Dental Assisting

This one-year online Dental Assisting certificate program prepares those who are new to the profession to perform a variety of tasks in dental offices, including sterilization of instruments, preparing materials for dental procedures and performing office duties.

This academic program is primarily designed for those who wish to enter the workforce immediately following graduation and satisfies all requirements set by New York State to become a Licensed Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).

The college also offers a non-credit Alternative Dental Assisting Program (ADAP) for those who are currently working in the field who have more than 3,500 hours of work experience and CPR certification.

This program is offered by the Dental Hygiene Department.

[Loading Program Requirements link…] Program Learning Outcomes

This program is only offered in an online format.
Student instruction includes 27 credit hours of online coursework and 225 hours of hands-on clinical experience through a formal clinical internship.
- 90 clinical hours will be required at the clinical site for the fall semester as well as 135 clinical hours in the spring semester.
Successful program graduates may apply for the New York State Professional Dental Assisting (NYPDA) Examination, Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) Exam and Infection Control Exam (ICE). These exams are administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to become a New York State Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
All students interested in this program should review the competencies of the program.
Graduates may apply for licensure after completing all of the above requirements; there is an additional fee for the examination and licensure process.
In order to obtain a New York state license as a Registered Dental Assistant, you must be a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosures
SUNY's academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed New York State requirements. Other states may have their own requirements. If your goal is to practice in another state, please review that state's requirements. View professional licensure disclosures.

                Meet Graduate Nada J. ‘21
              
                    A recent arrival to the US, Nada Massoud Jaiteh found a career in the field of dental assisting thanks to the college’s one-year Dental Assisting certificate program.

Watch Meet Graduate Nada J. ‘21 on Vimeo.com

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NOTE: Additional educational requirements and/or certifications may be needed for some careers.

Student in graduation attire in the classroom

Transfer and Career Services and Resources

The Center for Careers and Transfer provides career resources and services and help in identifying your skills and interests and how they connect to career possibilities. Transfer counseling services are also available and a list of transfer agreements are posted.