dental assisting

Dental Assistant I and Dental Assistant II

In North Carolina, there are two classifications for Dental Assistants (DAI and DAII.)  North Carolina does NOT certify assistants. Classification is based on experience and/or training as listed below. It is up to the employer to verify an assistant's qualifications and determine if he/she is a DAI or DAII.

Education and Training Requirements

To be classified as a Dental Assistant II, an assistant shall meet one of the following criteria:

(1) completion of:
(a) an ADA-accredited dental assisting program and current certification in CPR; or
(b) one academic year or longer in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program, and current certification in CPR; or

(2) completion of the Dental Assistant certification examination(s) administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and current certification in CPR; or

(3) completion of:
(a) a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control;
(b) a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies; and
(c) current certification in CPR.
(d) after completing Sub-Items (3)(b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, dental assistants may be trained in any dental delivery setting and allowed to perform the functions of a Dental Assistant II under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist, except as listed in Sub-Item 3(e) of this Rule.
(e) dental assistants may take radiographs after completing radiology training consistent with G.S. 90-29(c)(12).
(f) full-time employment and experience as a chairside assistant for two years (3,000 hours) of the preceding five, during which period the assistant may be trained in any dental delivery setting and allowed to perform the functions of a Dental Assistant II under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist.

 

Radiography Requirements

A certified dental assistant [(one who successfully completes the DANB exam (see (2) above)] or an assistant who completes an ADA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program may take radiographs without further examination. All others, including those who move to North Carolina from out-of-state,  must successfully pass an equivalency exam. This exam may be challenged after completing "seven (7) hours of instruction in the production and use of dental x-rays and an education program of not less than fourteen (14) hours in clinical dental radiology." You must be able to prove that you have the minimal amount of training to be eligible to take the radiology equivalency exam, or you may take a course prior to taking the exam. Any Board approved radiography course is acceptable and any approved course's final examination is recognized as the equivalency exam.

Click here to see the latest list of approved radiology courses & instructors

Delegable Functions

For a list of delegable functions for DA I or DA II, please refer to the latest dental assisting rule for North Carolina. Click here.

Functions of the Board of Dental Examiners
The administration of licensure examinations for dentists and dental hygienists
The promulgation of rules and enforcement of laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in this state
The issuance and renewal of licenses to dentists and dental hygienists