Dental Assistant Externship in West Virginia

Find DA externship opportunities across West Virginia. Connect with 980+ dental practices, oral surgery centers, and specialty clinics to gain hands-on chairside experience.

980+

Dental Facilities

275+

Job Openings

$0

To Enroll

$850

To Complete

Self-Managed Externship: EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. You contact dental facilities directly to arrange your own placement. This approach gives you flexibility to choose sites near your home and build direct relationships with potential employers.

What is a Dental Assistant Externship?

A dental assistant externship provides hands-on clinical experience in real dental settings. You'll work alongside licensed dentists and dental hygienists, applying classroom knowledge to actual patient care situations.

Our externship is optional and flexible—you decide when and where to complete it. Many students find that externship experience significantly improves their job prospects, though it's not required to complete our program.

EHired's training prepares you for entry-level dental assistant positions. Professional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations and are optional but can enhance your credentials when you're ready.

Skills You'll Practice

  • Chairside assisting during procedures
  • Instrument sterilization & infection control
  • Treatment room setup & breakdown
  • Patient scheduling & dental charting
  • Impression taking & suctioning
  • Patient communication & education

DA Externship Sites in West Virginia

Explore dental facilities across West Virginia that may accept externship students. Contact facilities directly to inquire about externship opportunities.

🏛️ Charleston Metro (Kanawha, Putnam Counties)

State capital with regional dental services.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

Aspen Dental Charleston, Charleston Family Dental, South Charleston Dental, St. Albans Dental, Hurricane Dental Care, Teays Valley Dental

🔬 Specialty Practices

Charleston Oral Surgery, Kanawha Valley Orthodontics, Charleston Periodontics, CAMC Dental Specialists, Pediatric Dental Associates Charleston

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

CAMC Dental Clinic, FamilyCare Health Centers Dental, Cabin Creek Health Center Dental, Kanawha-Charleston Health Dental

💡 Tip: Charleston is state capital with government workforce. CAMC is major healthcare provider. Central location serves much of West Virginia.

🎓 Morgantown (Monongalia County)

WVU School of Dentistry and university town.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

WVU Dental Associates, Morgantown Family Dental, Star City Dental, Fairmont Dental Care, Bridgeport Dental

🔬 Specialty Practices

WVU School of Dentistry Clinics, Morgantown Oral Surgery, Mon Health Dental Specialists, WVU Orthodontics, WVU Periodontics

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

WVU Dental Clinics, Milan Puskar Health Right Dental, Monongalia County Health Dental, Valley Health Dental

💡 Tip: Morgantown has WVU School of Dentistry—excellent externship opportunity with diverse patient population. University town creates young community. Pittsburgh accessible.

🏭 Huntington (Cabell, Wayne Counties)

Marshall University region with regional services.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

Huntington Family Dental, Marshall Dental Associates, Ashland Dental (KY accessible), Barboursville Dental, Kenova Dental

🔬 Specialty Practices

Huntington Oral Surgery, Tri-State Orthodontics, Cabell Huntington Dental Specialists

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

Ebenezer Medical Outreach Dental, Cabell Huntington Hospital Dental, Wayne County Health Dental, Lincoln Primary Care Dental

💡 Tip: Huntington has Marshall University medical education. Significant community health needs. Opioid crisis has impacted population. Kentucky border accessible.

🌉 Wheeling/Northern Panhandle (Ohio, Marshall Counties)

Pittsburgh-accessible region with regional services.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

Wheeling Dental Group, Weirton Dental Care, New Martinsville Dental, Moundsville Dental, St. Clairsville Dental (OH accessible)

🔬 Specialty Practices

Ohio Valley Oral Surgery, Wheeling Orthodontics, Wheeling Hospital Dental Specialists

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

Wheeling Health Right Dental, Ohio Valley Medical Center Dental, Marshall County Health Dental

💡 Tip: Northern Panhandle accesses Pittsburgh dental market. Ohio border nearby. Steel Valley communities with steady demand. Lower cost of living than Pittsburgh.

How to Arrange Your Externship

1

Research Facilities

Identify dental practices, specialty offices, and clinics in your area that interest you.

2

Contact Directly

Call or email office managers to inquire about externship opportunities and requirements.

3

Schedule & Complete

Arrange hours that work for both parties. Our externship is flexible—no minimum hours required.

4

Build Relationships

Many externships lead directly to job offers. Treat every day as an extended interview.

West Virginia Dental Assistant Information

State Regulations

West Virginia requires dental assistant registration for expanded duties. Basic chairside assisting does not require registration. Radiography certification required. WVU is state's dental school.

West Virginia Dental Board

About Certifications

Professional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations. These certifications are optional but can enhance your credentials and earning potential.

EHired training prepares you for entry-level positions and helps build the knowledge foundation for pursuing optional certifications when you're ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find DA externship sites in West Virginia?
West Virginia has 980+ dental facilities. WVU School of Dentistry (Morgantown) offers excellent clinical experiences. Community health centers serve diverse populations. Significant workforce shortages statewide. Contact facilities directly.
Does West Virginia require dental assistant registration?
West Virginia requires registration for expanded dental assistant duties through the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners. Basic chairside assisting does not require registration. Radiography certification required separately.
What's unique about West Virginia's dental job market?
West Virginia has significant workforce shortages with incentive packages. Appalachian communities have diverse needs. Opioid crisis has increased healthcare demands. Rural areas have critical shortages with housing assistance.
Can West Virginia residents access other state dental jobs?
Yes—Morgantown/Wheeling access Pittsburgh. Huntington near Kentucky and Ohio. Eastern Panhandle accesses DC/Baltimore. Cross-border opportunities significantly expand job options.

Helpful Resources

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Free training. Flexible externship. Real career opportunities in West Virginia.

$0 to enroll • $850 to complete • Self-paced online training

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