Dental Hygienist in Virginia Beach, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Virginia Beach offers a compelling salary for dental hygienists, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary here is $86,847/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.75/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $87,530/year, but that slight difference is more than made up for by the region's affordability compared to national hubs.

The job market is robust. There are currently 907 jobs for dental hygienists in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at a healthy 9%, which is consistent with national trends but driven locally by the area's stable, family-oriented population and a strong network of private dental practices.

To give you a clearer picture of how salary progresses with experience, here’s a breakdown based on local and regional data:

Experience Level	Virginia Beach Est. Salary	National Average (for comparison)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	$72,000 - $78,000
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $92,000	$84,000 - $94,000
Senior (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $102,000	$92,000 - $105,000
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$95,000 - $110,000+	$98,000 - $115,000+

Insider Tip: The mid-career range is where most hygienists in Virginia Beach will operate. Salaries can tip into the six-figure range for those with specialized certifications (like laser therapy or periodontal therapy) or who take on lead hygienist roles in multi-location practices.

Virginia Beach vs. Other VA Cities

Virginia Beach sits in a sweet spot. It’s more affordable than Northern Virginia (NoVA) and Richmond, where salaries are higher but cost of living is significantly steeper.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	1BR Avg Rent
Virginia Beach, VA	$86,847	97.4	$1,287
Arlington, VA (NoVA)	$101,000	168.4	$2,200+
Richmond, VA	$88,500	104.8	$1,450
Norfolk, VA	$82,500	94.5	$1,175

While Richmond’s salary is marginally higher, its cost of living is above the national average. Arlington offers much higher pay but requires a 65-mile commute to Virginia Beach (or a relocation). For a balanced lifestyle, Virginia Beach’s combination of $86,847 median salary and a 97.4 cost of living index is hard to beat.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. On a $86,847 salary, your take-home pay in Virginia (with state income tax) will be approximately $65,500 - $68,000 annually, depending on deductions, health insurance, and 401(k) contributions. That’s roughly $5,450 - $5,670 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an $86,847 Salary

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single dental hygienist living in Virginia Beach:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,600	After taxes & 401(k)
Rent (1BR)	-$1,287	Median for area
Utilities	-$180	Electric, water, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	VA has moderate insurance rates
Groceries	-$400	For one person
Health Insurance	-$250	Employer-sponsored
Retirement/ Emergency Fund	-$600	10-12% of gross
Discretionary	$2,383	Eating out, entertainment, travel

Insider Tip: Your biggest variable is housing. A $1,287 rent is the median, but you can find older 1BR apartments in neighborhoods like Kemps River or Pungo for $1,100-$1,200. This frees up over $300/month for savings or fun.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Virginia Beach is around $375,000. With a $86,847 salary and a 20% down payment ($75,000), your mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) would be roughly $1,800-$2,000/month. This is higher than rent, but the income-to-housing cost ratio is still manageable for a dual-income household. For a single professional, renting for the first 1-2 years to build savings is the smart play.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by private practices, but there are key regional players. As a hygienist, you’re not tied to one hospital system, giving you flexibility.

1. Coastal Dental Group: A large, multi-location practice with offices in Kemps River and Town Center. They emphasize technology (digital X-rays, intraoral cameras) and are often hiring for their growing pediatric and orthodontic sections. Hiring Trend: Steady growth, looking for hygienists comfortable with high-volume, efficient cleanings.

2. Rose Dentistry: Located in the Princess Anne area, this practice is known for its cosmetic and restorative focus. They invest in continuing education for their team. Hiring Trend: Selective, looking for hygienists with an interest in aesthetics and patient education.

3. Virginia Beach Public Schools Division: The school system employs hygienists for its health programs in schools. This is a stable, 9-month calendar job with great benefits. Positions are competitive and often posted on the VBCPS website. Hiring Trend: Low turnover, openings occur with retirements or program expansion.

4. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare: While their main hospital is in Chesapeake, they serve the Virginia Beach area and have outpatient dental clinics. They offer the stability of a hospital system and opportunities for cross-training in oral surgery or special needs dentistry. Hiring Trend: Hiring to support growing outpatient services.

5. Heartland Dental (Management Group): Heartland manages several practices in the region (like "Beach Dental"). They offer structured career paths, robust benefits, and mentorship programs. Ideal for those wanting corporate support. Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their footprint in Southeastern VA.

6. Old Dominion University (ODU) Dental Hygiene Clinic: Located in Norfolk (a 15-minute drive), ODU provides clinical faculty positions and community outreach roles. Great for hygienists interested in education or academia. Hiring Trend: Academic positions are rare but offer summers off and a different pace.

Insider Tip: Networking is key. Join the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association (VDHA) and attend their local chapter meetings in Hampton Roads. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they’re ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia’s process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Virginia Board of Dentistry (VBD) oversees licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
2. National Boards: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
3. State Boards: Pass the Virginia Clinical Examination (or a regional exam like CRDTS).
4. CPR Certification: Current BLS/CPR from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
5. Background Check: Submit to the Virginia State Police.
6. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Virginia-specific laws and regulations exam (online).

