The North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants (NC) states that there are fewer than 10,000 licensed dentists in the state. The Board of Dental Assistants oversees these professionals to ensure their performance meets high standards.
However, strict regulations are in place for safe practice and maintaining North Carolina’s dentist standards, including issuing dental licenses.
Furthermore, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of acquiring and renewing a dental license in North Carolina. It covers essential steps, timelines, costs, and maintaining license validity.
Additionally, it’ll introduce how Heartbeat can assist in navigating the licensing process.
What’s on this page:
North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants: At A Glance
The North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants (NCBDA) oversees the certification and regulation of dental assistants in the state. It ensures practitioners meet educational and training standards. The board promotes public health by enforcing professional guidelines. It addresses concerns related to the dental assisting profession. This maintains high standards of care and patient safety.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: (919) 678-8223
- Address: 2000 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 160, Morrisville, NC 27560
- Website: North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants
What is the North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants Responsible for?
The Board of Dental Assistants North Carolina oversees and regulates dental and dental assistant practices within the state. Its main responsibilities include:
- Licensing and Certification: Issuing and renewing licenses for dental professionals.
- Education Standards: Setting requirements for educational programs in dentistry and dental assisting.
- Professional Conduct: Enforcing ethical and professional standards.
- Continuing Education: Requiring ongoing education for dental professionals.
- Disciplinary Actions: Investigating complaints and disciplining those who violate regulations.
- Regulation Development: Creating policies and guidelines for dental practice.
North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants License Lookup
To look up or renew a license for dental assistants in North Carolina, you should consult the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. Dental assistants in North Carolina are divided into two categories. These are Dental Assistant I (DAI) and Dental Assistant II (DAII).
The categorization is based on factors such as experience, training, and specific qualifications. Unlike in some states, North Carolina does not offer certification for dental assistants. Instead, employers are responsible for verifying an assistant’s qualifications. They also decide on the classification of the assistant.
For those seeking a more detailed search, Heartbeat provides a solution. It offers a method to check the licensing status of dentists in North Carolina. With Heartbeat, accessing up-to-date information on medical professionals is straightforward. This platform ensures you can verify a dentist’s qualifications with confidence.
Are You Eligible for a North Carolina Dental Assistants License?
To be eligible for a dental assistant license in North Carolina, applicants need to fulfill several criteria. They must have a degree from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association. They are also required to pass both parts of the National Board Dental Examinations.
A clinical examination, such as the ADEX or CRDTS exams, accepted by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, must be completed successfully. Furthermore, candidates need to clear the state’s jurisprudence exam.
Finally, it’s important to prove you have good character, usually through a criminal background check and maybe some extra references or interviews. Always check with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners for the latest rules on getting a license.
North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants License Requirements
To become a licensed Dental Assistant II (DA II) in North Carolina, you’ll need to meet certain requirements set by the North Carolina Board of Dental assistants. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:
- Maintain an active (CPR) certification.
- Graduate from a (CODA)-accredited dental assisting program.
- Complete at least one academic year in a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the (DANB), (CDA) exam.
- Finish a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control, and a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies.
- Gain practical experience under a dentist’s supervision in a dental setting, performing the functions of a DA II.
- Possibly take and pass written examinations on infection control/sterilization and North Carolina dental jurisprudence, with a minimum score of 80 on each.
- Pass a clinical examination, such as the CITA Dental Exam or the ADEX exam, with the periodontal scaling portion being mandatory in North Carolina.
How to Get a North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants License?
To get a North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants License, follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: Meet the Education Requirements
Before you can apply for a dental assistant license in North Carolina, you need to have completed an accredited dental assisting program. This program should be approved by the (CODA). It’s important that the course you choose meets these criteria to ensure your eligibility for licensure.
Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience
In addition to educational requirements, some levels of dental assistant licensure in North Carolina may require you to have a certain amount of clinical experience. This means working with a certified dentist and getting practical experience in various dental assistant jobs.
Step 3: Pass Required Examinations
To qualify for licensure, you’ll need to pass certain examinations. This often includes a national examination, like the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam, and may also require passing a state-specific jurisprudence examination.
These tests check your understanding and abilities in dental assisting, along with your knowledge of the rules and laws that control dental work in North Carolina.
Step 4: Submit the North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants License Application
Once you have met the educational and examination requirements, you can apply for your dental assistant license with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.
You’ll need to fill out an application form, which can usually be found on the board’s official website. Along with your application, you’ll need to submit proof of your education, examination scores, and any other required documentation.
Step 5: Maintain Your License
After receiving your dental assistant license, you must keep it active by following the board’s renewal guidelines. This typically involves completing continuing education (CE) credits and paying a renewal fee. The number of CE credits required and the frequency of renewal vary, so check with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners for specific details.
North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants Licensure Time Frame
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners indicates that processing an application might take up to 90 days. Moreover, the board keeps incomplete applications for one year. This gives applicants plenty of time to submit any missing information.
Cost of North Carolina Dental Assistants Board License?
In North Carolina, the fees associated with dental/dental assistant licensure are determined by the State Board of Dental Examiners. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- The fee for obtaining a dental license is set at $395.
- A license application incurs a processing fee of $75.
- Dental licensure through credentials is priced at $2,000.
- Licensure for individuals with military endorsement or for military spouses is provided free of charge.
- The application processing fee for a dental hygiene license is also $75.
