Want to Become a Dental Assistant in Queens? Everything You Need to Know

Oct 16

Want to Become a Dental Assistant in Queens? Everything You Need to Know

Working as a dental assistant in Queens (in New York City / New York State) can be a fulfilling and stable career path. But before you begin, it’s important to understand the legal requirements, training paths, job scope, and how to get licensed in New York. This guide walks you through what you need to become a dental assistant in Queens.

1. Understand the Role: Dental Assistant vs. Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Unlicensed / entry-level dental assistant
You can work in a dental office without a license, performing tasks such as sterilizing instruments, assisting the dentist chairside, infection control, preparing rooms, and basic patient support. But you won't be allowed to perform procedures that require licensing (e.g. certain x-rays, impressions) under state law.
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
With the right education, clinical training, and exam credentials, an RDA is permitted to perform a broader scope of duties (under supervision), such as radiography, impressions, applying certain materials, and assisting with restorative work. You’ll need to meet state requirements and pass required exams.

2. Basic Eligibility & Requirements

To pursue certification or registration in New York State, you will generally need:

Be at least 18 years old (or whatever minimum is required by your program)
Hold a high school diploma or GED / equivalent
Maintain good moral character (no disqualifying criminal history)
Complete a NYSED-approved (or recognized) dental assisting education program, or fulfill an alternate route involving coursework + supervised work experience

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) outlines the required academic and clinical standards for RDAs.

3. Education & Training Pathways in NY

A. Formal Dental Assisting Programs

An ideal route is to enroll in a program that:

Is registered or approved by NYSED
Covers core subject areas: biomedical sciences, dental theory and materials, clinical techniques, infection control, office practices, and radiography (if included)
Offers hands-on clinical experience via externships or supervised practice
Meets the state’s minimum clinical hour requirement (e.g. 200+ clinical hours or equivalent in some programs)

Completing such a program positions you well to take the licensing exams.

B. Alternative Route: Coursework + Experience

If your program is not fully NYSED-registered, you might qualify through:

Completing required coursework covering all key domains (biomedical, dental theory, clinical)
Accumulating supervised work experience (e.g. 1,000 hours or whatever NYSED specifies) in a dental office
Having your experience and education evaluated to determine eligibility for RDA exams

4. Licensing, Exams & Permits

To become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in New York, you typically must:

Pass the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) exams:
• General Chairside (GC)
• Infection Control (ICE)
• Radiation Health & Safety (RHS)
If your program is not DANB-qualifying, you may instead take the NY Professional Dental Assisting (NYPDA) exam along with DANB ICE and RHS components
Once everything is approved, apply to the NYSED Office of the Professions to obtain your registration as an RDA

If you’ve completed your education but not yet passed exams, in many cases you can apply for a limited permit, which allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist while awaiting full registration.

5. Scope of Practice for Licensed RDAs in NY

Under supervision, a Registered Dental Assistant in New York may legally perform tasks such as:

Taking medical histories, vital signs
Providing patient education
Placing / removing rubber dams
Taking impressions for study casts
Assisting in restorative procedures
Removing sutures (applied by a dentist)
Taking dental x-rays (if certified)
Applying topical fluoride, desensitizers, cavity liners, etc.
Placing / removing provisional restorations
Removing periodontal dressings

However, RDAs cannot diagnose or perform irreversible procedures, and their duties must remain within what dentists delegate.

6. Local Programs / Training Near Queens / NYC

Here are programs you can consider in Queens or nearby:

New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants (NYSMDA) — Queens: offers certificate programs (9–12 months) with required clinical training
Hunter College Continuing Education (CUNY), NYC — dental assistant certificate (60 hours, hybrid / in-person)
NYU College of Dentistry, NYC — Dental Assisting Certificate Program (6 months)
Lehman College, Bronx (accessible from Queens) — 80-hour course + 40-hour externship

These local options make it easier to complete clinical hours and interface with nearby dental practices.

7. Timeline & Cost Estimates

Timeline: Most comprehensive programs take 9 to 12 months. Shorter certificate options may last 6 months plus externship.
Cost: Varies by institution. For example, Hunter’s 60-hour certificate program costs around $1,499 in-person or $1,299 for self-paced. Expect additional expenses like textbooks, supplies, uniforms, licensing fees, background checks, and exam fees.

8. Job Market & Salary in Queens / NYC

There is healthy demand for dental assistants in New York City, especially in boroughs like Queens with high population density and many dental practices.
Starting wages are often in the range of $20–25 per hour, depending on employer and licensed status.
RDAs (licensed assistants) earn more and have more opportunities, due to expanded responsibilities like radiography and advanced procedures.
Additional credentials (radiography certification, CPR, continuing education) boost competitiveness.

9. Tips for Success

Choose a NYSED-approved program when possible.
Obtain volunteer or shadowing experiences in dental offices while studying.
Prepare thoroughly for DANB / NYPDA exams (study early).
Maintain certifications like CPR and complete continuing education when required.
Network with dentists’ offices in Queens or adjacent neighborhoods to learn about job openings.
Be professional, reliable, and proactive — many dental offices prefer assistants who demonstrate initiative and strong work ethic.

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!

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