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According to the Workforce West Virginia, in 2012, there were 1,255 dental assistants employed in West Virginia.
The same institution foresaw the growth of the job market for this occupation, at a rate of about 55 positions per year, making it one of the highest in demand.
There is no law in this state demanding these professionals to undergo specific training, but they do have to work under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
The West Virginia Board of Dentistry recognizes 2 types of dental assistants:
- Dental assistants allowed to perform basic job duties
- Dental Assistants with Expanded Duties, allowed to carry out extra duties after undergoing specific training.
Being a dental assistant with expanded duties gives the possibility of a higher annual income.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $34,408 |
| Huntington | $33,361 |
| Morgantown | $36,980 |
| Parkersburg | $33,543 |
| Wheeling | $36,980 |
| Weirton | $36,847 |
| Fairmont | $36,980 |
| Martinsburg | $41,615 |
| Beckley | $34,105 |
| Clarksburg | $33,240 |
Article Table of Contents
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 140 | $40,690 | $19.56 | $49,060 | $30,500 |
| Charleston, WV | 270 | $39,230 | $18.86 | $47,280 | $30,410 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 260 | $39,250 | $18.87 | $47,810 | $30,370 |
| Morgantown, WV | 130 | $41,370 | $19.89 | $59,980 | $31,570 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 80 | $37,810 | $18.18 | $46,670 | $30,140 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 60 | $40,350 | $19.4 | $47,440 | $34,210 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 120 | $39,950 | $19.21 | $50,560 | $30,810 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Education and Training Programs
To be allowed to carry out expanded duties, dental assistants need to first attend a training program that was accredited by CODA.
These classes last for up to 1 year and they offer both relevant coursework and hands-on experience.
Usually, internships are also available through a dental school.
CODA accreditation has national recognition, so those interested can attend training programs in neighboring states as well.
Upon completing such a program, the student will obtain a certification, however, they can choose to pursue longer educational programs that award them with an associate’s degree.
A bachelor’s degree is another option, though this one is for those working as dental hygienists.
These degrees allow their holders to also supervise a dental practice.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Academy of Careers and Technology | 390 Stanaford Rd, Beckley, West Virginia 25801 |
| West Virginia Junior College | 1000 Virginia St E, Charleston, West Virginia 25301 |
| West Virginia Junior College | 176 Thompson Dr., Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330 |
| West Virginia University School Of Dentistry | 64 Medical Center Drive P.O. Box 9600 Morgantown, WV 26506-9600 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | 5707 MacCorkle Avenue Southeast Charleston, WV 25304 |
| Ross College Morgantown | 1474 Earl Core Rd Morgantown, WV 26505 |
| Huntington Junior College | 900 Fifth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701 |
| Monongalia County Technical Education Center | 1000 Mississippi Street Morgantown, WV 26501 |
| Mercer County Technical Education Cente | 1397 Stafford Dr, Princeton, WV 24740 |
| West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 300 Campus Drive Parkersburg, WV 26104 |
Dental Assistant With Expanded Duties
There are several types of expanded duties a dental assistant can perform.
Restorative and/or Orthodontic Duties
The requirements for these duties are:
- Graduate from a Board-approved course and exam for these duties
- Acquire a minimum and mandatory experience while being supervised
- Send the application form to the Board
The candidate has to apply separately for each duty, and the requirements are slightly different.
Restorative duties application requirements:
- Prove a minimum of 6 hours of didactic education
- Prove the completions of several clinical practical cases
Orthodontic application requirements:
- Prove a minimum of 4 hours of didactic education
- Prove the completions of several clinical practical cases
There’s an application fee as well: $25 for each duty.
Coronal Polishing Duties
Requirements:
- A minimum of 3,000 hours (two years) of work experience in a dental office
- Undergo training for coronal polishing
- Undergo training for restorative duties or orthodontic duties
- Complete the work experience under the supervision
- Send an application to the Board
The application for this certificate must include the following documents:
- Prove the accumulation of a minimum of 2 years (or 3,000 hours) of clinical experience
- Proof of completing these training programs:
- restorative expanded duties course; OR an orthodontic expanded duties
- coronal polishing course
- Proof of having completed at least 5 clinical competencies
Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia
To perform this task, the candidate must:
- Finish the approved training course and exam for the monitoring of nitrous oxide
- Have a CPR certification
- Apply for the certification
The application must be accompanied by:
- Application fee – $25
- Proof of having attended 2 hours of didactic instruction
- Proof of having scored at least 75% on the exam
A supervising dentist must sign all the applications.
Monitor During Sedation Duties
For this certification, the individual must:
- Have CPR certification
- Be trained in the treatment and recognition of medical emergencies, monitoring vital signs, and the operation of nitrous oxide delivery systems;
- Obtain a certificate from the Board as a qualified monitor certificate
- Have an anesthesia assistant certificate from an approved training program
National Certification Options
Obtaining certification through DANB can qualify a candidate to perform expanded duties.
This certification may also offer the possibility of earning additional diplomas in West Virginia.
There are 4 certifications offered by DANB:
- Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA)
- Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)
These certifications are obtained by passing an exam that may have between 2 and 4 separate tests.
The certifications have to be renewed every year after the candidate completes at least 30 continuing education credits.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Assistant
Dental Assisting by City
Dental Assisting by State