Dental Assistant Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina is a wonderful state in which to work as a dental assistant. This is thanks to the competitive salary, consistent demand for these professionals in the state, and several organizations offering valuable credentials and resources for career growth.

Readers of this page interested in becoming dental assistants in the state will find many useful resources here. We start by breaking down the entire journey into a straightforward step-by-step process before focusing on possible certification options.

Toward the end, we showcase some top dental assistant training programs in North Carolina before revealing the average annual salary that candidates can expect.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in North Carolina

North Carolina has set the following requirements for aspiring dental assistants in the state:

Step 1: Attend a Training Program

Prospective dental assistants in North Carolina are expected to attend an accredited dental assisting program to start their careers. Doing so will ensure they have all the skills needed to secure entry-level employment or acquire further training on the job.

While most training programs can be completed in one year, those who seek a more robust training experience may choose to complete a two-year dental assisting training program.

Students must focus on all major components of dental assisting, including chairside assisting and infection control, as this will undoubtedly prove useful on the job and when it’s time to pursue certification.

Step 2: Real-World Training

As with most technical professions, more than understanding the theoretical principles behind dental assisting is required to perform the duties at a high level. Candidates must also complete their tasks in a real-world environment before being ready for employment.

Most training programs facilitate this through an externship.

Step 3: Certification & Employment

The state of North Carolina requires prospective dental assistants to complete a few certification requirements before starting their careers. Those who have completed the above steps and fulfilled the certification requirements may then create a resume and apply for open positions.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become a medical assistant in North Carolina

The section below looks deeper into the certification options.

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Generally, two certifications are needed to become a full-fledged dental assistant in North Carolina. The first is the Certified Dental Assistant credential offered by the Dental Assisting National Board. The second is Dental Assistant II, which the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners offers.

The CDA credential is nationally recognized, allowing candidates to enjoy credibility and networking opportunities while accessing continuing education resources. The DA II certification is a state-based credential that candidates can earn by completing an academic dental assisting program and having CPR certification. Individuals may also qualify for the credential by completing a 3-hour sterilization and infection control course and a 3-hour dental office emergency course.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in North Carolina

Prospective dental assistants in North Carolina can attend any of the following programs to gain a comprehensive introduction to the field.

Explore dental assistant schools in North Carolina by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Charlotte

Salary & Career Outlook

Fresh dental assistants in North Carolina will be glad to know they can start their careers, earning an annual average salary of at least $55,804. They may also start earning as high as $71,115.

While the first figure belongs to the lower 10% of earners in the state, the second figure is enough to put candidates among the middle earners. The highest-paid dental assistants in North Carolina tend to earn an annual average salary as high as $90,626.

Some factors that candidates may leverage to earn higher salaries are experience, credentials, a more favorable employer, and location.

Raleigh and Cary are the highest-paying locations for dental assistants in North Carolina, with annual average salaries of $76,831 and $75,999, respectively. They are followed in the top five by Lincolnton, with an annual average salary of $72,805; Chapel Hill, with an annual average salary of $72,410; and Salisbury, with an annual average salary of $72,079.