West Virginia Dental Assistant Schools and Salary Guide

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Performing as a Dental Assistant in West Virginia could provide you with a stable career.

It also gives you the chance to experience what life would be like if you were to someday become a Licensed Dentist.

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Licensing Requirements To Become a West Virginia Dental Assistant

You can perform basic dental duties as a Dental Assistant if they fall under the list of duties allowed in West Virginia.

No training requirements exist at this level either.

However, you should acquire your chairside assisting CPR (Basic Life Support) training as soon as possible.

Additional requirements apply when you decide to become an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA), also known as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA).

This includes when you decide to become eligible to perform restoration and orthodontic assisting duties.

This requires that you take coursework approved by the West Virginia Board of Dentistry (WVBD), which would include hands-on clinical time and an application for a WVBD license.

Similar requirements apply to acquiring the coronal polishing and nitrous oxide components.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is another credentialing body that approves college Dental Assisting programs, and certification exams usually come from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

5 Dental Assistant Schools in West Virginia

1. Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC)

Mercer County Technical Education Center Logo

MCTEC provides you the CODA-approved education to help you acquire state certifications.

You’ll end up stationed in local dentist offices and participate in school lab assignments.

This coursework includes eight different levels of Dental Assisting, which offers you the EDDA and entry-level DA skills you need.

It will prepare you for the WVBD licensing requirements too.

2. Ross Education

Ross Education Logo

This school has quite a few offerings across the nation, including in West Virginia.

This Dental Assisting program will teach you how to perform vital signs and process X-rays.

In addition, this training will show you the correct way to prepare and dispose of anesthetic supplies.

Taking impressions, filing medical records and scheduling appointments all becomes part of your training.

3. West Virginia Junior College (WVJC)

West Virginia Junior College Logo

Your WVJC Dental Assisting training will show you what it is like to assist patients in the dental chair.

This training will also provide you with dental office management skills and provide you radiography experience.

In addition, you will receive the education you need to pass on to patients after operations and routine oral hygiene procedures.

4. Parkersburg West Virginia University (WVUP)

Parkersburg West Virginia University Logo

Your WVUP Dental Assisting training will teach you a history of dental assisting and practices, and this includes related policies and guidelines.

You will also learn general office duties, such as scheduling appointments and welcoming patients, and making them feel comfortable.

If you pursue the clinical side of dental assisting, you will learn about instrument sterilization, disinfection processes, anatomy, and tooth structure.

5. The DALE Foundation

The DALE Foundation Logo

The DALE Foundation provides support for Dental Assistants throughout the nation, including West Virginia.

They offer continuing education and course bundles and referrals to both new and returning students.

Topics covered include all those required by the state, including the OSHA-approved Infection control, Radiology (RHS), and DANB-certified dentist exam preparation.

Dental Assistant Schools in West Virginia – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in West Virginia

School NameAddress
Mercer County Technical Education Center1397 Stafford Dr, Princeton, WV 24740
Ross Education5707 MacCorkle Ave SE Ste 20, Charleston, WV 25304
West Virginia Junior College148 Willey St, Morgantown, WV 26505
Parkersburg West Virginia University300 Campus Dr, Parkersburg, WV 26104
The DALE Foundation

Salary

Dental Assistants in West Virginia earn an average of $36,254 as of May 2022.

Salaries range from $32,154 to $40,225.

You can earn as high as at least $43,840 per year with some advanced training.

Charles Town, Clarksburg, Beckley, and Bridgeport are some cities where you can find jobs.

Annual Salary Range:
$32K
$36K
$40K

Average Salary of Dental Assistants in West Virginia

City NameSalary
Charleston$37,272
Huntington$36,548
Parkersburg$36,335
Wheeling$40,059
Morgantown$40,059
Weirton$39,922
Fairmont$40,059
Beckley$36,945
Clarksburg$36,008
Martinsburg$45,346
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in West Virginia

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Beckley, WV130$36,900$17.74$48,550$28,810
Charleston, WV250$36,810$17.7$45,780$28,270
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH260$37,200$17.89$46,690$28,510
Morgantown, WV150$41,430$19.92$58,220$29,350
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV60$36,410$17.5$46,140$28,780
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH70$40,400$19.42$56,320$30,000
Wheeling, WV-OH130$38,630$18.57$54,900$28,960
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Dental Assistants, OCC Code 31-9091, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must you do to become a Dental Assistant in West Virginia?

To become a Dental Assistant in West Virginia, you must complete an accredited dental assisting program and pass a state-administered examination.

While preparing for your exam, you can start receiving on-the-job training though.

How long does it take to complete a Dental Assistant program in West Virginia?

Most Dental Assistant programs in West Virginia run for two years or less.

Most of the certificate programs take only a year or less.

You usually start working before you finish as long as you are dedicated to your clinical training.

How much does a Dental Assistant program cost in West Virginia?

The cost of a Dental Assistant program may cost between $2,000 and $5,000 if attending a workforce training program.

A community college or university training may run you about $10,000-$15,000 per year.

Keep in mind that some entry-level programs may only provide partial certification.

You might need to take additional classes.

Is financial aid available for Dental Assistant programs in West Virginia?

Yes, financial aid is available for Dental Assistant programs in West Virginia for programs with national accreditation, such as CODA or the Higher Learning Commission.

Check with the financial aid office at your chosen school to see if you qualify for assistance.

You might want to find out more information through the WVDB or DANB.

How do I register for the Dental Assistant state examination?

You can register for the Dental Assistant state examination by contacting the West Virginia Board of Dentistry.

This does not include any additional certification you would earn through DANB, such as your RHS or ICE (Infection Control) training.

How much does the Dental Assistant state examination cost?

The cost of the dental assistant state examination is $200 for people out of state or $185 in the state.

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