Best Dental Assistant Schools in North Carolina

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want a career in dental care without years in school, becoming a dental assistant is one of the fastest ways to enter the field. In North Carolina, you can complete training in less than a year and be work-ready soon after.

Here's what you need to know about the role, the training path, and the best places to learn in the state.

What a Dental Assistant Does in North Carolina

Dental assistants support dentists and hygienists during patient care. Your day could include setting up treatment rooms, sterilizing tools, taking X-rays, and explaining post-treatment instructions to patients.

In North Carolina, many entry-level duties don't require certification, but performing certain expanded functions-like coronal polishing and sealant application-requires recognition by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.

North Carolina Rule: Only a Dental Assistant II (DA II) may perform certain expanded duties once proper training and documentation are verified by the supervising dentist.
Source: North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners

Training and Certification Path

Most employers prefer formal training from an accredited program. Here's the typical path in North Carolina:

  1. Graduate from High School or Earn a GED - Required for admission to most dental assisting programs.
  2. Complete an Accredited Dental Assisting Program - Usually 9-12 months, available at community colleges and trade schools.
  3. Pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Exams - This can include the CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) credential.
  4. Apply for North Carolina Recognition - Submit documentation for DA II functions if applicable.
  5. Maintain CPR Certification - Required for most clinical roles.
Step Timeframe Required?
High school diploma or GED Before enrollment Yes
Dental assisting diploma program 9-12 months Yes
DANB CDA exam After graduation Preferred
State recognition for DA II Ongoing For expanded duties
CPR certification Renew every 2 years Yes

Best Accredited Dental Assistant Schools in North Carolina

Here are some of the top programs that meet state and national standards.

1. Wake Technical Community College - Raleigh

Wake Tech's Dental Assisting diploma program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Students train in modern dental labs and complete clinical rotations in private practices and public health settings.

  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Accreditation: CODA
  • Location: Raleigh, NC

2. Central Piedmont Community College - Charlotte

CPCC offers a comprehensive dental assisting program that includes radiography certification and a strong focus on infection control. Clinical training covers both basic assisting and expanded functions.

  • Program Length: 11 months
  • Accreditation: CODA
  • Location: Charlotte, NC

3. Guilford Technical Community College - Jamestown

GTCC provides hands-on training with simulation labs and partnerships with local dental offices. The program prepares students for the DANB exam and DA II functions.

  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Accreditation: CODA
  • Location: Jamestown, NC

4. Fayetteville Technical Community College - Fayetteville

FTCC emphasizes both chairside and administrative skills. Students gain experience in patient records management, insurance processes, and clinical assisting.

  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Accreditation: CODA
  • Location: Fayetteville, NC

5. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College - Asheville

A-B Tech's program is designed for immediate entry into the workforce. It includes courses in dental materials, radiology, and expanded functions.

  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Accreditation: CODA
  • Location: Asheville, NC

What to Look For in a Dental Assisting Program

When choosing a school in North Carolina, consider:

  • Accreditation - CODA-accredited programs meet national standards and prepare you for certification.
  • Clinical Hours - Look for programs with substantial hands-on training.
  • Employer Connections - Many graduates find jobs through clinical rotations.
  • Exam Preparation - Programs that include DANB prep can give you an advantage.

Working as a Dental Assistant in North Carolina

North Carolina recognizes two levels of dental assistants:

  • DA I - Entry-level dental assistants trained on the job or through a formal program.
  • DA II - Dental assistants who meet additional coursework and clinical requirements, allowing them to perform expanded functions.

Tip: Keep detailed documentation of your training and skills. The supervising dentist is responsible for verifying your qualifications for DA II duties.

Continuing Education

Dental assistants in North Carolina must keep skills up-to-date. This may include:

  • Infection control courses
  • Radiography updates
  • CPR renewals
  • New technology training

Employers often cover part or all of the cost for continuing education.

Next Steps

Here's what you can do now:

  1. Make a list of accredited dental assisting schools near you.
  2. Compare program length, cost, and start dates.
  3. Visit campuses or attend virtual info sessions.
  4. Apply early-many programs have limited seats and fill quickly.
  5. Keep your CPR certification current.

Starting as a dental assistant in North Carolina is a smart move if you want a stable healthcare career without a long degree process. With the right training, you can be working in less than a year.

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