North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants License Renewal
To renew your dental assistant license in North Carolina, follow these steps.
Step 1: Check Your Renewal Date
To renew your license on time, it’s crucial to be aware of its expiration date. Begin the renewal process ahead of this date to prevent operating with an expired license. This date can be found on your current license or by accessing your account on the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners’ website.
Step 2: Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Before you can renew your license, you need to finish any required continuing education (CE) courses. The North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners specifies how many hours you need. Make sure to complete these hours with approved providers. Keep records of your CE courses because you might need to show proof.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need some documents to renew your license. This usually includes your current license number, proof of your completed CE hours, and sometimes additional information like a government-issued ID. Check the renewal notice or the Board’s website for a specific list of what you need.
Step 4: Log Into Your Account
Go to the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners’ website and log into your account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one using your license number and some personal information.
Step 5: Complete the Renewal Application
Once you’re logged in, find the license renewal section and start your application. You’ll need to enter or confirm your personal and professional information. This is also where you’ll upload or enter details about your CE courses.
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee
After filling out the application, you’ll need to pay a renewal fee. The amount should be listed on the application or the Board’s website. You can usually pay this fee online using a credit or debit card. Make sure to print or save the receipt for your records.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
After submitting your application, you should get confirmation that it has been successfully received. Then, submit your application. You should receive confirmation that your application has been received.
Step 8: Check Your Application Status
Once you’ve submitted, you can look up how your application is doing on the Board’s website. It might take some time to process, but you can log into your account to see updates. If there are any issues, the Board will contact you.
Step 9: Receive Your New License
Once your application is approved, you’ll get your new license. It might be mailed to you or made available for download through your account on the Board’s website. Make sure to print it out and keep it where you work, as you need to show it to legally work as a dental assistant in North Carolina.
North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants License Verification
Verifying a dental assistant’s license in North Carolina is essential for ensuring professional standards in dental care. Follow the steps below for a smooth license verification experience.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Start by going to the official website of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. This is the place where you can find all the information about dental professionals in North Carolina.
Step 2: Find the License Verification Section
Once you are on the homepage, look for a section or a link that says something like “License Verification” or “Verify a License”. This link will take you to the page where you can search for the license information of dental assistants.
Step 3: Enter the Required Information
On the License Verification page, you will see fields where you can enter information to search for a dental assistant. You might need to enter the name of the dental assistant or their license number. Fill in the information you have.
Step 4: Perform the Search
After you have entered the necessary information, look for a button that says “Search” or “Submit”. Press this button to begin looking for the dental assistant’s license information.
Step 5: Review the Results
Wait until the search findings show up on the display. Once they do, look through the list to find the dental assistant you are searching for. The results will show the status of their license and other relevant information.
Step 6: Obtain Detailed Information
If you need more detailed information about the dental assistant’s license, there may be an option to click on their name or a details button next to their listing. This will provide you with comprehensive details about their license status, any specialties, and possibly their work history.
How Often Do Dental Assistant Licenses Need to be Renewed in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, dental hygienists and dentists must renew their licenses yearly between November 1 and March 31. Failure to renew by March 31 results in voided licenses. Practicing thereafter without a valid renewal is considered a Class I misdemeanor.
How Does Heartbeat AI Simplify the Process of Getting & Renewing a Dental Assistants License in North Carolina?
Though Heartbeat AI doesn’t directly assist in acquiring a license, it can simplify the process by providing data on healthcare professionals. By contacting licensed professionals you can get ideas on licensing and renewing procedures.
Here are some of the core benefits of using Heartbeat:
User-friendly and Informative
Heartbeat AI has an extensive database containing information on more than 11 million healthcare workers across 200 regions. This database includes current phone numbers with an 84% accuracy rate and email addresses with a 92% accuracy rate from the outset.
Enhanced Search Capabilities
The Prospector Tool by Heartbeat AI simplifies the process of finding healthcare professionals. It allows searches based on location, specialty, and experience level.
Instant Information Retrieval
The Heartbeat AI Chrome Extension offers immediate access to crucial information on medical websites. Essential details can be accessed in a single click, without the need to navigate away from the current page.
Verification of Contact Information
Heartbeat AI includes a feature for uploading a contact list, which is crucial for verifying and correcting any inaccurate or incomplete contact details.
Flexible Pricing
Heartbeat AI provides various pricing options to accommodate the budgetary and operational needs of different medical practices, making it accessible to both large and small entities.
Conclusion
To sum up, the North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants plays a big role in keeping healthcare quality high in the state. They handle who gets dental assistant licenses and who can renew them.
This makes sure only skilled people give medical care. It’s important to know what you need to do and when you want to get or renew your license.
Whether it’s your first time applying or you need to renew your license, it helps to stay on top of things. Using tools like Heartbeat AI can make the whole process easier.
Frequently Asked Question
What should I do if I move or change my name while being a licensed dental assistant in North Carolina?
Notify the North Carolina Board of Dental Assistants of any address or name changes promptly to ensure you receive all communications and to comply with regulations.
Are there any special certifications required for dental assistants performing expanded functions in North Carolina?
Yes, dental assistants performing expanded functions may need to obtain additional certifications or meet specific qualifications as determined by the Board.
Can dental assistants in North Carolina perform coronal polishing?
Yes, dental assistants may perform coronal polishing if they have completed a Board-approved coronal polishing course and met any additional requirements specified by the Board.
