CertOutlook

Dental Assistant in West Virginia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$37,330
trending_down -21.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.

engineering
1,380

Jobs (WV)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$295

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in West Virginia

In West Virginia, basic dental assistants are not required to be licensed by the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners. However, to perform expanded duties or radiography, dental assistants must obtain specific certifications from the Board. This typically involves completing a board-approved course and passing a relevant examination, such as the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam for radiography. Some expanded duties may also require a certain amount of clinical experience.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,660
25th percentile $35,600
50th (median) $37,330
75th percentile $43,430
90th (experienced) $49,480

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for West Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist West Virginia requirements

Licensing bodyWest Virginia Board of Dental Examiners
State license Not required
EducationNot required for basic duties. Board-approved course for expanded duties and radiography.
ExamDANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) for radiography ($270)
Application fee$25
NotesWest Virginia does not license basic dental assistants. A permit is required to perform radiography, which requires passing the DANB RHS exam or a West Virginia state exam. Other expanded duties also require specific qualifications, including board-approved courses and examinations. For certain expanded duties like coronal polishing, 2 years and 3,000 hours of clinical experience are required. There are no continuing education requirements for dental assistants in West Virginia.

Source: West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
Annual openings
52,900
Nationwide per year
Total employment
381,900
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.53/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a dental assistant career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental assistant in West Virginia? expand_more
West Virginia requires dental assistants to complete the required education (Not required for basic duties. Board-approved course for expanded duties and radiography.), pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) for radiography, and submit your application ($25 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in West Virginia? expand_more
dental assistants in West Virginia are not required to hold a state license. Note: West Virginia does not license basic dental assistants. A permit is required to perform radiography, which requires passing the DANB RHS exam or a West Virginia state exam. Other expanded duties also require specific qualifications, including board-approved courses and examinations. For certain expanded duties like coronal polishing, 2 years and 3,000 hours of clinical experience are required. There are no continuing education requirements for dental assistants in West Virginia.
What is the average dental assistant salary in West Virginia? expand_more
West Virginia dental assistants bring home a median salary of $37,330. — 21% under the $47,300 national average. The range spans from $30,660 at the entry level to $49,480 for top earners.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in West Virginia? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($270) and application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does dental assistant certification take in West Virginia? expand_more
Most candidates in West Virginia complete the process in Varies, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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