New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants

The New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants (NYSMDA) offers a 10-month dental assistant program designed to prepare students for licensure as New York State Licensed Dental Assistants. This program includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training across a variety of dental specialties.

• Licensure Qualification: Prepares students to become NYS Licensed Registered Dental Assistants, opening doors to higher pay and broader job opportunities.
• Specialized Externships: Gain real-world experience in areas like pediatrics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and general dentistry.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers infection control, radiology, chairside assisting, dental materials, and emergency procedures.

Core Courses

• Microbiology and Infection Control
  Students learn OSHA guidelines, sterilization techniques, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage to prevent disease transmission in dental settings. Topics include characteristics of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
• Dental Materials
  This course examines the properties and uses of dental materials, such as cements, impression materials, and restorative materials, emphasizing their behavior in the oral environment.
• Introduction to Chairside Assisting
  Covers four-handed dentistry techniques, sterilization procedures, and assisting with restorative procedures. Students gain hands-on practice using dental equipment and instruments.
• Pharmacology and Dental Emergencies
  Focuses on managing medical emergencies in a dental office, understanding pharmacology, and documenting patient medical histories.
• Dental Radiology I & II
  Teaches the principles of dental radiography, including the use of x-ray equipment, image processing, and identifying errors. Students practice on manikins and peers to build real-world skills.
• Dental Specialty Procedures
  Provides training in specialty areas like prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral surgery, and endodontics. Students also learn to manage dental emergencies and work with medically compromised patients.

NYSMDA’s 600-hour program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Students apply skills in real dental offices through externships, gaining experience in diverse specialties. This ensures they are work-ready upon graduation.

NYSMDA supports students with job placement services, leveraging its extensive network of dental practices. Graduates are prepared for roles in clinics, hospitals, and specialized dental offices, with guidance on securing positions in their desired specialty.

To enroll, students must meet the following requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.