North Carolina — Blue Ridge Parkway mountain mist

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

  • Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
  • DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
  • Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
  • Application fee — $0

How to Apply

  1. Review Registration Requirements
    Review the specific requirements for the desired Dental Assistant registration type (e.g., DA I, DA II) on the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE) website.
  2. Prepare Supporting Documentation
    Gather all required documents such as current CPR certification, approved dental radiography course completion, and any other relevant credentials as outlined by the NCSBDE for your chosen registration type.
  3. Create Account on NCSBDE Online Services
    Navigate to the NCSBDE Online Services portal at https://ncdentalboard.org/OnlineServices/ and create a new account or log in if you are an existing user.
  4. Complete Online Application
    Access the Dental Assistant Registration application within the NCSBDE Online Services portal, fill out all required sections accurately, and upload all supporting documents electronically.
  5. Pay Application Fee
    Submit the required application fee through the NCSBDE Online Services portal to finalize your application submission.
  6. Monitor Application Status
    Track the status of your application through the NCSBDE Online Services portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification from the Board.
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.

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

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

Missing or incomplete documents
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
North Carolina-specific note
North Carolina may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.

Questions

Does North Carolina require a dental assistant license?
No, North Carolina does not require state licensure for general dental assistants. However, expanded functions and radiography may require permits or certifications.
Is DANB certification recognized in North Carolina?
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in North Carolina.
Can I take dental x-rays in North Carolina?
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in North Carolina?
There is no state application fee for general dental assistants in North Carolina. However, DANB CDA exam costs $450, and radiography certifications may have additional fees.

Board Info

North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners
Sources