Form 1: Application for Licensure — The primary application form for initial licensure and first registration.
Form 2: Certification of Professional Education — Must be sent by the applicant to their school and returned directly to NYSED by the registrar.
DANB Exam Results — Official scores for the NYPDA, RHS, and ICE exams must be submitted to the board.
Child Abuse Identification Certificate — Proof of completion of a NYS-approved course on the identification and reporting of child abuse.
How to Apply
Complete Education Requirements
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Complete a dental assisting program registered by the NYS Education Department as licensure-qualifying or a program accredited by CODA.
View Education Requirements
Pass Required Exams
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Register for and pass the New York Professional Dental Assisting (NYPDA), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), and Infection Control (ICE) exams through DANB.
Submit Application for Licensure (Form 1)
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Download, complete, and mail Form 1 along with the $103 licensure and first registration fee to the Office of the Professions.
Submit Certification of Education (Form 2)
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Complete Section I of Form 2 and send it to your dental assisting school. The school must complete Section II and mail it directly to NYSED.
Complete Mandatory Training
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Complete the required one-time courses in Child Abuse Identification, Dental Jurisprudence and Ethics, and Tobacco Cessation.
Apply for a Limited Permit (Optional)
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If you have met education requirements but not yet passed exams, you may apply for a one-year limited permit using Form 5.
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
Verify Out-of-State License
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New York does not offer direct reciprocity. You must meet all current NY requirements for education and examination.
Submit Form 1 and Fee
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Complete the standard application for licensure and pay the $103 fee.
Submit Education and Exam Proof
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Have your school submit Form 2 and ensure DANB sends your exam scores (NYPDA, RHS, ICE) to NYSED.
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
Form 2 Submission Errors
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Form 2 must be sent directly from the educational institution to NYSED. If the applicant handles the form, it will be rejected.
Missing Mandatory Courses
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Failure to complete the one-time Child Abuse or Jurisprudence courses will stall the application.
Incomplete Exam Requirements
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Applicants often assume a national CDA is sufficient; however, New York specifically requires the NYPDA exam component.
Questions
What is the minimum age for a Registered Dental Assistant in New York?
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Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to be licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in New York.
Can I work as a dental assistant without a license?
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Unlicensed dental assistants may perform basic supportive tasks like suctioning and instrument sterilization, but they cannot perform the expanded duties of an RDA, such as taking impressions or placing rubber dams.
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
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Registered Dental Assistants must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each three-year registration period.
Is fingerprinting required for licensure?
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No, New York State does not currently require fingerprinting or a criminal background check for Registered Dental Assistant licensure.