Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Dental Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,710 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#13 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Experience: Affidavit or referral required.; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to NC Board of Dental Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $48,710, Dental Assistants in North Carolina earn 3% above the national median of $47,300. North Carolina ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$48,710Hourly estimate
$23.423% above national median
Difference: +$1,410
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#13 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota | $64,630 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $57,960 |
| #3 | Oregon | $57,720 |
| #4 | Washington | $57,040 |
| #5 | Alaska | $55,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Dental Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $48,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $46,910 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $45,600 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| South Carolina | $45,930 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 29 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Board of Dental Examiners
2000 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 160, Morrisville, NC, 27560-8442
Phone: 9196788223
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Dental Assistants in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in North Carolina is $48,710. Salaries range from $37,330 (10th percentile) to $59,300 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in North Carolina earn 3% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $48,710.
How many Dental Assistants work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 11,100 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Dental Examiners. Review agency details at http://ncdentalboard.org/#.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.