How to Obtain a Dental License in Washington

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in Washington State, as regulated by the Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC).

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be of good moral character
• Must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Must pass criminal background check
• Must have current BLS/CPR certification for healthcare providers
• Must provide proof of AIDS education (7 hours)
• Must complete suicide prevention training

Primary Pathways to Licensure

1. Traditional Licensure by Examination

Requirements:

• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Successfully complete one of these clinical examinations:
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Clinical examination must be completed within the past 5 years
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Pass Washington jurisprudence examination

2. Licensure by Credential

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have been in practice for at least 5 years
• Must have practiced at least 1,000 hours each year
• Must have practiced within previous 5 years of application
• Pass Washington jurisprudence examination
• Provide verification of licensure from all states
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• No disciplinary actions pending or in effect
• Provide documentation of malpractice history

3. Faculty Licensure

Requirements:

• Be employed as faculty at University of Washington School of Dentistry
• Hold current license in another state or country
• Submit letter of appointment from dental school
• Pass Washington jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to school-affiliated settings
• Complete required HIV/AIDS training

4. Residency License

Requirements:

• Enrolled in Washington State postgraduate dental residency program
• Graduate from CODA-accredited dental school
• Submit program director verification
• Pass Washington jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to residency program
• Valid only during residency period

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete online application through Department of Health
• Pay application fee ($500)
• Submit recent passport-style photograph
• Provide government-issued ID

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints through approved vendor
• Pay fingerprinting fee ($42)
• Complete national background check
• Submit state background check form

1. Required Documentation

• Official transcripts (sent directly from school)
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• License verifications from other states (if applicable)
• Proof of current BLS/CPR certification
• HIV/AIDS training certificate
• Suicide prevention training certificate
• Practice history documentation (for credentials pathway)

1. Washington Jurisprudence Examination

• Complete online jurisprudence examination
• No minimum passing score (open book)
• Covers Washington dental laws and regulations

1. Board Review and License Issuance

• Commission reviews completed application
• Issues license upon approval
• Receive license number and wall certificate

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 63 hours of continuing education every 3 years
• Must include:
  • 3 hours infection control
  • 3 hours medical emergencies
  • 3 hours law and ethics
  • Opioid prescribing education (if prescribing)
• Maintain current BLS/CPR certification
• Renew license annually (birthday month)
• Pay renewal fee ($300)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Sedation Permits

Minimal Sedation

• Included in general license
• Must maintain current BLS certification

Moderate Sedation

• Additional permit required
• Complete approved training program
• Pass facility inspection
• Maintain ACLS certification
• Additional CE requirements

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

• Additional permit required
• Complete approved residency program
• Pass facility inspection
• Maintain ACLS certification
• Additional CE requirements

Additional Requirements

• Register with Prescription Monitoring Program if prescribing controlled substances
• Maintain professional liability insurance (recommended)
• Display license in primary practice location
• Report address changes within 30 days

Contact Information

Dental Quality Assurance Commission
Department of Health
P.O. Box 47852
Olympia, WA 98504-7852
Phone: (360) 236-4700
Email: dental@doh.wa.gov
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/dentist

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 1 year
• Incomplete applications held for 180 days
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Processing times vary (typically 4-6 weeks)
• Requirements subject to change

Special Considerations

• Military spouses may be eligible for expedited processing
• Regular practice audits conducted by Commission
• Mandatory reporting of unprofessional conduct
• Infection control requirements strictly enforced
• Mobile dental facilities require additional registration

Emergency Temporary Permits

• Available during declared emergencies
• Must hold valid license in another state
• Limited duration based on emergency
• Practice restrictions may apply
• Expedited processing available

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission.