Virginia — Shenandoah Valley at sunrise

Virginia Dental Assistant License

Virginia Board of Dentistry

Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • CDA Certification — Evidence of current credential as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) from DANB.
  • Form A — Certification of Completion of Dental Assistant Education from a CODA-accredited program.
  • Form B — Experience Verification form completed by a supervising dentist.
  • Form C — License Verification from every jurisdiction where you have ever held a health professional license or registration.
  • CPR Certification — Evidence of current, hands-on Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain National Certification
    A prerequisite for Virginia Dental Assistant II (DA II) registration is holding a current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or an equivalent board-approved credential.
  2. Complete Required Education
    Complete a CODA-accredited expanded function dental assisting training program. This must include 50 hours of didactic coursework and specific laboratory and clinical modules (Amalgam, Composite, Final Impressions, and Cementation).
  3. Prepare Application Forms
    Download the DA II application packet. You must have your educational institution complete Form A (Certification of Completion) and your supervising dentist complete Form B (Experience Verification).
  4. Submit Application and Fee
    Submit the completed application, all required forms (A, B, and C if applicable), and the $100 non-refundable application fee. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the 'Treasurer of Virginia'.
    Apply Online (If Available)
  5. Verify Registration Status
    Once processed, you can verify your registration status through the Virginia Department of Health Professions License Lookup tool.
    License Lookup
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Virginia Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State Credentials
    Ensure you hold a current CDA and are authorized to perform expanded duties in another U.S. jurisdiction.
  2. Document Equivalent Experience
    If your out-of-state education is not substantially equivalent to Virginia's requirements, you must document at least 24 months of experience in expanded duties within the last 48 months.
  3. Submit Form C
    Request official license verification from each state where you have held a registration or license.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Virginia Board of Dentistry

Keeping Your License Active

Virginia Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Virginia Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

Missing CDA Proof
Failure to provide current DANB CDA certification is the most common reason for application suspension.
Incomplete Form C
Waiting for other state boards to send license verifications can take weeks; request these as early as possible.
Expired Application
Incomplete applications remain active for only one year. If not completed within that timeframe, a new application and fee are required.

Questions

Is registration required for all dental assistants in Virginia?
No. Registration is only required for Dental Assistant II (DA II) status, which allows for expanded duties. Dental Assistant I (DA I) is an unlicensed role.
What is the application fee for a Dental Assistant II?
The initial registration fee is $100, which is non-refundable.
How often must I renew my DA II registration?
Registration must be renewed annually during your birth month.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
DA II registrants must complete 5 hours of CE annually, maintain their CDA certification, and keep a current hands-on CPR certification.

Board Info

Virginia Board of Dentistry
Sources
State statutes