Washington state dental licensing requirements

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission has determined that the California State Dental Board portfolio examination is not an acceptable clinical examination for Washington State dentist licensure. Or Applicants must complete a qualifying postgraduate residency program to be accepted in lieu of practical-clinical examination. Acceptable residencies are Commission on Dental Accreditation CODA general practice residency, advanced education in general dentistry residency, and pediatric residency programs at least one year in length and must be in a setting that serves predominantly low-income patients in Washington State.

A letter from the approved residency verifying residency completion is required. Or Applicants licensed in other U. Hold a valid license in another U.

A verification of license PDF must be submitted directly by the state to the department. Graduate from CODA dental school. Official school transcript with degree posted. Has practiced in another state for at least four years; and A verification of license must be submitted directly by the state to the department. Has completed a one-year postdoctoral residency program. Are currently engaged in the practice of dentistry by demonstrating one of the following: Serving as a dentist in the U.

S federal service; Employed by a dental school; In a dental residency program; or Practicing dentistry for a minimum of 20 hours per week for the four consecutive years preceding application. A proof of practice form PDF must be submitted.

State license verification. Personal data questions. A signed attestation must be completed on the application. Applicants should list all professional training and experience including college or university pre-dental and chronology of practice history from the date of dental school graduation to present.

Malpractice insurance if available. Verification from insurance company must include dates of coverage and any claims history. Applicant must successfully pass the dental jurisprudence examination. Continuing education requirements.

Visit our COVID page for the latest updates, vaccine information , testing locations and data dashboard. Dental Hygienist. Applications and Forms. Apply Online. Committee Information. Continuing Education. Scope of Practice. License Requirements. Rules in Progress. Credential Requirements Chapter Dental hygiene national board examination Applicants must successfully complete the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam. Clinical examinations Applicants must successfully complete clinical examinations in basic hygiene, anesthesia and restorative.

Washington state drug and law examination Applicants must successfully complete the Washington State Drug and Law exam. Work history Applicants must submit a complete listing of professional education and experience, including college and a complete chronology of practice history from the date of dental hygiene school graduation to present, whether or not engaged in activities related to dental hygiene.

If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition.

If the case is pending, applicant must indicate status. An applicant seeking licensure in Washington by examination must meet the requirements listed above, and must successfully pass the written and practical examinations consisting of:. An applicant seeking licensure in Washington by credential must meet the requirements listed above and:. An applicant seeking an initial limited license in Washington must meet the requirements above and. We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees.

Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision. Dental hygienists must renew their license annually. Dental hygienists are required to submit the appropriate renewal fee s with each renewal cycle.

Dental hygienists are required to attest to completion of 15 hours of continuing education with each renewal cycle. They must also maintain a current basic life support BLS for healthcare provider card as part of this requirement. Refer to WAC , and 7 for more information.

Please keep your address updated to receive courtesy renewal notices. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form PDF.

The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department. Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. An appropriate explanation and required documentation must be sent with positive answers. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition.

If pending, applicant must indicate status. We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter