Dental Assistant in North Carolina

The path to dental assistant licensure in North Carolina: complete the required education (Varies by classification (DA I or DA II).), gain 3,000.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam (one pathway to DA II status).

North Carolina does not require a state license for dental assistants. Note: North Carolina does not license dental assistants but classifies them into two tiers: Dental Assistant I (DA I) and Dental Assistant II (DA II). DA II status is required for expanded functions and has several pathways, including completing an ADA-accredited dental assisting program, accumulating 3,000 hours of experience as a chairside assistant along with specific coursework (CPR, sterilization and infection control, dental office emergencies, and radiography training), or passing the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam with current CPR certification. Radiography training consistent with G.S. 90-29(c)(12) is required to take radiographs. There is also a 'DA II in Training' classification for those accumulating experience.

dental assistants in North Carolina earn a median of $48,710 annually. This is close to the national median of $47,300. Wages range from $37,330 (10th percentile) up to $59,300 (90th percentile).

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($450) plus your education and training.

Most candidates in North Carolina complete the process in Varies (e.g., 2 years for 3000 hours experience, or completion of an ADA-accredited program), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.