Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
No person shall practice dental hygiene unless he possesses a current, active, and valid license.
- 5
Commonwealth for the period of his license as set by the Board, under the direction of any.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Dentistry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- 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 (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Dentistry and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $46,910, Dental Assistants in Virginia earn 1% below the national median of $47,300. Virginia ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
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 | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $48,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $37,330 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $46,520 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $48,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
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. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Dentistry
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043674538
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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 $37,670 (10th percentile) to $59,920 (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 $47,300, with a state median of $46,910.
How many Dental Assistants work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 11,040 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.