How to become a Dental Hygienist in WV
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in West Virginia (WV) you will need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Requirements for entry into accredited programs include a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on the school, you may need to pass entrance exams and complete an entry interview. Medical and legal clearances may also be required.
Below we provide details of the top accredited dental hygienist programs in WV, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Top 3 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools WV
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgemont Community and Technical College | Montgomery | Learn More |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown | Learn More |
| West Liberty University | Main Hall | Learn More |
Schools offering dental hygiene programs which have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized to maintain a high standard of education by the American Dental Association (ADA).
There are currently 3 fully accredited programs in West Virginia.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will be required to sit some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for your dental hygienist license.
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and have passed all additional certification exams it is a requirement of West Virginia law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The West Virginia Board of Dentistry governs the licensing of dental hygienists in West Virginia. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: WV Board of Dentistry
Phone: 1-877-914-8266
Website: https://wvbodprod.glsuite.us
Dental Hygienist Salary WV
| Salary | $54,970 |
| Hourly Wage | $26.43 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $39,340 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $73,390 |
| # Employed | 1,020 |
The average dental hygienist salary in West Virginia is $54,970 – 26% less than the national average of $74,680.
This equates to an hourly wage of $26.43.
There are currently 1,020 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.