Dental Hygienist in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV
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.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in West Virginia
| Detail | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | West Virginia Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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
Dental Hygienist Salary in West Virginia
The median dental hygienist salary in West Virginia is $72,670 per year, which is 22.9% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $54,080 |
| 25th | $61,430 |
| 50th (median) | $72,670 |
| 75th | $76,560 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,830 |
West Virginia employs approximately 1,220 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in West Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: West Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.