DA I vs. DA II in North Carolina: What’s the Difference?

If you're exploring a career in dental assisting in North Carolina, you've likely come across the terms DA I and DA II. But what do they actually mean—and which path is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Dental Assistant I and Dental Assistant II in NC, including job duties, training requirements, and how to move from one to the other.

🔗 Just getting started? Read our step-by-step guide to becoming a dental assistant in NC.

What Is a Dental Assistant I (DA I)?

A DA I is an entry-level dental assistant. North Carolina does not require licensure or certification to begin working at this level. However, most dental offices prefer candidates who have completed a formal training program, like the 15-week hands-on course offered at TSDA.

Typical DA I responsibilities include:

• Assisting the dentist during routine procedures

• Preparing and sterilizing instruments

• Taking patient histories and vital signs

• Managing appointment scheduling and front-office tasks

• Taking dental x-rays (with proper radiography training)

• Educating patients on oral hygiene

DA I is the most common and practical starting point. It allows you to begin your career quickly—often in a matter of weeks—and gain real experience on the job.

What Is a Dental Assistant II (DA II)?

A DA II is a dental assistant with expanded clinical responsibilities. DA IIs can perform more advanced tasks, but only under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, and only after meeting specific experience or education requirements.

To become a DA II in North Carolina, you must:

• Hold current CPR certification

• Complete training in radiography, infection control, sterilization, and dental emergencies

• AND either:

  • Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or hygiene program, or

  • Work full-time as a DA I for at least two years (about 3,000 hours) and complete required coursework

What Can a DA II Do That a DA I Can’t?

In practice, many functions typically associated with DA II—such as taking radiographs or performing coronal polishing—can also be performed by a DA I who has completed the appropriate training or courses.

So what’s the real difference?

The only legal distinction between DA I and DA II in North Carolina is:

A DA II has completed at least 3,000 hours (approximately 2 years) of work experience as a DA I and has documented the completion of required training (e.g., radiography, infection control, CPR, dental emergencies).

In other words, a DA II is recognized by the Board as someone who has gained enough experience and formal training to perform all expanded functions without needing additional verification or direct instruction.

But with the right training and supervision, many DA I-level assistants perform very similar duties in real-world settings.

Feature	DA I – Fast-Track Entry Point	DA II – Recognized Expanded Role
State Requirements	No license or certification needed	Must have 3,000 hours as DA I + required training
Training Options	On-the-job or short program (TSDA: 15 weeks)	DA I experience OR CODA-accredited program
Scope of Practice	Can perform most tasks (including radiographs & polishing) with proper training	Same tasks as DA I, with formal Board-recognized status
Earning Potential	~$18–22/hour to start	~$23–27/hour depending on duties
Career Growth	Ideal for entering the field quickly	Board-recognized status for full expanded function
Time Investment	~3–4 months	~2 years of work experience or full program

Which One Is Right for You?

Most students begin as a DA I, using programs like TSDA’s 15-week course to enter the workforce quickly and affordably. From there, they gain experience, build confidence, and work toward DA II status if they want to expand their scope.

🎓 TSDA prepares you for both — starting your career quickly and laying the foundation for DA II advancement.

👉 Explore the TSDA Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go straight into DA II? Yes—but only if you attend a CODA-accredited program. Most students take the DA I path first and build experience over time.

Do I need certification to be a DA I? No. Formal certification isn’t required by the state, but most offices strongly prefer trained candidates.

Q: What’s the biggest difference in duties? Many clinical tasks (like coronal polishing and taking x-rays) can be performed by a DA I with proper training. The key difference is that DA II status requires 3,000 hours of experience and formal documentation of that training, making it a recognized expanded function level.

How long does it take to become a DA II? Typically about 2 years (3,000 hours) of full-time work as a DA I, plus the completion of required training courses like CPR, radiography, infection control, and dental emergencies.