Can I just take the medical assistant test?

In New York State, you cannot become a dental assistant by taking the medical assistant test — they are two completely different career paths, credentials, and regulatory frameworks.

Here’s what that means for you:

1. Medical Assistant vs. Dental Assistant

Medical Assistant (MA)

• Works primarily in doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals.

• Assists with vital signs, injections, EKGs, blood draws, and charting.

• Governed by medical or clinical assisting standards, often certified by national bodies like:

  • AAMA (Certified Medical Assistant – CMA)

  • NHA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant – CCMA)

  • AMT (Registered Medical Assistant – RMA).

• Overseen by medical boards, not the New York State Education Department’s dental division.

Dental Assistant (DA / RDA)

• Works in dental offices or oral surgery clinics.

• Assists dentists chairside, manages sterilization, prepares instruments, mixes materials, takes impressions, and may take x-rays (if certified).

• Overseen by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions, specifically the Dentistry Board.

• Certification typically goes through DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) or the NYPDA exam, not a medical assistant test.

2. You Can Hold Both Certifications — But They’re Separate

If you want, you can study as a medical assistant and also later become a dental assistant, but you’ll need to complete separate schooling and exams for each.

• MA certification does not transfer into dental assisting.

• Likewise, being an RDA does not qualify you to work as a medical assistant in a physician’s office.

3. If You’re Already a Medical Assistant

If you’ve already completed a medical assistant program, that background can help you transition into dental assisting more easily. You’ll already have key skills such as:

• Infection control

• Anatomy & physiology

• Patient care & ethics

• Office procedures

However, to become a dental assistant in New York, you’d still need:

• Dental-specific coursework (radiography, chairside assisting, restorative materials, etc.)

• Hands-on dental clinic or externship hours

• To pass DANB / NYPDA exams for RDA licensing.
  

If you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, a real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as premier institution the state. It’s smart choice anyone ready invest in a healthcare.

Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!

1. DANB Dental Assistant Certification Info –