Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by VA Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Virginia, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Virginia
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: No experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Dentistry
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$46,910 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: No exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Dentistry.
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of 46,910, Dental Assistants in Virginia earn 1% below the national median of 47300. Virginia ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$46,910Hourly estimate
$22.551% below national median
Difference: -$390
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#29 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota | 64,630 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 57,960 |
| #3 | Oregon | 57,720 |
| #4 | Washington | 57,040 |
| #5 | Alaska | 55,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Dental Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $46,910 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $48,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $37,330 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $46,520 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $48,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Dentistry
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043674538
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $85,590 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $94,140 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $60,720 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,880 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Dental Assistants in Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Virginia is 46,910. Salaries range from 37670 (10th percentile) to 59920 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Virginia earn 1% below the national median of 47300, with a state median of 46,910.
How many Dental Assistants work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 11040 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/.