HYGIENE - Volunteer License License in West Virginia

West Virginia did not return a match for dental hygienist in the COS database, so licensing details are based on general knowledge of West Virginia dental regulations. The West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners oversees dental hygienist licensing. Applicants are generally required to graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the NBDHE plus a clinical examination accepted by the board. West Virginia University and community colleges including Bridgemont Community and Technical College offer dental hygiene programs. CE is required for biennial license renewal. West Virginia faces some of the most significant oral health challenges in the nation, with high rates of tooth loss, dental decay, and periodontal disease, particularly in the southern coalfield counties and rural Appalachian communities where economic barriers and limited provider access compound oral health disparities. The state has implemented provisions for dental hygienists to provide preventive services in public health settings, schools, and long-term care facilities to address these persistent disparities. Workforce recruitment and retention remain serious challenges due to the state's economic conditions. West Virginia's dental hygiene profession plays a critical role in preventive care strategies aimed at improving the state's oral health outcomes.