New York Dental Assistant License
New York State Education Department
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
- DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
- Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $60
How to Apply
-
Meet Education and Experience Requirements ▾Fulfill the educational requirements for a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license, which typically includes graduation from a New York State registered dental assisting program or a program deemed substantially equivalent, or documented dental assisting experience, along with a high school diploma or equivalent.
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Complete Mandated Courses ▾Successfully complete a Department-approved course in dental radiography, infection control, and a course in child abuse identification and reporting, as required for all healthcare professionals in New York.
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Pass Required Examinations ▾Pass the New York State Dental Assisting written examination (NYSDALE), the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), and a Department-approved clinical performance examination (e.g., DANB Clinical Chairside Assisting - CCA).
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Apply for Licensure ▾Create a NY.gov account and log in to the NYSED.gov Online Applications system. Complete and submit Form 1, Application for Licensure, along with the required $50 licensing fee. This application initiates your licensure process with the Office of the Professions.
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Submit Supporting Documentation ▾Ensure all necessary supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, official examination results from DANB and NYSED, and verification of course completion, are sent directly from the issuing institutions or agencies to the Office of the Professions as per their instructions found on the NYSED.gov portal.
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the New York State Education Department for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the New York State Education Department. The application fee is $60.
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Provide License Verification ▾New York requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
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Provide DANB Certification ▾Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
-
Provide Radiography Certification ▾Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾New York requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside New York can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 3 to 4 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Compact
No
Board
New York State Education Department
Keeping Your License Active
New York Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 3 years. Contact the New York State Education Department for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $60 |
| Endorsement application | $60 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
New York-specific note
▾
New York may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does New York require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, New York requires Certified Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in New York?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in New York.
Can I take dental x-rays in New York?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in New York?
▾
State application fees are $60. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
New York State Education Department
Sources