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.

(a) To be classified as a Dental Assistant II, an assistant shall have and maintain an unexpired CPR certification and shall complete:

(1) a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation ("CODA"), a list of which is available at no cost at coda.ada.org/find-a-program/search-dental-programs and is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions;
(2) one complete school year or longer in a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program;
(3) a dental assisting program offered through a branch of the U.S. armed forces at the Medical Education & Training Campus that includes a clinical rotation providing dental assisting for live patients;
(4) the Certified Dental Assistant certification examinations administered by the Dental Assisting National Board ("DANB") with a passing score as set by DANB; or
(5) the following:
(A) employment as a Dental Assistant I for two years of the preceding five, consisting of at least 3,000 hours total; and
(B) a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control, and a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies. The courses shall be offered by Board-approved course sponsors as set out in 21 NCAC 16I .0202.

(b) A Dental Assistant I who has completed the requirements of Part (a)(5)(B) of this Rule but not completed the employment hours required pursuant to Part (a)(5)(A) may be trained by a licensed dentist and allowed to perform the functions of a Dental Assistant II, as specified in Rule .0203 of this Subchapter, under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist.

(c) For purposes of this Rule, an unexpired CPR certification is one that is in effect and valid at the time of classification as a Dental Assistant II and remains so at all times while employed as a Dental Assistant II or while performing any of the permitted functions under Rule .0203 of this Subchapter.

(d) A dental assistant shall not take radiographs before completing radiology training consistent with G.S. 90- 29(c)(12).

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 complete a course that meets the requirements of 21 NCAC 16H .0105(b) or pass an equivalency exam. A dental assistant may request the didactic and clinical equivalency examination only if he or she has passed a radiology course in a state or jurisdiction that includes, at a minimum, seven hours of instruction in the production and use of dental x rays and an education program of not less than seven hours in clinical dental radiology (NCGS 90-29(c)(12). Those seeking an equivalency examination may contact any of the schools listed to see if they offer an equivalency exam based on having passed such a course in any state or recognized jurisdiction. The course instructor will be responsible for determining the qualifications for taking the equivalency exam. Any Board approved radiography course is acceptable, and any approved course's final examination is recognized as the equivalency exam. Those who fail the equivalency examination must successfully complete a course in dental radiology as described in 21 NCAC 16H .0105(b).

Latest list of approved radiology courses & instructors (PDF)