside (GC) https://www.nysmda.com/+4Office of the Professions+4Embrasure Space+4
Pathway II: Pass DANB RHS + ICE, plus the New York Professional Dental Assisting (NYPDA) exam (often given via a combined NY state test). Embrasure Space+3DANB+3Office of the Professions+3
In many cases, after passing the exams, you can apply to NYSED’s Office of Professions for your RDA license. Office of the Professions+2Office of the Professions+2
If your exam approval is pending, you may be able to hold a limited permit under supervision while you wait for full licensure. https://www.nysmda.com/+3DANB+3Office of the Professions+3
Once licensed, a Registered Dental Assistant in NY may legally perform many supportive dental tasks under direct supervision. Office of the Professions+2Office of the Professions+2
Step 6: Transition Into a Dental Assistant Role & Continue Professional Development
With your RDA credential, you can begin or upgrade to a full dental assistant role in Queens, earning better pay and more responsibilities (e.g. x-rays, impressions, assisting in restorations).
Leverage your MA experience: emphasize that you already have clinical knowledge, patient care experience, and professionalism — these are valuable in a dental office.
Seek positions in dental practices, clinics, or specialty offices in Queens and surrounding areas. You can also consider school clinics or community dental programs.
Continuously learn and build your skills — certification renewals, continuing dental education, advanced training in specialty areas (orthodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry) will help you advance.
Maintain professional credentials (e.g. CPR, re-certifications) and stay current with dental regulations in New York.
Typical Timeline & Considerations
A full path (education + licensure) might take 9 to 12 months depending on the program you enroll in.
Some shorter certificate or accelerated programs (e.g. DATC’s 4 months) can get you into entry-level roles more quickly, though you’ll need to fill any gaps before or after obtaining RDA status. Dental Auxiliary Training Center
Be sure to budget for tuition, exam fees, licensing costs, supplies, and possible retakes.
Always verify with the NYS Office of the Professions and the program you choose that it qualifies you for the RDA path — regulations and requirements can evolve.
Useful Links & Resources
NY State RDA License Requirements — Office of the Professions: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-dental-assistants/license-requirements Office of the Professions+2Office of the Professions+2
DANB — New York State Dental Assistant Requirements: https://www.danb.org/state-requirements/new-york-registered-dental-assistant DANB+1
NYSMDA Dental Assistant Program (NYC / Queens) — https://www.nysmda.com/ https://www.nysmda.com/+2https://www.nysmda.com/+2
Queensborough Community College Dental Assistant Program — https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/ce/courses/dental-assistant.html Queensborough Community College+1
Dental Auxiliary Training Center (Queens) — https://dentalauxiliarytrainingcenter.com/ Dental Auxiliary Training Center+1
NYU Dental Assisting Certificate Program — https://dental.nyu.edu/education/dental-hygiene-programs/dental-assisting-certificate-program.html dental.nyu.edu
