For which of the following purposes can a dental instructor's license be used in North Carolina?

A dental instructor's license in North Carolina is specifically designated for teaching dental students. It authorizes the licensee to educate and train future dentists and dental professionals in an academic setting. The focus of this license is on the pedagogical aspects of dentistry, meaning it supports roles that contribute to the educational development of students in dental hygiene, dental assisting, or dentistry programs.

In contrast, leading a private dental practice involves a different set of qualifications and licensure requirements, typically necessitating a dentist's license rather than an instructor's license. Conducting independent research, while valuable, does not fall under the purview of a teaching license, as it does not directly pertain to the education of students. Finally, providing dental care to the public is again outside the scope of an instructor's license and would require a full dentist's license that permits direct patient care. Therefore, teaching dental students is the sole purpose that aligns with the functionalities and permissions granted by a dental instructor's license in North Carolina.