Dental Hygienist in West Virginia

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

Median annual salary

$72,670

trending_down -22.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.

engineering

1,220

Jobs (WV)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$715

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in West Virginia

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in West Virginia, applicants must graduate with a degree in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program and be at least 18 years old. Key steps include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional or state clinical exam, and the West Virginia Law Exam. The application fee is $250, and a clean background check is mandatory. License renewal occurs every two years by February 1st of even-numbered years, requiring 20 hours of continuing education and a current CPR certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $54,080

25th percentile $61,430

50th (median) $72,670

75th percentile $76,560

90th (experienced) $83,830

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

checklist West Virginia requirements

Licensing body	West 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), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and the West Virginia Law Exam ($465)
Application fee	$250
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18. CPR certification is required. A clean background check is mandatory, and applicants must demonstrate good moral character. Renewal is by February 1 of even-numbered years. Initial licensees are exempt from CE requirements for the first reporting period but must complete 3 hours of continuing education regarding drug diversion training and best practice prescribing of controlled substances training within one year of receiving their initial license. A $5 fee for the dental recovery network is added to each renewal application.

Source: West 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_circleWest Virginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a dental hygienist in West Virginia? expand_more

The path to dental hygienist licensure in West Virginia: complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and the West Virginia Law Exam, and submit your application ($250 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in West Virginia? expand_more

West Virginia mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. West Virginia Board of Dentistry oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, WREB, SRTA, CITA), and the West Virginia Law Exam.

What do dental hygienists earn in West Virginia? expand_more

In West Virginia, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $72,670/year. That's 23% below the national median of $94,260. New dental hygienists start around $54,080; seasoned professionals can reach $83,830.

What's the total cost to get dental hygienist certified in West Virginia? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($465) and application fee ($250) plus your education and training.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in West Virginia? expand_more

The typical timeline in West Virginia is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in West Virginia? expand_more

To keep your license active, West Virginia mandates 20.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.