Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Dental Assistant Programs in Albany, Amherst, Babylon, Brookhaven, Buffalo, Hempstead, Huntington, Islip, New York City, and North Hempstead.
Explore Top Dental Assistant Programs in New York
Are you eager to start a rewarding career in dental assisting? Finding the right training program is crucial. This article highlights the best dental assistant programs in New York, offering details on course structure, duration, and unique benefits. Whether you seek flexibility, hands-on experience, or certification readiness, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to make an informed choice for your future.
BMCC – Online Clinical Dental Assistant Training
Looking for flexible learning tailored to your schedule? The BMCC Online Clinical Dental Assistant Training might be perfect for you. This 100% online course provides the technical skills needed to start a career as a clinical dental assistant.
Key features of the program include:
- Comprehensive Online Learning: Covers crucial topics like dental anatomy, oral pathology, infection control, pharmacology, anesthesia, radiation health safety, and more.
- Certification Prep: Prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Exam, including the Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology (AMP), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam portions.
- Vouchers Included: Graduates receive vouchers to sit for these vital DANB exams, which are essential for becoming a Certified Dental Assistant.
- Eligibility: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
This course is ideal for those who prefer a flexible, online learning environment and wish to work in dental settings under dentists and dental hygienists.
Medical Training Institute of New York – Dental Assistant Program
The Dental Assistant Program at the Medical Training Institute of New York presents a well-rounded curriculum designed to prepare you for a successful career in dental assisting.
Highlights of this program include:
- Extensive Curriculum: Covers dental terminology and anatomy, preventive dentistry, nutrition, cavity charting, dental instrumentation, infection control, radiology, and pharmacology.
- Program Length: 700 clock hours completed in 35-44 weeks with multiple start dates.
- Affordable Tuition: Priced at $2,100 for the entire program.
- Hands-on Experience: Blends didactic and practical training in clinical settings.
- Certification: Culminates in a certificate and equips you with the skills needed for entry-level positions in dental offices.
This program offers a comprehensive preparation suitable for those aiming to kickstart their dental assisting careers quickly.
Lehman College – Dental Assistant Training Program
Lehman College offers an intriguing 80-hour dental assistant training program followed by a 40-hour externship for practical experience.
Key program features include:
- Broad Curriculum: Delves into the history of dentistry, introduction to dental offices, legal aspects, oral anatomy, dental operatory, and tooth structure.
- Externship Component: Provides hands-on experience in local dental practices.
- Certification Readiness: Prepares graduates for the DANB RHS and ICE exams, essential for national certification.
Graduates benefit from a mixture of thorough theoretical knowledge and practical experience, making this a solid choice for aspiring dental assistants.
The New York School for Medical and Dental Assisting – Certified Dental Assistant Program
The Certified Dental Assistant Program at NYSMDA provides a robust 600-hour curriculum designed to prepare students for professional certification and licensure.
Program features include:
- Diverse Learning Components: Mixes lecture, lab, and externship for comprehensive learning.
- Specialization Options: Allows students to choose a specialty area for more focused training.
- Exam Preparation: Prepares for the Infection Control, Radiation Health and Safety, and New York Professional Dental Assisting exams.
- Accreditation: Approved by the NYS Education Department, ensuring high-quality education.
- Career Support: An extensive network for job placement.
This program is ideal for those seeking licensure and specialized training to enhance their career prospects.
Stony Brook Medicine – Dental Assistant Program
The Dental Assistant Program at Stony Brook Medicine is a ten-month certificate course providing in-depth didactic and clinical dental assistant training.
Noteworthy elements of this program include:
- Hands-on Training: Extensive clinical classes combined with off-campus practical experiences.
- Licensure Preparation: Prepares students to become licensed dental assistants in New York State.
- Versatile Career Options: Equips graduates for roles in private practices, hospitals, and public health sectors.
This program merges rigorous academic training with practical experience, suitable for those looking for a well-rounded education.
NYU – Dental Assisting Certificate Program
NYU’s Dental Assisting Certificate Program is a unique, highly competitive tuition-free program aimed at un- or underemployed individuals.
Program features include:
- Selective Admissions: Highly competitive, accepting only 6 applicants per cycle.
- Tuition-Free Education: An attractive option due to its zero-cost nature, removing financial barriers.
- Short Modules: Delivered over a 6-month cycle, requiring full-time availability.
- Expert Instruction: Courses taught by experienced faculty.
The program leverages top-quality instruction and practical learning without the burden of tuition fees, making it highly appealing albeit selective.
Hudson Valley Community College – Dental Assisting Certificate Program
The Dental Assisting Certificate Program at HVCC is a one-year online course offering robust training.
Important program aspects include:
- Flexible Online Format: Ideal for students balancing other commitments.
- Licensure Preparation: Graduates are eligible for the NYS Professional Dental Assisting Exam, Radiation Health & Safety Exam, and Infection Control Exam by DANB.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Training in sterilization, dental procedure preparation, and office duties.
- Eligibility: Requires U.S. citizenship or lawful residency for licensure.
