Steps to get licensed in Virginia
- Graduate from a CODA- or CDAC-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX dental hygiene exam (required for licensure by exam since January 1, 2023).
- Submit a current National Practitioner Data Bank self-query report.
- Apply to the Virginia Board of Dentistry.
Board exams for Virginia licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Virginia accepts ADEX. Virginia has required ADEX for licensure by examination since January 1, 2023.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Not required
Virginia doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
- Local anesthesia
- Training only
Virginia hygienists qualify through a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course, with at least 75% on the course exam. You can then give local anesthesia to adults 18 and older under a dentist's indirect supervision.
Moving to Virginia with a license from another state
Virginia is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Once the compact commission starts issuing privileges, a hygienist licensed in one member state will be able to practice in the others. It isn't issuing them yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Virginia Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Virginia?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 6 schools with dental hygiene programs in Virginia, 4 offer an associate degree and 2 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the Virginia Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Virginia
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Virginia?
Not automatically yet. Virginia has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Virginia Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Virginia require a jurisprudence exam?
No. Virginia doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Virginia?
Virginia hygienists qualify through a CODA-accredited local anesthesia course, with at least 75% on the course exam. You can then give local anesthesia to adults 18 and older under a dentist's indirect supervision.
Which clinical exams does Virginia accept?
Virginia accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Virginia has required ADEX for licensure by examination since January 1, 2023. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dhp.virginia.gov /Boards/Dentistry/ApplicantResources/Applyfora…
- townhall.virginia.gov /L/GetFile.cfm
- law.lis.virginia.gov /admincode/title18/agency60/chapter25/section100
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Virginia Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site