Want to Be a Dental Assistant in New York? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Want to Be a Dental Assistant in New York? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Dental assisting in New York can be a fast track into the healthcare field. You don’t need a four-year degree to start, and the pay is solid. But here’s the catch: New York is strict about what dental assistants can and cannot do. If you’re thinking about this career, it’s important to understand the difference between being unlicensed and being a licensed, Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
Let’s break it all down.
Two Paths, Two Very Different Careers
In New York, there are two types of dental assistants. One doesn’t require certification. The other—Registered Dental Assistant—does. The difference affects what tasks you’re allowed to do. In addition, how much money you can make, and how far you can go in your career.
Path One: The Unlicensed Dental Assistant
This is the starting point for many. You don’t need formal schooling, a certificate, or a license to land a basic dental assisting job in New York. You can become hired right out of high school or after a short training program.
You’ll do things like:
Sterilize instruments
Assist during procedures
Prepare rooms and materials
Help with patient intake
Handle front desk duties
But you won’t be allowed to:
Take x-rays
Polish teeth
Apply fluoride or sealants
Remove sutures
Take impressions for crowns
Basically, your hands stay out of the patient’s mouth unless you're just suctioning or handing tools.
Still, many employers prefer that even entry-level assistants complete a short dental assisting certificate program. It makes you more competitive and can bump up your pay.
Path Two: Becoming a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
If you want more responsibility, better pay, and long-term growth, becoming an RDA is the way to go. This path takes more time, but it pays off.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Complete a New York State-approved dental assisting program (usually 10–24 months)
Pass the national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Get certified in CPR
Apply for a license from the New York State Education Department
Once you’re licensed, you can do a lot more!!
Take x-rays
Remove stitches
Apply sealants, cavity liners, and fluoride
Place and remove temporary crowns and bands
Take impressions for study models
You’ll be working closely with the dentist and directly involved in patient care. And you’ll earn more because of it.
How Much Can You Earn?
Your salary depends heavily on your credentials. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in New York:
Unlicensed Assistant $35,000 - $38,000
Registered Dental Assistant $47,000 – $55,000+
Specialized skills increase value!
Dental Hygienist $68,000 – $90,000
If you’re working in or near New York City, you’ll likely earn on the higher end of these ranges thanks to cost of living and demand.
Where to Train in New York?
NYC at night, taken from the ISS!
New York has some great programs to get you started. Here are a few:
Home | Monroe Community College | Rochester, NY
Hudson Valley Community College | HVCC
NYC College of Technology (CUNY)
With us of course! NY School for Medical & Dental Assistants
If you’re looking for speed, some certificate programs can have you job-ready in under a year. But for RDA licensure, stick with a CODA-accredited program.
Why Go the Extra Mile?
Being a licensed RDA doesn’t just give you more duties. Moreover, it sets you apart. You become more valuable to employers and have more options if you ever want to move into:
Dental hygiene
Office management
Teaching dental assisting
Dental product sales
Specialties like orthodontics or oral surgery
Plus, RDAs report higher job satisfaction and better job stability.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, if you’re looking for a healthcare job that starts quickly, pays well, and offers room to grow, dental assisting in New York is a solid choice. But don’t stop at the basics. Investing in RDA licensure is a smart move. It’s the difference between having a job and building a career today!
