Washington Dental License

Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Washington license by credentials?

Washington grants a license without examination to a dentist with an active, unrestricted license in another state who is currently practicing. Proof of practice is four consecutive years at 20 hours a week, or documented federal service, dental school faculty work or residency, plus malpractice carrier letters and a written jurisprudence exam.

• Licensure by credentials available
• Practice required: 4 consecutive years at 20 or more hours a week

Citation: RCW 18.32.215; WAC 246-817-135

Which clinical exams does Washington accept?

ADEX lists Washington as accepting its dental exam. For licensure by examination, the commission accepts practical exam results only from the preceding five years.

• ADEX accepted

Does Washington require a jurisprudence exam?

Applicants pass a commission-approved written jurisprudence exam, and licensed dentists retake it once every three years as part of CE.

• Jurisprudence or law exam

Is Washington in the dental compact?

Washington has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (2023), but no state issues compact privileges yet. Practicing here takes a Washington license.

• Compact enacted, not issuing

Does Washington require a sedation permit?

Enteral moderate sedation, parenteral moderate sedation and general anesthesia, including deep sedation, each need a permit valid for three years. Parenteral and general anesthesia permit holders need an on-site inspection every five years. Sedating children takes a separate pediatric endorsement.

• Separate sedation permit

What hygienists need to know in Washington

Hygienists can be licensed by endorsement when the other state's standards are substantively equivalent. Local anesthesia is part of Washington hygiene licensure rather than a separate permit, and an initial temporary license bars injections unless an equivalent anesthesia endorsement is shown.

• Hygienist licensure by credentials

Do dental assistants need a Washington registration?

Dental assistants must register with the Department of Health. Expanded function dental auxiliaries (EFDAs) are licensed and need CODA dental assisting education or the DANB CDA, plus an approved EFDA program.

• Assistant or EFDA registration

Does Washington require fingerprints?

• Fingerprint background check

Does Washington offer a temporary or restricted dental license?

A temporary practice permit can issue to an applicant with a complete application, fingerprint card and clean verifications. It lasts up to 180 days and cannot be renewed.

• Temporary or restricted license available

How often does a Washington dental license renew?

Licenses renew annually. Dentists attest to 63 CE hours every three years, including the jurisprudence exam. Hygienists complete 15 hours each year and keep BLS current.

• Renews every year
• 63 CE hours per cycle