Dental Hygienist in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.
Jobs (WV)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
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 |
| Reciprocity | West Virginia does not have direct reciprocity; applicants must pass a regional/state clinical exam and a state law exam.Reciprocal states: West Virginia does not have direct reciprocity. Applicants licensed in another state must meet equivalent educational requirements, pass the NBDHE, a regional/state clinical exam, and the West Virginia Law Exam. They must also be interviewed by the Board and provide verification of good standing from all previous healthcare licenses. |
| 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to West Virginia? See whether West Virginia recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Dental Hygienist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleWest Virginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)
Compare Dental Hygienist head-to-head
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