How to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Carolina: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re thinking about a career in dentistry, you may be wondering what it takes to become a dental hygienist in North Carolina. It’s a rewarding path — dental hygienists play a vital role in oral healthcare, and the profession offers excellent pay, flexible hours, and strong job security.

This article breaks down exactly how to become a dental hygienist in NC, how it differs from becoming a dental assistant, and what steps to take if you’re just starting out in the dental field.

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist: What’s the Difference?

Dental assistants support the dentist chairside, prepare patients, take x-rays, and handle important office tasks. Dental hygienists provide preventive care like cleanings, screenings, and oral health education — often working independently with patients.

Both roles are vital, but the training, pay, and responsibilities are very different. If you’re still exploring dentistry, starting with dental assisting can be a faster, more affordable way to enter the field before committing to a multi-year degree.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who work alongside dentists to provide preventive care. Their core responsibilities include:

• Cleaning teeth and performing periodontal therapy

• Taking and interpreting dental x-rays

• Conducting oral cancer screenings

• Educating patients on home care and hygiene habits

• Applying fluoride and sealants

• Documenting dental and health histories

Unlike dental assistants, hygienists often work independently with patients and provide direct clinical services.

👉 Thinking about dental assisting instead? Learn how to become a dental assistant in North Carolina in just 15 weeks with TSDA’s hands-on program.

Steps to Becoming a Dental Hygienist in North Carolina

To practice as a dental hygienist in NC, you’ll need to complete formal education, pass national and state board exams, and obtain licensure. Here’s the full process:

1. Graduate from a CODA-Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

You must complete a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Most are two-year associate degree programs, though bachelor's degrees are also available.

Well-known programs in North Carolina include:

• Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh)

• UNC Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry

• Fayetteville Tech, Central Piedmont, Cape Fear, and others

2. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

This is a comprehensive written exam that covers key clinical and scientific topics such as:

• Periodontics

• Radiology

• Dental materials

• Pharmacology

• Patient assessment and treatment planning

3. Pass the NC Clinical Board Exam

North Carolina requires a clinical competency exam — typically through the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA) — where you demonstrate skills on a live patient or simulation.

4. Obtain CPR Certification & Complete a Background Check

Before applying for licensure, you’ll need to:

• Hold current CPR certification

• Complete a criminal background check

• Submit documentation of your exam results and education

5. Apply for Licensure

Once you've completed all requirements, submit your application to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners along with your fee and documentation.

How Long Does It Take?

Path	Time Required
Associate Degree	~2 years (5 semesters)
Bachelor's Degree	~3–4 years
Testing & Licensing	~1–2 months post-graduation

Most hygienists in NC enter the field through the two-year associate pathway.

Dental Hygienist Salary in NC

Dental hygienists in North Carolina earn an average of $78,000 per year, or about $37–40/hour, depending on location and experience. Urban areas like Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, and Asheville tend to offer higher salaries.

Not Ready for a 2-Year Program? Start with Dental Assisting

If you’re still exploring your interest in dentistry or aren’t ready to commit to a full-time hygiene program, starting as a dental assistant is a smart first step.

• You can become a DA I in just 15 weeks at Triangle School of Dental Assisting

• You’ll gain hands-on clinical experience and build your resume

• It’s a flexible and affordable path that helps you confirm if dentistry is the right field before investing in a multi-year degree

Many hygienists actually begin their careers as dental assistants — it’s a proven way to gain real-world experience, confirm your interest in dentistry, and build a strong foundation before applying to hygiene school.

🎓 Learn more about our 15-week dental assisting program in Raleigh or explore how to become a Dental Assistant in NC if you’re curious about a quick entry point.

Summary: How to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Carolina

1. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene programMost programs are 2-year associate degrees. Bachelor’s options are also available.

2. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)This written exam tests your understanding of clinical and theoretical knowledge.

3. Pass the North Carolina clinical examUsually administered by CITA, this evaluates your hands-on clinical skills.

4. Complete CPR certification and a background checkThese are required before applying for state licensure.

5. Apply for licensure through the NC State Board of Dental ExaminersSubmit your application along with exam scores, training records, and fees.

   
   

✅ Final Thoughts

Dental hygiene is a respected, stable, and high-paying career — but it takes time, commitment, and clinical training to get there. If you’re not quite ready for that leap, starting as a dental assistant can give you valuable real-world experience and clarity about your long-term goals.

At Triangle School of Dental Assisting, we help students take their first steps in dentistry with hands-on training, flexible schedules, and a supportive learning environment.

👉 Request Info or Apply Now We’ll help you build a path that fits your life — whether you stop at assisting or go all the way to hygiene or beyond.