What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Dental assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks under a dentist’s supervision, including preparing patients, taking xrays, sterilizing instruments, and providing post op care instructions. They may also handle scheduling, patient files, and billing. Duties vary by state and office, with some states offering additional training for “extended function” dental assistants. In New York State, registered dental assistants have an expanded scope, allowing them to take medical histories, select provisional crowns, take impressions, and remove periodontal dressings.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Dental assistants work full or part time in dental offices and clinics, with some employed in hospitals and doctors’ offices.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Median annual salary: $46,995
Entry-level annual salary: $39,147
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Dental assistants are expected to grow statewide by 23% between 2022 and 2032, with 3,467 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Dental assistant training is offered by community colleges and vocational and technical schools and can include certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees. To become registered dental assistants, individuals must complete a New York State approved dental assistant program.
For More Information:
Dental Assisting National Board: https://www.danb.org/career-center/school-search
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed as a registered dental assistant in New York State, you must complete a licensing qualifying program in dental assisting or an equivalent program and pass the Dental Assisting National Board examinations.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department:
http://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-dental-assistants/license-requirements
Dental Assisting National Board: https://www.danb.org/exams/view-danb-exams
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
American Dental Education Association (ADEA):
https://www.adea.org/home/education/ADEA-Scholarships-Awards-and-Fellowships
American Dental Assisting Association (ADAA): https://adaausa.org/education-events/awards-scholarships/
Dental Assisting National Board: https://www.danb.org/career-center/scholarships
National Dental Association Foundation: https://ndafoundation.org/dental-scholarships.html
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ulster BOCES | Certificate | New Paltz | Hudson Valley | Visit |
The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants | Certificate | Long Island City | New York City | Visit |
SUNY Erie Community College | Certificate | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Stony Brook School of Medicine | Certificate | Stony Brook | Long Island | Visit |
NYU School of Denistry | Certificate | New York City | New York City | Visit |
OCM BOCES | Certificate | Liverpool | Central NY | Visit |
Monroe Community College | Certificate | Rochester | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Mandl School | Certificate | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Hudson Valley Community College | Certificate | Troy | Capital Region | Visit |
Greater Southern Tier BOCES | Certificate | Elmira | Southern Tier | Visit |
Barry Tech | Certificate | Westbury | Long Island | Visit |