Dental Assistant Schools
Dental Assistant Programs in Durham, North Carolina
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Becoming a Dental Assistant in Durham, North Carolina
If you’re considering a career as a Dental Assistant in Durham, North Carolina, you’re embarking on a path that combines healthcare, patient interaction, and technical skills. Dental Assistants play a crucial role in dental practices, assisting dentists with patient care, administrative tasks, and laboratory duties. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a Dental Assistant in Durham, including education paths, certification requirements, and local training programs.
About Durham
Durham, North Carolina, is a city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving academic community, home to Duke University. Located in the Research Triangle, Durham offers a blend of urban and suburban living with neighborhoods like Brightleaf and Ninth Street. For more information about Durham, visit the official city website.
Dental Assistant Training Programs in Durham, North Carolina
Durham offers several options for those looking to pursue a career in Dental Assisting. Here are some local schools offering Dental Assistant programs:
- Durham Technical Community College
Located in the heart of Durham, Durham Tech offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting program that prepares students for entry-level positions. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in a clinical setting. Learn more about their program here. Miller-Motte College
Situated in the nearby city of Raleigh, Miller-Motte College provides a Dental Assisting program that covers essential skills such as radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting. The college is approximately 30 minutes from Durham. More details can be found here.Wake Technical Community College
Also located in Raleigh, Wake Tech offers a Dental Assisting diploma program that includes coursework in dental sciences, radiography, and clinical practice. This program is designed to prepare students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. Visit their program page here.
Dental Assistant Employment Opportunities in Durham
Durham hosts several dental offices and clinics where Dental Assistants can find employment. Here are some notable facilities:
- Bull City Dental
Located in the downtown area, Bull City Dental is a modern practice offering comprehensive dental care. They frequently seek qualified Dental Assistants to join their team. Check their employment opportunities here. Duke University Hospital Dental Clinic
Situated within the Duke University campus, this clinic provides a wide range of dental services and is a great place for Dental Assistants to gain experience in a hospital setting. Explore job openings here.Triangle Family Dentistry
With multiple locations in the Research Triangle area, Triangle Family Dentistry offers a collaborative environment for Dental Assistants. Visit their careers page here.
Prerequisites for Dental Assistant Programs
To enroll in a Dental Assistant program in Durham, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may require entrance exams or background checks. Additionally, a minimum age of 18 is often required, along with proof of immunizations or a health clearance.
Dental Assistant Certification Requirements in North Carolina
In North Carolina, Dental Assistants are classified as Dental Assistant I (DAI) and Dental Assistant II (DAII). The state does not certify dental assistants, but classification is based on experience and training.
- DAI: No specific training is required, but you must work under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
- DAII: Requires completion of a CODA-accredited program, passing the DANB CDA exam, or fulfilling specific training and experience criteria.
For more information, visit the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Licensure Requirements
North Carolina does not require licensure for Dental Assistants, but specific functions like radiography and nitrous oxide monitoring require additional training and certification.
Licensure Reciprocity
There are no licensure reciprocity agreements for Dental Assistants in North Carolina, as the state does not require licensure.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a Dental Assistant in Durham, North Carolina, offers a fulfilling opportunity to work in the healthcare field. With the right training and certification, you can join a growing profession that makes a difference in patients’ lives. Contact a local school today to learn more about their Dental Assistant programs and take the first step toward your new career.
For more information on the job outlook for Dental Assistants, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.