Dental Assistant Schools in West Virginia

Readers of this page will discover some of the best training programs that they can enroll in to start their careers as dental assistants in West Virginia. But that is not the only detail we analyze below.

We begin with a general overview of the possibilities for receiving dental assistant training in the state and the steps that candidates can take to position themselves for admission into top training programs. The guide then discusses licensing and certification requirements, as well as salary projections.

Individuals will understand how much they can expect to take home at the end of the year, depending on a handful of important criteria.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in West Virginia

The following steps are necessary to launch a successful dental assistant career in West Virginia.

Training & Fundamental Requirements

All prospective dental assistants in West Virginia are required to receive training to acquire the relevant skills. To secure admission into a training program, common fundamental requirements include a high school diploma or GED, immunization records, and a background check.

In training, candidates may spend a few months earning a certificate or a couple of years earning a dental assisting associate degree.

Externships

Externships are a common feature of most dental assistant training programs in West Virginia, as they provide real-world, interactive education. Some programs don’t insist on externships but make them optional.

Volunteering in an establishment can provide a similar level of experience to those who did not participate in an externship.

Securing Employment

Candidates who have completed an externship at the end of their training programs will find it easier to acclimate to a work environment. Many programs also provide career services, and some allow candidates to secure full-time placement at the same establishment where they completed their internship.

Specialization & Advanced Education

Along with licensing and certification, specialization and advanced education are key considerations for new dental assistants in West Virginia. For the former, candidates may work in orthodontics, preventive functions, and pediatrics, among other areas.

For the latter, many people transition to a dental hygiene bachelor’s degree program after completing a dental assistant program.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in West Virginia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

West Virginia distinguishes between basic dental assistants and dental assistants with expanded duties. No education or training is necessary to become a basic dental assistant, and a license is not required for this role.

Those looking to practice under the expanded duties category must graduate from an accredited training program, earn CPR certification, and complete a board-approved course.

For general certification, the Dental Assisting National Board offers several credentials for interested individuals to consider. Among these is the Certified Dental Assistant credential.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in West Virginia

All of the entries below offer excellent training programs for future dental assistants in West Virginia.

Explore dental assistant schools in West Virginia by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

Dental assistants in West Virginia can earn an average annual salary of $73,211, while those in the top 10 percent earn the highest salary, $73,211.

Candidates can also fall near the middle of these figures, managing an annual average salary of $56,280. This is enough to be among the median earners whose annual average figures are consistent with the national average.

Factors such as experience and location are crucial to increasing the salary of a dental assistant in West Virginia. Professionals in Martinsburg, for example, earn an annual average salary of $65,756, while dental assistants in Morgantown are second in the state, with an annual average salary of $56,727.

Also worth highlighting are those in Charleston and Beckley, with annual average salaries of $56,322 and $55,33,9, respectively.