• A dental assistant at work.two dentist image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
  
  The dental assistant career is a fast-growing field with excellent job prospects. Dental assistants are an integral part of a dental team, as they assist dentists with exams and cleanings, maintain supplies and equipment and counsel patients on dental care. Individuals interested in becoming dental assistants will find a number of training programs in North Carolina.
  
  

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, established in 1959, enrolls approximately 28,000 students in 53 degree programs. The college offers a 48-credit dental assisting diploma. The dental assisting curriculum includes general education courses, dental sciences, biomedical sciences, laboratory work and clinical experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become certified dental assistants.
  
  Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
  340 Victoria Road
  Asheville, NC 28801
  828-254-1921
  abtech.edu/
  
  

Central Piedmont Community College

• Central Piedmont Community College was formed in 1963 with the merger of Mecklenbug College and the Central Industrial Education Center. The college now enrolls approximately 70,000 students at its six campuses. The dental assisting diploma program combines general education courses, dental sciences, biomedical sciences, clinical sciences and clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination.
  
  Central Piedmont Community College
  P.O. Box 35009
  Charlotte, NC 28235
  704-330-4614
  cpcc.edu
  
  

Wake Technical Community College

• The college began as Wake County Industrial Education Center, and after several decades of growth, was renamed Wake Technical Community College in 1987. It is now the second-largest community college in North Carolina and enrolls approximately 65,000 students at seven campuses. The curriculum includes courses in general studies, sciences, dental sciences and pre-clinical as well as clinical experience.
  
  Wake Technical Community College
  9101 Fayetteville Road
  Raleigh, NC 27603-5696
  919-747-0027
  Waketech.edu
  
  

Cape Fear Community College

• Cape Fear Community College is the fifth-largest community college in North Carolina, enrolling approximately 26,500 students. According to a recent survey, 98 percent of graduates are reportedly employed or continuing their education at a higher level. The 47-credit dental assisting diploma program includes courses in dental sciences and clinical experience. Applicants must complete observation hours, placement testing and pre-requisite courses before taking the core courses. Graduates are eligible to take the national exam.
  
  Cape Fear Community College
  411 N Front Street
  Wilmington, NC 28401
  910-362-7416
  Cfcc.edu