How to Become a Dental Assistant in Virginia (2026)
Virginia employs about 10,760 dental assistants earning a median $46,670 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Dental Assistant here means completing a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires, then applying through Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry.
Compare Dental Assistant Schools in Virginia
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germanna Community College | 61.1 | Contact school for pricing | $51,929 | 42% | Yes* | 86 mi |
| 2 | Virginia Western Community College | 54.1 | Contact school for pricing | $48,004 | 40% | Yes* | 70 mi |
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| 3 | J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | 52.7 | Contact school for pricing | $54,140 | 31% | Yes* | 71 mi |
| 4 | Alamance Community College | 50.9 | Contact school for pricing | $41,411 | Not reported | Yes* | 91 mi |
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| 5 | Central Virginia Community College | 50.4 | $5,157 - $12,829 | $45,157 | 43% | Yes* | 28 mi |
| 6 | Danville Community College | 46.4 | $4,992 - $14,126 | $40,486 | 39% | Yes* | 63 mi |
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| 7 | Halifax Community College | 39.6 | $2,608 - $16,938 | $45,575 | 38% | — | 84 mi |
| 8 | Guilford Technical Community College | 35.2 | $2,320 - $20,529 | $44,924 | 31% | Yes* | 111 mi |
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| 9 | Miller-Motte College-Raleigh | 28.0 | Contact school for pricing | $34,393 | 66% | — | 100 mi |
| 10 | Fortis College-Richmond | 25.7 | Contact school for pricing | $33,938 | 43% | — | 69 mi |
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Virginia employs approximately 10,760 dental assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $46,670 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 52,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Dental Assistant in Virginia, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: dental assisting program or on-the-job training where the state allows it (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires
- Licensing authority: Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry
- Exam: DANB CDA and/or state RDA or radiography permit
- Median wage (Virginia): $46,670 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Dental Assistant in Virginia
How to become a Dental Assistant in Virginia? Complete a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires. Apply through Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry.
How long does it take? Most people finish a short dental assisting program or on-the-job training where allowed, then DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit the board requires. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry.
Do I need a license in Virginia? Yes. Virginia credentials this role through Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry 3. See the licensing section below.
What do dental assistants earn in Virginia? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Virginia is $46,670 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $37,720 and experienced professionals can earn $58,910 or more 1.
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Virginia
- Meet basic requirements. Most Virginia dental assisting programs expect a high school diploma or GED. Confirm age and background rules with Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry.
- Complete a dental assisting program or on-the-job training if the state allows it. Finish a certificate (often under a year) or associate program in Virginia. Prefer a CODA-accredited program. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Earn CDA and any state assistant credential. DANB CDA is the national exam. Some states also require RDA, a radiography permit, or expanded-functions (EFDA). Confirm current permits with Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry.
- Apply to the state dental board when registration is required. Some states register assistants; others only permit X-ray or expanded duties; some allow OJT with no statewide license. Do not treat a hygienist or dentist license as the assistant path.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Dental Assistant License Requirements in Virginia
Dental assistants in Virginia typically complete a short program or on-the-job training where allowed, then earn DANB CDA and any RDA or radiography permit Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry requires. See Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a dental assisting program or OJT if the state allows it.
Earn DANB CDA and any state RDA or radiography permit.
Apply to Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry when registration or licensure is required.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry before you enroll.
Dental Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
Dental Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), dental assistants wages in Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 8,440 | $47,540 | $50,450 | $37,870 | $62,790 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 1,860 | $46,670 | $47,100 | $37,260 | $58,500 |
| Richmond | 1,610 | $47,760 | $47,740 | $37,820 | $57,670 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 320 | $45,110 | $46,110 | $36,120 | $59,230 |
| Roanoke | 300 | $45,170 | $43,170 | $36,120 | $56,060 |
| Charlottesville | 280 | $45,040 | $46,370 | $37,600 | $58,000 |
| Lynchburg | 230 | $45,110 | $43,530 | $36,020 | $55,890 |
| Winchester | 180 | $46,310 | $44,620 | $36,370 | $56,270 |
| Harrisonburg | 170 | $45,320 | $44,120 | $36,590 | $56,350 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | 120 | $46,480 | $44,620 | $37,800 | $49,950 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft | 110 | $45,810 | $44,980 | $36,290 | $56,770 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dental assistants in Virginia? Virginia currently employs approximately 10,760 dental assistants 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a dental assistant in Virginia with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Virginia.
How much do dental assistants earn in Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Virginia is $46,670, which is $630 below the national median of $47,300 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Health Professions - Virginia Board of Dentistry - Licensing Information: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |