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How to become a dental assistant i / dental assistant ii in Virginia. Radiology certification required. OJT pathway available. Total initial fees: $50. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Assistant
2 sources cited · Last verified 2026-03-21 · Every number on this page links to its official source
DA I / DA II
Credential
Not Required
DANB CDA
Required
Radiology Cert
Available
Expanded Functions
16 hrs
CE Hours
$50
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Program Type
CODA-accredited program or OJT; specific education in amalgam, composite, and impressions for DA II
CODA Accreditation Not Required
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Allowed
Program Length
Varies by tier and pathway
Minimum Education
High school diploma or GED
Many states allow dental assistants to enter the profession through on-the-job training (OJT), while others require completion of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. Requirements vary significantly by state and credential level.
DANB CDA, Radiology & State Exams
VerifiedNot Required
DANB CDA Certification
Required
Radiology Certification
DANB CDA Details
DANB CDA certification is required for DA II tier; not required for DA I
Radiology Certification Details
Radiology certification required for taking dental radiographs
CPR Certification Required
No State-Specific Exam
The DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is the nationally recognized standard, though not all states require it. Radiology certification is commonly required to take dental X-rays. CPR certification is required in most states.
Allowable Expanded Duties
VerifiedAllowed
Coronal Polishing
Allowed
Sealant Application
Allowed
Fluoride Application
Allowed
Impressions
Allowed
Temporaries
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
Separate EFDA Certification Required for Expanded Functions
Expanded functions allow dental assistants to perform additional procedures beyond basic chairside duties. Some states require a separate Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) credential, additional training, or specific coursework to perform these duties.
Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervision Levels
Direct and indirect supervision; scope varies by DA I vs DA II tier
Direct Supervision Procedures
Expanded functions (DA II tier)
Indirect Supervision Procedures
Coronal polishing, fluoride application, impressions
General Supervision Procedures
Radiographs, sterilization, basic chairside duties
Dental assistants work under varying levels of supervision depending on the procedure. Direct supervision means the dentist must be physically present and authorize the procedure. Indirect supervision means the dentist is on-site. General supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedures but need not be on the premises.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
License Fee | $50 active / $25 inactive |
Renewal Fee | $50 active / $25 inactive (annual) |
Total Initial Fees Active registration fee; $25 for inactive status | $50 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (renews in birth month)
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
Yes
CPR Renewal
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50 active / $25 inactive
Regulatory Board
Dental assistant credentials must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, radiology safety, and dental practice updates. CPR certification renewal is required in most jurisdictions.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
Portability Details
Out-of-state applicants placed into appropriate tier (DA I or DA II) based on qualifications and DANB CDA status
Reciprocity Requirements
Dental assistant credential reciprocity varies by state. States with similar requirements may offer endorsement pathways, while others require a full application including verification of education, certification, and work experience.
Virginia uses a two-tier dental assistant system (DA I and DA II) where DA II requires DANB CDA certification and specific education in amalgam, composite, and impressions. Registration renews annually in the registrant's birth month.
Virginia uses a 2-tier system: DA I (basic) and DA II (expanded with DANB CDA).
Annual renewal occurs in the registrant's birth month.
16 CE hours required per renewal period.
DA II requires specific education in amalgam, composite, and impressions.
Active registration is $50; inactive is $25 annually.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#30 of 51
Cost
#19 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Assistants (SOC 31-9091)
Entry Level
$42,190
25th percentile
Median
$46,910
-1% vs. national avg ($47,300)Experienced
$54,650
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,040 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+24,800
over 10 years
Annual Openings
52,500
per year (avg.)
381,400 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+289% salary growth potential
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Dental Assistant
$46,910
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
You are here
Dental Assistant
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$46,910
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$98,880
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$182,570
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Virginia Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Virginia Board of Dentistry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the DANB CDA certification exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Virginia has specific certification requirements for dental assistants. An on-the-job training pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Virginia Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.