Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about the dental assisting program, tuition, applying, training in the practice and our continuing education courses. Don't see your question? Call (910) 304-2300.
The Program
Schedule, requirements and what you finish with
No. The program starts with foundational skills and then progresses. If you can follow instructions and care about getting things right, you can do this work.
No. NIDA is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. That is also why federal financial aid does not apply here.
NIDA is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. It is not accredited.
Yes. Coursework is online at your own pace during the week, and clinical training is on Saturdays. If you work on Saturdays, we advise you to contact us to see if this program is a good fit for you.
Every training day is important. We encourage our students to plan to attend all scheduled training days.
NIDA does not run a criminal background check for admission. Some healthcare employers do, and certain convictions can limit where you can work. If that applies to you, ask us before you enroll.
The median pay for dental assistants was $48,070 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay in the Wilmington area varies by practice.
Training in the Practice
How Saturday clinical training works
Yes. Monday through Friday, NIDA is a working dental practice at 6740 Rock Spring Road, Suite 210, in Wilmington. Students train in the same practice on Saturdays.
Dr. Veronica Taylor-Williams, the licensed dentist who owns the practice, supervises all clinical training.
Yes. You assist chairside during real patient appointments, and every procedure is supervised.
Yes, all patients are made aware when a student is either observing or assisting in procedures during the clinical phase of training.
We meet on weekends so you can keep your job and provide flexibility to your lifestyle. Coursework is online during the week, and clinical training happens in the practice on Saturdays.
Tuition & Payment
What the program costs and how to pay
$3,500. Payment plans start at $500 down. A $500 deposit holds your seat when you enroll.
Yes. A $500 deposit holds your seat when you enroll.
No. NIDA is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges but is not accredited, so federal aid does not apply. NIDA's payment plans are how students spread the cost.
Scrubs, shoes, electronic devices, or other items outside our educational resources are to be purchased by the student.
You can find a full description of our refund policy, linked on our refund page below.
Community college programs are accredited and subsidized. NIDA is faster, and you keep working.
Applying
What to expect when you apply
Applying is simple and takes about three minutes.
No. Applying is free and isn't a commitment. A $500 deposit is due only when you enroll.
Someone from NIDA calls you, answers your questions and sets up a tour of the practice.
Yes. Applying isn't a commitment, and touring the practice is the best way to compare.
Continuing Education
Radiology and coronal polishing for working dental assistants
Our radiology course consist of two consecutive days, 16 hours total. You must attend both.
Yes. Under the current rule, a Dental Assistant I in training can take the course once the supervising dentist decides it is time. You do not have to be a DA II first. The 3,000 hours of chairside work are still required before you are classified as a DA II.
You can only take x-rays if you hold DANB certification or graduated from a CODA-accredited dental assisting or hygiene program. Everyone else has to pass North Carolina's radiology equivalency exam, even with years of experience. Call (910) 304-2300 and tell us where you trained, and we will tell you what you need.
Call (910) 304-2300 or use the contact form.
Coronal polishing: Saturday, October 10, 8:00am to 1:00pm. Radiology: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8.
Not yet. These courses are for people already working in a dental office. If you are starting from zero, begin with the dental assisting program. Coursework is online during the week and you are in the practice on weekends.
The Next Class Begins November 14
Applying takes about three minutes