21 NCAC 16H .0104         APPROVED EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

(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).

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-29(c)(9); 90-48;

Eff. September 3, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 26, 1977;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2016; April 1, 2015; August 1, 2000; November 1, 1996; January 1, 1994; September 1, 1998; May 1, 1989; October 1, 1986.

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2024; September 1, 2020.