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: $175 (non-refundable).
• Total Estimated Cost: $500 - $800 (including exam fees, background check, and application).
• Timeline: The process can take 45-90 days from submitting your complete application to receiving your license. Start the process at least 3 months before your planned move.

Insider Tip: The VA Board website is your best resource. Bookmark www.dhp.virginia.gov. They have a clear checklist. Also, Virginia is a member of the Dental Licensure Compact, which can streamline the process if you’re already licensed in another participating state.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Virginia Beach is spread out, so choosing the right area is crucial.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Hygienists
Kemps River	Family-friendly, central. ~15-20 min to major practices.	$1,250 - $1,400	Close to major dental groups (Coastal Dental), grocery stores, and parks. Very safe.
Pungo/Princess Anne	Rural, quiet, near the ocean. ~20-25 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,250	Lower rent, less traffic. Great for those who want space and a slower pace. Home to Rose Dentistry.
Town Center	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. ~10-15 min commute.	$1,450 - $1,600	Ideal for young professionals. Close to many practices, restaurants, and the beach. Higher rent.
Kempsville	Suburban, established. ~15-25 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,350	Great schools, central location. A classic choice for those planning to settle down.
Oceanfront	Touristy, seasonal traffic. ~20-30 min downtown commute.	$1,300 - $1,500	Lifestyle over convenience. If you want to walk to the beach, this is it. Commute can be tough in summer.

Insider Tip: If you have a car, your options open up. Without one, stick to Town Center or Kempsville near major bus lines. Parking is plentiful and free at most practices, so you won’t pay for a spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Virginia Beach is a fantastic place to build a long-term career. The 9% job growth ensures stability, and the cost of living allows you to save and invest.

Specialty Premiums:

• Pediatric Hygienist: Commands a $3-5/hour premium due to specialized skills and patience.
• Periodontal/Laser Certified: Can increase salary by $5,000 - $10,000 annually. Practices value these certifications for periodontal maintenance.
• Clinical Instructor/Lead Hygienist: $5,000 - $8,000 premium over base salary, plus management experience.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Specialist: Deepen skills in a niche (e.g., ortho, geriatrics).
2. Practice Management: Move into office manager or clinical director roles (often requires additional business training).
3. Education: Become a faculty member at Old Dominion University's hygiene program.
4. Public Health: Work with the Virginia Department of Health in community programs.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The aging population (both patients and hygienists) means plenty of openings. The key to long-term growth is continuing education. Virginia requires 15 hours of CE per license renewal cycle. Investing in courses on sleep apnea, oral cancer screening, or digital dentistry will keep you valuable.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent work-life balance. The beach and parks are always minutes away.	The salary is slightly below national average. You need to be smart with your budget.
Affordable cost of living. Your $86,847 salary goes much further here.	Can feel suburban. If you crave a dense, walkable city vibe, you may find it quiet.
Stable job market. 907 jobs and 9% growth mean you’re not in a precarious industry.	Commute can be long. Traffic on I-264 and I-64 can be slow during peak hours.
Family-friendly environment. Great schools, safe neighborhoods, outdoor activities.	Hurricane Season. From June-November, you need a preparedness plan.
Strong professional network. The VDHA is active and supportive.	Limited high-end specialty practices. For the most complex cases, patients may travel to Richmond or DC.

Final Recommendation: Virginia Beach is an exceptional choice for dental hygienists who value a balanced lifestyle, affordability, and a stable job market. It’s ideal for those in mid-career who want to buy a home, raise a family, or enjoy a coastal lifestyle without the financial stress of major coastal cities. If you’re early in your career and seeking the highest possible salary and most dynamic urban scene, you might start here but look to larger markets later. For most, Virginia Beach is a place to build a fulfilling life and career.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
A: It’s competitive but not cutthroat. New graduates should expect to apply to 10-15 positions. Having a flexible schedule (willingness to work some evenings or Saturdays) and a positive attitude during interviews will set you apart. Our local practices often train new grads, so don’t hesitate to apply even if the job posting asks for experience.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job here?
A: Use a multi-pronged approach: 1) Check Indeed and DentalPost daily. 2) Network with the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association. 3) Directly visit the websites of major employers like Coastal Dental Group. 4) Consider a staffing agency like ProSearch for temporary-to-permanent positions.

Q: Do I need to specialize to make a good living?
A: No. You can have a very comfortable, upper-middle-class life on the median salary of $86,847. Specializing (e.g., pediatric, periodontal) can boost your income by 10-20%, but it’s not a requirement for financial stability in Virginia Beach.

Q: What’s the work schedule like?
A: Most private practices run Monday-Friday, 8-5. It’s common to have one late night (until 6 or 7 PM) and one Saturday morning per month. Hospital and school jobs are typically regular business hours. This predictable schedule is a major perk of the profession here.

Q: How long does it take to get a Virginia license if I’m already licensed in another state?
A: If you hold a valid license in another state that is part of the Dental Licensure Compact, the process can be expedited (often 2-4 weeks). For non-compact states, expect the full 45-90 day timeline. Start your application as soon as you decide to move.