Steps to get licensed in West Virginia
- Graduate from an approved dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the West Virginia Dental Law Examination.
- Complete a board interview (it may be waived if you took the law exam at an in-state school).
- Apply to the West Virginia Board of Dentistry, with transcripts and scores sent directly from each source.
Board exams for West Virginia licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, West Virginia accepts ADEX or CRDTS.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
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
- Required
West Virginia requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
West Virginia issues a separate local anesthesia certificate. You need a board-approved course (12 didactic and 15 clinical hours) and a written exam, and you give it under a dentist's direct supervision.
Moving to West Virginia with a license from another state
West Virginia isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the West 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 West 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 3 schools with dental hygiene programs in West Virginia, 2 offer an associate degree and 2 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the West Virginia Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in West Virginia
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to West Virginia?
Not automatically. West Virginia isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the West Virginia Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does West Virginia require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. West Virginia requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in West Virginia?
West Virginia issues a separate local anesthesia certificate. You need a board-approved course (12 didactic and 15 clinical hours) and a written exam, and you give it under a dentist's direct supervision.
Which clinical exams does West Virginia accept?
West Virginia accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- wvbodv7prod.glsuite.us /GLSuiteWeb/Clients/WVBOD/StaticFiles/home.aspx
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/west-virginia/W-Va-C-S-R-SS-5-9-5
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/west-virginia/W-Va-C-S-R-SS-5-13-5
- code.wvlegislature.gov /pdf/30-4
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the West Virginia Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site