How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Virginia: A Complete Guide

Virginia offers excellent opportunities for dental hygienists, with average salaries ranging from $70,000 to $95,000 annually. From the bustling Northern Virginia region to rural Appalachian communities, the state provides diverse practice settings and strong job security. Here’s your comprehensive guide to launching your dental hygiene career in the Commonwealth.

Educational Requirements

1. Complete Prerequisites (1-2 years)

• High school diploma or GED
• College prerequisite courses:
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• English Composition
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Speech Communication

2. Dental Hygiene Program (2-3 years)

• Attend a CODA-accredited program
• Virginia’s accredited programs include:
• Northern Virginia Community College
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Western Community College
• Thomas Nelson Community College
• Old Dominion University

Virginia Licensing Requirements

1. National Board Examination

• Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
• Computer-based comprehensive exam
• Covers:
• Scientific basis for dental hygiene practice
• Provision of clinical dental hygiene services
• Community health/research principles

2. Clinical Examination

• Complete one of the following:
• CDCA-WREB-CITA examination
• SRTA examination
• Demonstrates competency in:
• Patient assessment
• Scaling and root planing
• Periodontal probing
• Local anesthesia administration

3. Virginia Board Requirements

• Submit application to Virginia Board of Dentistry
• Complete required documentation:
• Official transcripts
• National board scores
• Clinical examination results
• CPR certification
• Pass Virginia jurisprudence examination
• Complete criminal background check
• Provide proof of citizenship or immigration status

Virginia-Specific Practice Requirements

Remote Supervision

• Virginia allows remote supervision under certain conditions
• Requirements include:
• Minimum two years of clinical experience
• Written practice protocol
• Emergency plan
• Direct access certification (if applicable)

Local Anesthesia Certification

• Mandatory for full scope of practice
• Must complete board-approved course
• Includes:
• Didactic instruction
• Laboratory training
• Clinical experience

Continuing Education

Biennial Requirements

• 15 hours of continuing education annually
• Must include:
• CPR certification renewal
• 2 hours in infection control
• 2 hours in emergency management
• Current issues in Virginia dental practice

Approved CE Sources

• Virginia Dental Association
• American Dental Hygienists’ Association
• Accredited dental schools
• ADA CERP providers
• Military dental courses

Career Opportunities in Virginia

Practice Settings

• Private dental offices
• Group practices
• Specialty practices
• Public health clinics
• Educational institutions
• Corporate dental chains
• Military facilities
• VA hospitals

Geographic Distribution

• Northern Virginia (highest concentration)
• Arlington
• Alexandria
• Fairfax
• Richmond metropolitan area
• Hampton Roads region
• Rural opportunities throughout the state

Professional Development

State Organizations

• Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association
• Virginia Dental Association
• Local component societies
• Study clubs and professional groups

Advanced Opportunities

• Public health endorsement
• Clinical education
• Dental product sales
• Practice management
• Research participation

Regional Considerations

Northern Virginia

• Highest salaries in the state
• High cost of living
• Dense population
• Competitive job market

Richmond/Central Virginia

• Moderate cost of living
• Mixed urban/suburban setting
• Academic opportunities
• Research possibilities

Hampton Roads

• Military population focus
• Maritime industry influence
• Diverse patient base
• Strong job market

Rural Virginia

• Loan repayment opportunities
• Community health focus
• Less competition
• Lower cost of living

Tips for Success

1. Career Planning

• Network during school
• Consider mentorship opportunities
• Join professional associations
• Develop technology skills

1. Geographic Strategy

• Research regional salary differences
• Consider cost of living
• Evaluate commute times
• Explore practice settings

1. Professional Growth

• Pursue continuing education early
• Develop specialty skills
• Build professional network
• Consider teaching opportunities

Timeline and Costs

Educational Timeline

• Prerequisites: 1-2 years
• Dental Hygiene Program: 2-3 years
• Licensing Process: 2-4 months
• Total: 3-5 years

Approximate Costs

• Prerequisites: $6,000-$12,000
• Dental Hygiene Program: $30,000-$60,000
• Licensing and Exams: $2,500-$3,500
• Additional Certifications: $1,000-$2,000

Employment Outlook

Job Market Trends

• Growing demand in urban areas
• Stable rural opportunities
• Increasing corporate practices
• Expanding public health roles

Salary Considerations

• Regional variations
• Experience-based increases
• Setting-dependent benefits
• Urban/rural differences

Conclusion

Becoming a dental hygienist in Virginia offers a promising career path with excellent growth potential and diverse opportunities. The state’s varied geography and population centers provide multiple practice settings and career trajectories. Whether you choose to work in the fast-paced Northern Virginia region, the historic Richmond area, or serve rural communities, Virginia offers competitive compensation and professional satisfaction.

Keep in mind that requirements and regulations may change over time, so regularly check the Virginia Board of Dentistry website for updates. With proper preparation and dedication to continuing education, you can build a rewarding career in dental hygiene across the Commonwealth.