Registered Dental Assisting (RDA)

Be the Smile Behind Every Patient—Begin Your RDA Training Today

This 100% online Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) program is designed specifically for professionals already working in the dental field who want to enhance their skills and credentials. Accredited by the New York State Office of Professions, this comprehensive program offers the flexibility to study at your own pace while maintaining your current job. Our cutting-edge curriculum covers all aspects of dental assisting, from patient care and dental procedures to office management and infection control. Upon successful completion of the course, you'll be fully prepared and eligible to sit for the licensing examination, opening doors to new opportunities and higher earning potential in your dental career. 

Don't let your busy schedule hold you back – advance your profession from the comfort of your home with our accredited online dental assisting program! 

Looking for a Dental Assisting program for those new to the field? Learn about our Dental Office Assisting program. 

Program Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalency.
  • Resident of New York state
  • Sponsoring Dentist Agreement.pdf- Must be employed at a dental office for a minimum of 30 days and able to earn 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience while enrolled in the program. IMPORTANT: Counted employment hours for the program do not start until the first day of class.
  •  Access to internet-enabled device for completion of remote work, laptop or Chromebook recommended. 
This program is ideal for students with:
  • strong reading comprehension and graphic literacy skills
  • attention to detail and organization
  • clear and effective communication and empathy
  • problem solving
  • manual dexterity
Note: In order to comply with NYSDOH vaccine mandates for healthcare institutions, employers may require vaccinations and/or CPR/First Aid certification. It is the student's responsibility to know their potential employers' requirements.

Tuition: $1,900
Program Length: Self-paced
Schedule: 3-4 hours of coursework per week; plus, 32 to 40 weekly hours of employment in a dental office
Program Dates: 
  • Coursework begins July 15, 2025
  • Late enrollment available until October 15, 2025
  • All coursework and clinical hours must be complete by June 30, 2026
Location: Online; virtual bi-weekly check-ins required
Dress Code: NA
Supplies: Access to internet-enabled device for completion of remote work, laptop or Chromebook recommended.

Employment Outlook: 
After passing the required exams, students may seek licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through the New York State Education Department.

Registered Dental Assistants can perform additional duties such as patient education, taking medical history and vital signs, and provide chairside assistance.

Possible employment opportunities include registered dental assistant, dental office manager, dental business administrator, and treatment coordinator. 

For more information on what RDAs can do in NYS, click here.

Pathways Forward
After completing this program, students can pursue:
  • licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through the New York State Education Department after passing the required exams
  • advanced-level employment, and/or
  • a two- or four-year degree
Ready to Get Started?
Click the button below to apply.

What will I Earn?

Certificate of Completion
Students who successfully finish this program will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take the New York Professional Dental Assisting (NYPDA), Radiation Health & Safety (RHS), and Infection Control (ICE) exams, or the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Trade Theory and Science
  • Introduction: Overview of the profession, history, communication, and legal issues. 
  • Prevention and Nutrition: Techniques to maintain oral health and wellness. 
  • Basic Dental Sciences: Fundamentals of dental anatomy, embryology, histology, tooth morphology, charting, and microbiology. 
  • Preclinical Dental Skills: Infection control, hazardous materials management, patient care, pharmacology, and emergency management. 
  • Clinical Dental Procedures: Chairside assisting, instruments, pain and anxiety management. 
  • Dental Radiography: Radiographic techniques, including digital and 3-D radiography. 
  • Dental Specialties: Overview of areas like endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, and more. 
  • Restorative and Laboratory Materials and Techniques: Chairside restorative materials and lab techniques. 
  • Dental Practice Management: Office management, dental software, insurance, and legal/ethical considerations.

Enrollment information coming soon...

Complete the Registered Dental Assisting Application




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