About Us

About D.A. Academy of North Carolina

D.A. Academy of NC is more than a school — we’re a passionate community of dental educators dedicated to your success. Founded in 2015 in Charlotte, our academy was created to meet the growing demand for skilled dental assistants in North Carolina. We take pride in offering an elite curriculum and a supportive learning environment where “Smiles Truly Matter.”

D.A. Academy of North Carolina dental assistant educators and team
D.A. Academy of NC Smiles Truly Matter
2015 Founded in Charlotte, NC
Our Purpose

Our Mission & Values

Our mission is to empower students through exceptional dental education, transforming them into confident professionals. We believe in:

01
Looking Forward

Vision

Our vision is to shape a future where the students we educate create a positive ripple effect in their personal lives and in turn, the community and overall economy — because smiles truly matter!

02
Our Commitment

Mission

Our mission is to provide high quality, hands-on dental education that equips students with the skills and confidence to excel. Through personalized instruction and support, we help guide their transformation from beginners to professionals.

Our Purpose Exceptional dental education, hands-on learning, personalized instruction and student success.
Our Team

Meet the Team

Ruby Jones - Executive Director at D.A. Academy of North Carolina 01

Ruby Jones

D.A. Academy of North Carolina
Executive Director
DA II, BA, RSO Instructor
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The founder of D.A. Academy of North Carolina and has over 15 years of experience in the dental field. Starting as a chairside dental assistant, Ruby is now a leader in dental education, committed to equipping future dental assistants with the skills necessary for successful careers. Driven by the belief that Smiles Matter. At D.A. Academy, Ruby is dedicated to fostering confident, skilled professionals who will make a difference in the community.

Terica Morgan - Director of Operations at D.A. Academy of North Carolina 02

Terica Morgan

D.A. Academy of North Carolina
Director of Operations
DA II, BA, RSO Instructor
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Terica brings over 13 years of experience in healthcare, including 7 years as a chairside dental assistant. A graduate of D.A. Academy herself, she is passionate about empowering students to achieve their educational goals and thrive in their careers. Terica’s approach emphasizes open communication and personalized support, helping students overcome challenges and gain confidence. Outside of work, she enjoys teaching additional training classes, spending time with family, and staying active. She is dedicated to shaping the future of dental education through mentorship and innovation and advises students to embrace every opportunity to learn and remain proactive as they grow in their careers.

Yoshimara Pineda - Bilingual Instructor at D.A. Academy of North Carolina 03

Yoshimara Pineda

D.A. Academy of North Carolina
Bilingual Instructor
DA II, Admissions Advisor
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Yoshimara is focused on equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to succeed as confident dental professionals. With a natural talent for teaching, Yoshimara draws on her clinical experience to provide compassionate and personalized instruction. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, outdoor games with her family, and reading. She encourages students to think about their goals, envision their future, and embrace opportunities without letting fear hold them back.

Stacey Perry - Coronal Polishing Instructor at D.A. Academy of North Carolina 04

Stacey Perry

D.A. Academy of North Carolina
DA II, RDH
Coronal Polishing Instructor
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Stacey is dedicated to transforming students’ lives through hands-on dental education. With a focus on personalized instruction and real-world applications, Stacey ensures her students gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed. One of her most rewarding experiences was helping a student overcome a language barrier to secure a respected dental position. Outside the Academy, Stacey enjoys sports and spending time with her two boys, who inspire her to set high standards and work hard. She advises students to embrace their role as vital members of the dental team and use their training to make a meaningful impact.

Emily Villalobos - Bilingual Instructor at D.A. Academy of North Carolina 05

Emily Villalobos

D.A. Academy of North Carolina
DA II
Bilingual Instructor
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Emily brings over 13 years of experience in healthcare, including 5 years as a practicing dental assistant. A proud graduate of D.A. Academy herself, Emily is passionate about empowering students to achieve their educational goals and build fulfilling careers. Her approach emphasizes patience, open communication, and personalized support, ensuring that students feel confident and prepared to succeed. Outside of work, Emily enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with her family, and walking her dog. She is dedicated to advancing dental education through mentorship and fostering connections within the community. Emily encourages students to embrace continuous learning, trust their abilities, and remain proactive as they grow in their careers.

Claudia Leyva - Bilingual Instructor at D.A. Academy of North Carolina 06

Claudia Leyva

D.A. Academy of North Carolina
Bilingual Instructor
DA II, Admissions Advisor
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Claudia is passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals and transform their lives through dental assisting. A graduate of the program herself, Claudia draws from her personal journey to inspire her students and create a supportive environment where they can succeed. She values celebrating student progress and guiding them to overcome challenges. Outside of work, Claudia enjoys cooking, which fuels her creativity and connection with others. She advises students to embrace all opportunities and approach their careers with enthusiasm and hope.

Meet the educators and professionals supporting D.A. Academy of North Carolina students.
Facilities

Take a Virtual Facility Tour

Training takes place at our modern dental training facility in Charlotte, equipped with actual dental operatories, digital X-ray machines, sterilization room, and all the tools you’ll use in dental practice. You’ll feel like you’re already working in a dental office! We keep class sizes small for plenty of one-on-one instruction. Plus, students have access to our online learning portal for supplementary study materials and private YouTube videos for extra practice.

D.A. Academy of North Carolina training facility in Charlotte
D.A. Academy of NC
Virtual Tour See Where Your Dental Assistant Training Takes Place
Charlotte, North Carolina
✓ Dental Operatories
✓ Digital X-Ray Machines
✓ Sterilization Room
✓ Hands-On Training Tools
Dental professional representing D.A. Academy of North Carolina partnerships and community
Community Connections Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom
Partnerships

Partnerships & Community

D.A. Academy of NC is proud to be an approved training provider for workforce development programs like the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). We also partner with local dental practices for Boost To Employment Events, office tours, and job placement opportunities. (Are you a dental employer? See our “Hire a Graduate” info on the Career Services page – we’d love to connect with you!)

✓ Workforce Development
✓ Local Dental Practices
✓ Office Tours & Events
✓ Job Placement Opportunities
Explore Career Services ↗ Employer partnership information available
Visit or Enroll

Have Questions or Want to Meet Us in Person?

We’re happy to answer your questions, introduce you to our faculty, and show you around our training facility.

01
Enrollment

Ready to Reserve Your Seat?

Take the next step toward your dental assisting career and submit your application to D.A. Academy.

Apply Now
02
Visit Our Campus

Schedule a Campus Tour

Meet our team, explore the training environment, and see what you can expect as a D.A. Academy student.

Schedule Your Tour
We look forward to welcoming you to D.A. Academy of North Carolina.