How to Obtain a Dental License in West Virginia

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in West Virginia, as regulated by the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners.

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be of good moral character
• Must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Must pass criminal background check
• Must have current CPR certification
• Must provide proof of identity and legal right to work in U.S.

Primary Pathways to Licensure

1. Traditional Licensure by Examination

Requirements:

• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Successfully complete one of these clinical examinations:
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Clinical examination must be completed within the past 10 years
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Pass West Virginia jurisprudence examination

2. License by Credentials

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have actively practiced for at least 5 years immediately preceding application
• Complete 20 hours of continuing education in past 2 years
• Pass West Virginia jurisprudence examination
• Provide verification of licensure from all states
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• No disciplinary actions pending or in effect
• Provide documentation of malpractice history

3. Teaching Permit

Requirements:

• Be employed as faculty at an accredited West Virginia dental school
• Hold current license in another state or country
• Submit letter of appointment from dental school
• Pass West Virginia jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to educational setting

4. Dental Intern Permit

Requirements:

• Graduate of approved dental college
• Participating in dental internship program
• Submit verification from program director
• Limited to internship location
• Valid for one year (may be renewed)

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete online application through WV Board of Dental Examiners
• Pay application fee ($185)
• Submit recent passport-style photograph
• Provide government-issued ID

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints through approved vendor
• Pay fingerprinting fee
• Complete state and federal background checks
• Submit background check authorization form

1. Required Documentation

• Official transcripts (sent directly from school)
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• License verifications from other states (if applicable)
• Proof of current CPR certification
• Letters of recommendation (2)
• Practice history verification (for credentials pathway)

1. Jurisprudence Examination

• Complete West Virginia jurisprudence examination
• Minimum passing score of 75%
• Covers WV dental laws and regulations

1. Board Review and License Issuance

• Board reviews completed application
• Issues license upon approval
• Receive license number and wall certificate

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 35 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• Must include:
  • 3 hours drug diversion training
  • 3 hours infection control
  • 2 hours medical ethics
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license annually (June 30)
• Pay renewal fee ($185)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Additional Requirements

• Register with Controlled Substances Monitoring Program if prescribing
• Maintain professional liability insurance
• Display license in primary practice location
• Report address changes within 30 days

Anesthesia Permits

Minimal Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)

• Included in general license
• Must complete board-approved course

Conscious Sedation

• Additional permit required
• Complete approved training program
• Pass facility inspection
• Maintain ACLS certification
• Additional CE requirements

General Anesthesia

• Additional permit required
• Complete approved residency program
• Pass facility inspection
• Maintain ACLS certification
• Additional CE requirements

Contact Information

West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners
1319 Robert C. Byrd Drive
PO Box 1447
Crab Orchard, WV 25827
Phone: (304) 252-8266
Email: wvbde@suddenlinkmail.com
Website: https://wvdentalboard.org

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 6 months
• Incomplete applications returned after 30 days
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Processing times vary (typically 4-8 weeks)
• Requirements subject to change

Special Considerations

• Military spouses may be eligible for expedited processing
• Volunteer/charitable event permits available
• Mandatory reporting of substance abuse
• Required to report certain medical conditions
• Compliance with OSHA and CDC guidelines required

Emergency Temporary Permits

• Available during declared emergencies
• Must hold valid license in another state
• Limited duration
• Practice restrictions may apply
• Expedited processing available

Volunteer License

• Available for retired dentists
• Must have previously held WV license
• Practice limited to charitable work
• No fee required
• Must maintain CE requirements

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners.