Dental Assisting

Job Description

The duties of a dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. The dental assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. State regulations and licensing and certification requirements vary. For more information on dental assisting or becoming a Certified Dental Assistant in NYS please visit the NYS Office of the Professions.

Career Advantages

• Variety: Dental assisting is a challenging and rewarding career, demanding versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks.
• Flexibility: Since dental assistants are in demand, career options include both full-time and part-time positions.
• Excellent working conditions: Dental offices are interesting, pleasant, people-oriented environments in which to work.
• Personal satisfaction: Dental assisting involves people contact, and with this personal interaction comes the personal satisfaction of knowing you've really helped someone by helping to provide a valuable health service.

Opportunities

Since many dentists employ two or more dental assistants, employment opportunities in this field are excellent. The types of practice settings available to dental assistants include:
• solo dental practices (practices with only one dentist)
• group practices (practices with two or more dentists)
• specialty practices, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery (removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities), orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (straightening teeth with braces or other appliances), endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics (treatment of gum problems), prosthodontics (replacement of lost teeth) and pediatric dentistry (treatment of children)
• public health dentistry, including settings such as schools and clinics which focus on the prevention of dental problems within entire communities
• hospital dental clinics, assisting dentists in the treatment of bedridden patients
• dental school clinics, assisting dental students as they learn to perform dental procedures

Education Requirements

To meet the education requirements for licensure as a certified dental assistant you must have:
• Earned a high school diploma or G.E.D. (You may be required to provide verification of your high school diploma or G.E.D., see the instructions for completing the Certification of Professional Education (Form 2) for more information.)
• Completed a licensure-qualifying program in dental assisting or an equivalent program as determined by the State Education Department. Click here for a list of New York State registered, licensure-qualifying dental assisting programs, and search for programs leading to a professional license. 

Licensing and Board Information

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

New York State Office of the Professions

Dental Assisting Programs in Central New York

OCM BOCES Dental Assisting Program

Online Program for assistants to get NY state certification

Associations

New York Dental Assistants Association

American Dental Assistants Association

 

Currently Practicing Assistants:

  • Assistants seeking employment please check our Classifieds.
  • Assistants wishing to post a resume in our Members Only section of the site. Contact.
  • Assistants wishing to volunteer for the New York State Fair. Contact.