How to Get Your Dental Hygienist License in West Virginia (2026)

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in West Virginia West Virginia faces some of the most significant oral health challenges in the United States. The state has a high prevalence of dental disease, a shortage of oral health providers, and large portions of its geography designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). For dental hygienists committed to making a real impact, West Virginia offers genuine career opportunities — and access to meaningful federal and state loan repayment programs for those willing to serve in underserved communities. Licensure is administered by the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners (WVBDE). ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program You must graduate from a dental hygiene program holding active CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accreditation. West Virginia has in-state program options: - **West Virginia University School of Dentistry** (Morgantown) — the state's flagship dental school, offering dental hygiene education alongside its DDS program - **Pierpont Community and Technical College** (Fairmont) - **BridgeValley Community and Technical College** (South Charleston) Many West Virginia candidates also attend CODA-accredited programs in neighboring states (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia) and apply for West Virginia licensure after graduation. Both associate and bachelor's degree graduates are eligible for WVBDE licensure. Confirm CODA accreditation status before enrolling. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, is required for West Virginia licensure. The NBDHE is a comprehensive, computer-based exam covering dental hygiene science and clinical case analysis. - **Minimum passing score:** 75 - **Format:** Computer-based; Prometric testing centers - **Preparation:** Plan for at least two to three months of structured study; WVU School of Dentistry students often use Mosby's Dental Hygiene review materials alongside the JCNDE practice tests NBDHE scores do not expire for licensure purposes in most jurisdictions, but confirm with the WVBDE at the time of your application. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination The West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners accepts both the **ADEX** (American Board of Dental Examiners) and **CRDTS** (Central Regional Dental Testing Service) clinical examinations for dental hygiene licensure. Both are patient-based clinical exams evaluating: - Periodontal assessment and probing - Supragingival and subgingival scaling and root planing - Radiographic evaluation and positioning - Infection control procedures CRDTS testing sites are available throughout the Midwest and mid-Atlantic, including at West Virginia University. ADEX sites are available in the eastern United States. Schedule early, as testing slots can fill months in advance. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License After obtaining passing scores on both exams, submit your application to the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners. Key details for 2026: - **Regulatory body:** West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners (WVBDE) - **Application fee:** Approximately $50–$100 (one of the lower application fees in the country — verify the current fee schedule at wvdentalboard.org) - **Required documents:** Completed application form, official NBDHE score, official clinical exam score report, official transcript from a CODA-accredited program, background check, and any attestations required by the board West Virginia does not currently require a separate jurisprudence examination for dental hygienists, though you should confirm current requirements with the board at the time of application, as regulations are subject to change. ### Continuing Education Requirements West Virginia RDH licenses are renewed every two years. The current requirement is **15 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle**. CE must be obtained from ADA CERP or AGD PACE-approved providers. Online CE is generally accepted. Retain CE documentation for at least four years. There are no current mandatory topic requirements for the full 15 hours for dental hygienists in West Virginia beyond what the WVBDE specifies at each renewal period — check the board's website before each renewal cycle for any updates. ### West Virginia Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges West Virginia's overall salary levels are lower than the national average, reflecting lower regional cost of living. However, dental hygienists benefit from federal and state loan repayment programs that can substantially increase total compensation: - **Morgantown / Monongalia County:** $58,000–$72,000/year — the highest salaries in the state, driven by WVU and affiliated health system employment - **Charleston / Kanawha County:** $55,000–$68,000/year - **Huntington / Cabell County:** $54,000–$66,000/year - **Rural HPSA-designated areas (McDowell, Logan, Wyoming, Mingo counties):** $52,000–$65,000/year base, but eligible for **NHSC Loan Repayment Program** awards up to $50,000 over two years for full-time HPSA employment and **West Virginia State Loan Repayment Program** support For new graduates with student debt, the NHSC programs can make rural West Virginia among the most financially competitive markets in the country on a total-compensation basis. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in West Virginia - **West Virginia University School of Dentistry** (Morgantown) — dental clinics, faculty practice, and community outreach programs - **WVU Medicine / WVU Hospitals** — large integrated health system with dental affiliates - **Valley Health System** (Winchester area, serving WV/VA border communities) - **Community and migrant health centers throughout the state** — FQHCs eligible for NHSC loan repayment slots; include organizations such as Cabin Creek Health Systems, Tri-State Community Health Center, and Mountaineer Community Health Center - **Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC)** — affiliated dental services - **Private dental group practices** in Morgantown, Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Wheeling - **Dental Access Programs** — West Virginia Health Right and similar safety-net dental clinics in underserved urban areas