This program stands out for its flexibility and comprehensive preparation for national and state exams, making it an excellent choice for aspiring dental assistants seeking online learning options.
Mandl – Dental Assistant Program
The Mandl Dental Assistant Program offers a thorough pathway for those aspiring to enter the dental field.
Key highlights of this program include:
- Patient Care and Office Duties: Focuses on essential dental assistant skills such as patient care, maintaining equipment, and updating records.
- Hands-on Training: Combines classroom instruction with practical training in clinics and dental offices.
- Career Development Center: Provides graduates with job placement assistance.
- Flexible Admissions: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent for entry.
Mandl’s comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for various roles in dental settings, supporting professional growth and career readiness.
Erie Community College – Dental Assisting Certificate Program
The Dental Assisting Certificate Program at Erie Community College (ECC) is designed to equip students with both clinical and administrative skills needed in the dental field.
Program features include:
- Diverse Skill Set: Includes anatomy, dental instruments, x-ray techniques, sterilization, and emergency procedures.
- Externships: Provides practical, hands-on experience through externship placements.
- Certification Readiness: Prepares students for the DANB Radiation Health and Safety Exam, Infection Control Exam, and NYS Professional Dental Assisting Exam.
- Structured Curriculum: Admission requirements include meeting academic criteria and readiness to follow a prescribed sequence of courses.
ECC’s program ensures a well-rounded education, balancing theoretical knowledge with vital hands-on experience.
Queensborough Community College – Dental Assistant Program
Queensborough Community College’s Dental Assistant Program prepares students for entry-level dental assistant roles with a specialized curriculum.
Key program aspects include:
- Administrative and Clinical Training: Covers the history of dentistry, legal aspects, oral anatomy, tooth structure, and more.
- Volunteer Externship: Offers an optional externship for hands-on, practical experience.
- Hybrid Format: Combines online and in-person learning over 60 hours, held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Accessibility: Prospective students are encouraged to contact program advisors for tuition details.
With a balance of online flexibility and in-person training, this program is ideal for those seeking both theoretical and practical dental assisting knowledge.
Hudson Valley Community College – Alternative Dental Assisting Program (ADAP)
Hudson Valley Community College’s Alternative Dental Assisting Program (ADAP) caters to experienced dental assistants looking to gain licensure.
Program details include:
- Online Learning: Offers an online course component covering the NYPDA, RHS, and ICE exams.
- Clinical Experience Requirement: Requires 1,000 hours of clinical experience and submission of a Clinical Portfolio.
- Comprehensive Review: Led by qualified instructors to ensure readiness for the DANB exams.
- Program Length and Cost: Specific tuition and hour details can be requested.
This program is tailored for those with existing experience in dental assisting, seeking to formalize their credentials and advance their careers.
St. Paul’s School of Nursing – Dental Assisting Program
The Dental Assisting Program at St. Paul’s School of Nursing offers an Associate Degree in Occupational Studies in Dental Assisting.
Program features include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Focuses on chairside assistance, maintaining equipment, and updating patient records.
- Diverse Career Paths: Prepares graduates for employment in private practices, clinics, hospitals, and public health sectors.
- Program Status: Note that as of July 10, 2023, the school no longer enrolls new students in this program, highlighting its unique but currently limited availability.
Though the program currently does not accept new students, it provides valuable and extensive training for those already enrolled, ensuring they are well-prepared for a dental assisting career.
CiTi BOCES – Registered Dental Assistant Program
The CiTi BOCES Registered Dental Assistant Program is an online course designed for those aiming to become registered dental assistants in New York State.
Key program elements include:
- Comprehensive Training: 1,043-hour program combining theory and practical work in a dental office.
- Admissions Requirements: Includes professional references, a high school diploma or equivalent, and more.
- Tuition Information: Priced at $14,000, which includes all books, supplies, and exam fees.
- Career Preparation: Equips graduates with the skills to meet state registration requirements and excel in dental settings.
This program provides a thorough and structured pathway for those looking to transition into dental assisting with state registration as a key outcome.
Picking the Right Dental Assistant Program in New York
Choosing the right dental assistant program can be daunting, but focusing on key factors can simplify the decision-making process.
Consider the following:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies, ensuring access to state and national certification exams.
- Program Length: Evaluate the duration and whether it fits your schedule, balancing between quick completion and in-depth training.
- Hands-on Training Opportunities: Look for programs offering externships or practical training components to gain real-world experience.
- Overall Cost: Compare tuition fees and additional expenses like books, supplies, and exam fees to understand the total financial investment.
- Current Qualifications and Availability: Make sure you meet eligibility requirements and consider program flexibility if balancing other commitments.
- Reputation and Success Rates: Research program reputation, alumni reviews, and success rates to gauge the potential benefits and outcomes.
Dental Assistant Programs By State
Summarizing the Best Dental Assistant Programs in New York
The right dental assistant program can set the foundation for a fulfilling career. From flexible online courses to hands-on externships, these New York programs cater to various needs. Explore further via the links provided in this article to make an informed decision and embark on an exciting journey in dental assisting.