Across the country, dental assistants help dentists and hygienists make their practices significantly more efficient by taking on many of the tasks that don’t require a medical degree to complete. However, these techniques require dental assistant training. While the state of New York allows for dental assistants to be hired without formal training, many of the best opportunities are reserved for those who complete the following course of study and testing.

Two Education Options

The state of New York offers two educational paths to full dental assistant certification. The first is to take a one-year course at a relevant institution. This course requires 24 semester hours and a minimum of 200 hours of clinical experience. The second option is to accrue at least 1,000 hours of relevant work experience outside of dental assistant school.

Two Testing Paths

Once you’re received the required education and experience, you’ll need to begin testing to confirm you have the knowledge and skills this certification requires. There are two sets of tests you can take, and either one is sufficient to apply for a license. The first requires you to pass the three parts of the nationally recognized DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. The second is to pass two components on Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE), and then take the New York Professional Dental Assisting (NYPDA) exam.

After completing your education and testing, all that’s left is to receive your license from the state. Contact the New York State Education Department with your documentation to receive official recognition that you’ve completed your dental assistant training.

If you’re looking for a stable career as an assistant in the oral health field, you need dental assistant training and certification to get started. Westchester School for Dental Assistants, in Elmsford, NY, offers you the skills you need while accommodating your needs with flexible scheduling and affordable enrollment. In addition to dental training, they offer medical assistant certification with hands-on learning opportunities and experienced staff members to guide you along the way. To learn more, call (914) 682-9001 or get in touch online.