Dental Now
Quick answer
To work as a dental assistant in Virginia, DANB certification is one accepted pathway in Virginia. Radiography certification or training is required before a DA can take X-rays. Expanded functions exist in Virginia with additional training or certification required. Always verify the current rules with the Virginia dental board (via DANB).
Sources Data sourced from DANB (Virginia requirements page). The DANB is the authoritative aggregator of state dental assistant requirements for all 51 US jurisdictions. Requirements change yearly.
Requirements change yearly. The Virginia dental board is the final authority. This page reflects DANB published guidance as of 2026. Always confirm current rules with the Virginia dental board before making career or enrollment decisions.
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In this guide
DANB certification in Virginia Not required for basic assisting
For DA II, current DANB CDA certification required (initial registration & renewal)
This describes state requirements as sourced from DANB and the Virginia dental board. It is not a DANB endorsement of Dental Now. Completing Dental Now activities does not satisfy a state board requirement. For the authoritative current rules, visit the DANB Virginia requirements page.
Radiology requirements in Virginia Required
Yes (one of), CODA-program radiation safety course+exam, OR ARRT certification, OR DALE DANB RHS Review course + DANB RHS exam
State exam in Virginia No mandated exam
No standalone state DA exam; radiography via course/ARRT/DANB RHS
Expanded functions in Virginia Available
Yes, DA II: current DANB CDA + board-approved EF requirements (CODA program); endorsement route for out-of-state
Expanded functions allow trained dental assistants to perform additional clinical procedures beyond basic chairside assisting. Common examples include coronal polishing, application of pit and fissure sealants, placement of temporary restorations, and nitrous oxide monitoring. Each function typically requires a separate board-approved course, exam, or permit. Your state dental board is the authoritative source for what is currently permitted.
Training pathway in Virginia
DANB CDA required for DA II; multiple radiography pathways including OJT-adjacent ARRT
Dental assistant training paths vary widely by state. Some states allow on-the-job training for basic assisting while requiring formal education only for expanded functions or radiography. Others require a CODA-accredited program or a DANB credential as a prerequisite. Confirm which pathway applies to the specific role and function level you are targeting.
Log your externship hours in Virginia
Free toolDocument every session as you go. Your supervising dentist confirms each one with their NPI number, giving you a verified record from day one.
- Record each session with the date, supervising dentist's name and NPI, setting, and hours completed.
- Note procedures observed or assisted with in a sentence or two; some Virginia programs require a competency log.
- Get dentist confirmation promptly so hours are verified rather than self-claimed. Retroactive confirmations are harder to collect.
- Organize by setting and date so you can report hours across multiple practices without confusion.
Log your externship hours
Dental Now generates a record confirmed by your supervising dentist's NPI number. Whether your Virginia program or state board asks for documentation, the record is already built.
Free. Verified by your supervising dentist's NPI number.
Log your first session in under 30 seconds. No credit card.
Frequently asked questions: Virginia
Do I need DANB certification to work as a dental assistant in Virginia?
DANB certification is one accepted pathway in Virginia. Verify whether it is required or optional for your specific role with the Virginia dental board.
Does Virginia require radiography certification for dental assistants?
Yes, Virginia requires radiography certification or documented training before a dental assistant can take X-rays. The specific requirement is: Yes (one of), CODA-program radiation safety course+exam, OR ARRT certification, OR DALE DANB RHS Review course + DANB RHS exam Verify current requirements with the Virginia dental board.
What are expanded functions for dental assistants in Virginia?
Virginia has an expanded functions pathway for dental assistants. Yes, DA II: current DANB CDA + board-approved EF requirements (CODA program); endorsement route for out-of-state Each function typically requires separate board-approved coursework, a clinical exam, or a permit. The Virginia dental board is the authoritative source for current requirements.
Sources
- DANB: Virginia Dental Assistant Requirements
- DANB State Requirements Database (all 51 jurisdictions)
About this page
This page is a plain-language summary of Virginia dental assistant requirements sourced from DANB. It is not affiliated with DANB, the Virginia dental board, or any accrediting body. It does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Requirements change; the Virginia dental board is the final authority. Completing Dental Now activities does not satisfy any state board requirement.
Dental Now is a free platform for dental assistant, dental hygiene, and pre-dental students to log clinical hours, get them verified by a supervising dentist's NPI number, and maintain a credential vault.