North Carolina Dental Assistant License
North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- CPR Certification — Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from a board-approved provider.
- Radiology Certificate — Proof of completion of a board-approved radiology course or DANB CDA certification.
- Infection Control Certificate — Certificate for a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control (required for DA II).
- Dental Emergencies Certificate — Certificate for a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies (required for DA II).
- Employment Verification — Documentation of 3,000 hours (approx. 2 years) of chairside experience if qualifying for DA II via the experience path.
How to Apply
-
Determine Classification ▾Identify if you qualify as a Dental Assistant I (DA I) or Dental Assistant II (DA II). North Carolina does not license or certify assistants; classification is based on your education and experience.
-
Complete Mandatory Training ▾All dental assistants must hold a current CPR certification. To perform DA II functions, you must also complete a 3-hour course in sterilization/infection control and a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies.
-
Obtain Radiology Certification ▾To legally take X-rays, you must either graduate from a CODA-accredited program, be a DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), or complete a board-approved 14-hour radiology course (7 hours didactic, 7 hours clinical).
-
Pursue DA II Status (Optional) ▾To perform expanded functions, you must meet DA II criteria: graduate from a CODA-accredited program, complete one year of hygiene school, become a DANB CDA, or complete 3,000 hours of experience plus required courses.
Register for DANB Exams -
Complete Expanded Function Courses ▾To monitor nitrous oxide or perform coronal polishing, you must complete specific 7-hour board-approved courses for each function.
-
Employer Verification ▾Present all certificates (CPR, Radiology, DANB, etc.) to your employer. The supervising dentist is responsible for verifying your credentials and maintaining records in the office.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Training ▾Out-of-state assistants must meet the same training requirements as NC residents. There is no direct reciprocity.
-
Challenge Radiology Exam ▾If you have completed a radiology course in another state (min. 7 hours didactic/7 hours clinical), you may request to take the NC radiology equivalency exam at a board-approved school.
-
Complete NC-Specific Courses ▾Ensure you complete the 3-hour infection control and 3-hour emergency courses if they were not part of your previous training.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
North Carolina Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Missing Radiology Credentials
▾
Working without a valid NC-recognized radiology certificate is a violation. Ensure you have the certificate before taking X-rays.
Incomplete DA II Experience Hours
▾
The 3,000 hours must be accrued within the preceding five years. Hours older than five years do not count toward DA II status.
Expired CPR Card
▾
DA II status and expanded functions require a current CPR card at all times; a lapse can invalidate your ability to perform these duties.
Questions
Does North Carolina license dental assistants?
▾
No. The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners does not license, certify, or register dental assistants. Classification is handled by the employer.
How do I become a Dental Assistant II (DA II)?
▾
You can qualify by graduating from a CODA-accredited program, passing the DANB CDA exam, or completing 3,000 hours of experience plus specific board-approved courses in radiology, infection control, and emergencies.
Can I take X-rays as a Dental Assistant I?
▾
Yes, provided you have successfully completed a board-approved radiology course or are a DANB Certified Dental Assistant.
Is there an annual renewal fee for dental assistants?
▾
No. Since there is no state license or registration, there are no annual renewal fees or board-mandated continuing education for DAs.
What is a 'DA II in Training'?
▾
An assistant with at least two years (3,000 hours) of experience who is currently completing the required courses to become a full DA II.
Board Info
Sources