How to Become a Dentist in West Virginia

Embarking on a career in dentistry can be a rewarding journey, especially in a state like West Virginia where dental professionals play a crucial role in community health. If you’re considering becoming a dentist in the Mountain State, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the path.

Steps to Become a Dentist in West Virginia

1. Complete Your Undergraduate Degree

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Focus on prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math.

1. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

• Prepare for and take the DAT, a standardized test required for admission to dental schools.

1. Apply to Dental Schools

• Research and apply to accredited dental schools.
• Note: West Virginia currently does not have any dental schools within the state (more on this below).

1. Complete Dental School

• Earn your Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
• This typically takes four years of full-time study.

1. Pass National Board Dental Examinations

• Successfully complete both Part I and Part II of the National Board Dental Examinations.

1. Complete Clinical Examinations

• Pass a regional clinical examination accepted by the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners.

1. Apply for Licensure in West Virginia

• Submit an application to the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners.
• Provide all required documentation, including proof of education, examination scores, and background check.

1. Consider Continuing Education and Specialization

• Stay updated with the latest in dental practices and technologies.
• Explore specialization options if desired.

Dental Schools in West Virginia

As of 2024, West Virginia does not have any dental schools within the state. However, there are plans to change this:

• West Virginia University School of Dentistry (Planned)
• WVU has announced plans to establish a dental school.
• The school is expected to address the shortage of dental professionals in the state.
• As of now, the opening date is yet to be confirmed.

Until the WVU School of Dentistry opens, aspiring dentists from West Virginia typically attend out-of-state schools. Some popular choices for West Virginia residents include:

1. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (Pennsylvania)
2. The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (Ohio)
3. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (Virginia)
4. University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (Kentucky)

It’s worth noting that some of these schools may have reciprocal agreements or special considerations for West Virginia residents.

Conclusion

While the path to becoming a dentist in West Virginia may require attending an out-of-state dental school for now, the future looks promising with the planned establishment of WVU’s dental school. The journey requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing education, but the reward of serving your community’s dental health needs can be immensely fulfilling.

Remember to stay informed about the progress of WVU’s dental school and any changes in licensure requirements by regularly checking with the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners. With perseverance and the right education, you can achieve your goal of becoming a dentist in the beautiful state of West Virginia.