Dental Assistant Programs in New York
Working as an assistant in a medical setting is an excellent way to get experience in all areas of healthcare.
Dental assistants are often responsible for running day-to-day operations in dental offices. In addition to doing cleanings and X-rays, they often schedule appointments, set up exam rooms, clean up exam rooms, and prepare patients for their procedures.
If you want to become a dental assistant or dental hygienist, New York schools have a variety of programs for you to consider.
Find the right New York dental assistant program for you by contacting schools below.
Dental Assistant Schools in New York
The dental assisting program you select determines how much time you spend in school and how much hands-on experience you get.
Certificate and diploma programs are generally intended to be completed in less than one year, but they do require additional training if you decide to become a dental hygienist in the future.
Earning an Associate’s degree requires about two years of study, since you need 60 credits to graduate. Course requirements overlap a lot across these three types of programs.
Dental Assisting Courses
- Dental Radiography
- Oral Anatomy and Physiology
- Dental Materials
- Preclinical Dental Assisting
- Clinical Dental Assisting Practice
- Dental Specialties
- Dental Procedures
- Infection Control Measures
There are many ways to get practical experience while gaining a solid understanding of dental theory. Some community colleges and technical schools have low-cost clinics that allow students to gain experience while providing care to low-income community members. Others assign students to externships and externships in the community.
Those who plan on completing dental assistant programs online do need to get practical experience to put their education to full use. You may look into clinical rotations at local dental offices and community clinics.
Consider applying for financial aid once you’ve selected a school. The American Dental Association Foundation has close to one dozen scholarships available for students throughout the US.
Working as a Dental Assistant in New York
Although licensure isn’t required for basic dental assistants, New York dental assistant requirements do cover those who become Licensed Certified Dental Assistants. You may earn a one-year permit by taking a one-year or longer education program.
To get a full license, you need a diploma, certificate, or degree and at least 1,000 hours of experience. You can take the Certified Dental Assistant Exam or the New York Professional Dental Assisting Exam. Licenses are given out by the New York State Education Department.
Your hard work can pay off in New York, thanks to the growing demand for dental assistants. Between 2014 and 2024, job openings may increase 19% (O*Net, 2016). The average income for a New York dental assistant is $35,770 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
You could be on your way to a dental assisting career in a matter of months.