Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Application fee — $50
How to Apply
Create an Account
▾
Visit the WV Board of Dental Examiners Online Services Portal and create a new account by clicking 'Register Now' or 'Create an Account'. Complete the registration process, including email verification, to gain access to the application system.
Complete Online Application
▾
Log in to the WV Board of Dental Examiners Online Services Portal and select the application for 'Dental Assistant Registration'. Fill out all required sections of the application completely and accurately.
Upload Supporting Documentation
▾
Upload all necessary documents through the WV Board of Dental Examiners Online Services Portal. This includes proof of being at least 18 years of age, a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of an accredited dental assisting program OR proof of at least 3 months of continuous employment as a dental assistant, and current CPR certification.
Attest to Knowledge of Rules
▾
Attest within the WV Board of Dental Examiners Online Services Portal that you have read and understood the Board's rules and statutes relevant to the practice of dental assisting in West Virginia.
Pay Application Fee
▾
Submit the required initial registration fee of $30.00 through the WV Board of Dental Examiners Online Services Portal using a credit/debit card or other accepted payment method.
Await Board Review
▾
After submitting your complete application and all required documents and fees via the Online Services Portal, await review and approval from the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners. You will be notified of your registration status upon completion of the review process.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
Submit Your Application
▾
Apply through the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $50.
Provide License Verification
▾
West Virginia requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
Provide Proof of Training
▾
Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
Provide DANB Certification
▾
Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
Provide Radiography Certification
▾
Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening
▾
West Virginia requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside West Virginia can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
Await Board Processing
▾
Plan for a processing timeline of about 1 to 2 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Annually
Compact
No
Board
West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
West Virginia Dental Assistant licenses renew Annually. Contact the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
Item
Amount
Application
$50
Endorsement application
$50
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
West Virginia-specific note
▾
West Virginia may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does West Virginia require a dental assistant license?
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Yes, West Virginia requires Registered Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in West Virginia?
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Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in West Virginia.
Can I take dental x-rays in West Virginia?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in West Virginia?
▾
State application fees are $50. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.