Dental Hygienist in Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Virginia employs 3,770 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $102,950 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Virginia (May 2025)
- Virginia median pay
- $102,950 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $86,730
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $119,690
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $125,560
- Employed in Virginia
- 3,770
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Virginia markets:
- Washington DC metro
- $119,170 (2,200 employed)
- Charlottesville
- $107,690 (120 employed)
- Richmond
- $104,250 (780 employed)
- Virginia Beach–Norfolk
- $98,890 (940 employed)
- Roanoke
- $98,550 (170 employed)
- Lynchburg
- $96,990 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia
Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $102,950 median is worth closer to $101,830 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)
Virginia is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +6.8%, about in line with the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 270 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Virginia License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Dental Hygienist — regulated by the Virginia Board of Dentistry (Department of Health Professions).
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program in Virginia or another state (typically a 2-year associate degree with competitive admissions).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a Virginia Board-accepted clinical examination.
- Apply for the Virginia Dental Hygienist license through the Department of Health Professions. Renew biennially with continuing education; local anesthesia administration requires an additional permit in Virginia.
Official requirements: Virginia Board of Dentistry (Department of Health Professions) →
Training in Virginia
CODA-accredited Virginia programs include those at Virginia Commonwealth University, Northern Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University, and Wytheville Community College. Northern Virginia's high-income suburban demographics support premium dental practice work; Richmond and Hampton Roads offer a mix of private practice and community health center roles.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:
- Columbia College — Associate
- ECPI University — Associate
- Germanna Community College — Associate
- J Sargeant Reynolds Community College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Detail-oriented people who can handle close patient interaction.
Think twice if: Repetitive posture, mouth care, or tight clinical schedules would wear you down.
Why it's resilient: Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
First Steps
Review state licensing rules and nearby accredited dental hygiene programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Virginia?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Virginia is $102,950 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $86,730, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $125,560. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Virginia?
Licensed Dental Hygienist, overseen by the Virginia Board of Dentistry (Department of Health Professions). Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program in Virginia or another state (typically a 2-year associate degree with competitive admissions).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Virginia?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Virginia metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $119,170, followed by Charlottesville ($107,690), Richmond ($104,250). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Dental Hygienist in Virginia?
Real Virginia options include Columbia College, ECPI University, Germanna Community College. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Virginia?
Virginia projects dental hygienists employment to change +6.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 270 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Board of Dentistry (Department of Health Professions) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Virginia wages · Virginia licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.