Dental Hygienist in Virginia

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

Median annual salary

$98,880

trending_up +4.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.

engineering

3,580

Jobs (VA)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$175

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Virginia

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Virginia, you must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass both the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical examination acceptable to the Virginia Board of Dentistry. As of January 1, 2023, the Board only accepts the ADEX exam for licensure by examination. Additionally, applicants must maintain a current Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR certification with a hands-on component. Virginia has joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will facilitate reciprocity with other participating states once fully implemented.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $79,980

25th percentile $90,160

50th (median) $98,880

75th percentile $108,270

90th (experienced) $121,950

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

checklist Virginia requirements

Licensing body	Virginia Board of Dentistry
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical examination acceptable to the Board (as of January 1, 2023, the Board only accepts the ADEX exam for licensure by examination)
Application fee	$175
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	15.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR with hands-on component) is required. Renewal is annual by March 31. Applicants must be of good moral character and pass a criminal background check. There is no minimum age specified for licensure, but a dental hygienist may administer Schedule VI local anesthesia to persons 18 years of age or older.

Source: Virginia Board of Dentistry

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual openings

15,300

Nationwide per year

Total employment

221,600

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental hygienist in Virginia? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Virginia, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical examination acceptable to the Board (as of January 1, 2023, the Board only accepts the ADEX exam for licensure by examination), and submit your application ($175 fee).

Does Virginia require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

Virginia mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. Virginia Board of Dentistry oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical examination acceptable to the Board (as of January 1, 2023, the Board only accepts the ADEX exam for licensure by examination).

What do dental hygienists earn in Virginia? expand_more

dental hygienists in Virginia earn a median of $98,880 annually. That's roughly in line with the $94,260 national median. The range spans from $79,980 at the entry level to $121,950 for top earners.

What's the timeline to become a dental hygienist in Virginia? expand_more

Expect to spend 2-4 years from start to finish in Virginia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What's required to renew a dental hygienist license in Virginia? expand_more

License renewal in Virginia requires completing 15.0 hours of continuing education on a 1.0-year cycle.