Licensing
Which clinical exam do I have to take?
Washington State accepts all regional clinical exams. You can find details on acceptable examinations in state law. (WAC 246-817-120)
Renewals
How do I renew my license?
Dentists must renew their licenses annually on or before their birthday. They are required to submit the appropriate fee and attest to completion of 21 hours of continuing education with each renewal cycle. Refer to
WAC 246-817-440 and
246-12 (7) for more information. Please keep your address updated to receive courtesy renewal notices.
Your renewal must be postmarked or received by midnight of the expiration date or it is considered late. A
late fee will be assessed. You can pay through regular or overnight mail or in person. Your credential may be renewed up to 90 days before it expires. You should receive a courtesy renewal reminder 6-8 weeks before the credential expires. If you do not receive the notice within four weeks of your expiration date, please call 360.236.4700 or
email us for help.
We cannot accept credit/debit cards over the phone or take payment on line. However, we do accept MasterCard or Visa credit/debit cards at the
front counter.
Checks or money orders are payable to:
Washington State Department of Health
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099
Avoid an expired license:
Do not let your license expire. You must make sure we have your renewal before it expires. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to practice. A timely postmark on your renewal will not prevent an expired license. Renewals sent by mail take about two weeks to process.
How long will it take to process my renewal?
If you send it by mail it will take approximately two weeks to update.
If you walk the payment in to the front counter it will take approximately 3-7 business days. This saves mail time and you will receive verification during the visit.
Our goal is to process all renewals within seven business days after we receive them. This includes payment and processing time.
How do I renew my credential without a renewal notice?
Courtesy renewal notices are not required for renewal. You can update your credential by mailing your renewal payment to us with documentation of your name, credential number, current mailing address and any other renewal requirements.
You can also contact our Customer Service Office or review your profession's webpage for current renewal fees and requirements.
How do I know what my expiration date is?
Your license lists the expiration date. It is your birthday. You can also look at our Provider/Facility Search to see your expiration date.
How do I request a duplicate copy of my license?
Check the fee page to find the correct payment. Send a check or money order payable to the Department of Health. Please note you are requesting a duplicate credential and remember to include your credential number.
If it is within 90 days of your expiration date, you can renew your credential and receive an updated copy.
How do I update my mailing address?
All address change requests must be sent in writing. If you are renewing and have received your renewal notice, please complete the address change request on the back of the card.
If you are not renewing or do not have your renewal card, please complete the
Address Change Form . You can fax your change to 360.236.4818, or select the email button on the form once you fill it out. Or print form out and mail it to the
Customer Service Office.
You must have your current mailing address on file. Otherwise, we cannot send you the courtesy renewal reminder.
The United States Postal Service will not forward state mail so it is your responsibility to inform the
Customer Service Office of an address change.
What do I need to change my name on my license?
Please mail or fax a copy of your certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order showing your name change to the
Customer Service Office. You will not be sent a credential showing your new name until we have processed your next renewal. You may also include this request when submitting your renewal.
If I am active military, how can I request military status?
- Military service members retain their credentials during active duty status and are allowed to practice throughout the state.
- We will place the service member on "active military" status when he or she provides a copy of the service orders to our
Customer Service Office.
- We do not send a renewal card to these credential holders. They must send current orders to the
Customer Service Office each year before the credential expires.
- We do not charge renewal fees to credential holders in active military status.
- If the credential holder does not submit current orders on the renewal, the credential expires.
- We will change a military status to active when the service member:
- Provides a copy of the discharge papers (DD214).
- Pays the renewal fee.
- Continuing education hours, if applicable, are not required upon return to active status.
- Regular renewal fees and continuing education requirements apply after the first post-discharge update.
- Military service members have a six-month period to update their credential after discharge.
- If the credential holder does not renew within six months after discharge, the credential expires. If the credential holder later asks to renew the credential, the regular process applies, including penalties.
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Continuing Education
How many hours of continuing education do I need to renew my dental license?
Twenty-one hours annually. State law details continuing education requirements for dentists. (WAC 246-817-440)
Do I need to send copies of certificates of completion?
No. You must sign an affidavit of compliance annually. You will find the affidavit on the back of your annual renewal notice.
How long do I have to keep continuing education documentation?
You must keep your documentation for four years.
Can I count continuing education hours I accumulate for other sources, (i.e. national certification with specialty organizations, etc.) towards this requirement?
Yes.
How many continuing education hours can I obtain online or through correspondence?
Seven hours. Law indicates a maximum of seven hours in this category. (WAC 246-817-440 (c))
Can I count continuing education hours from one year in the next year?
No. You cannot carry over continuing education in excess of the required hours earned in a reporting period to the next reporting cycle. (WAC 246-12-230)
I administer sedation, am I required to take additional continuing education?
Yes. You can find details below in the Administration of Anesthetic Agents section of this FAQ.
We want to provide a continuing education course. How do we obtain approval?
The commission does not approve or accredit continuing education courses. Law indicates that a credit hour for time actually spent in a course cannot be less than fifty (50) minutes. (WAC 246-12, Part 7) All courses must be designed to enhance the professional development of the dentist or improve the care provided to patients. You may provide a document to the dentists attending your course, stating the name of the course, the date(s) taken, and the total number of continuing education hours completed. Other organizations, such as American Dental Association accredit continuing education courses.
Does my study club have to be recognized by some entity to be considered acceptable?
No. Study club hours are an acceptable source of continuing education, provided the coursework is designed to enhance the professional knowledge and development of the practitioner or enhance services provided to patients. We do realize there are various types of study clubs and that some are more social in nature, while others are offered, authorized or accredited by various professional organizations.
One of the dental product vendors wants to come into my office and provide an "in service" training to me and my staff on new dental products and materials, techniques and equipment. Is this acceptable continuing education?
Yes. Fifty (50) minutes is a credit hour. You should get some type of documentation of the content of the training, the time spent, etc. for your records. We would consider this, per the
rule, as training offered or authorized by an industry recognized private organization or agency.
Explain the volunteer services category – what types of volunteer services are acceptable?
The commission recognizes the value of dentists providing volunteer services to targeted populations. The dentist and recipient both benefit. The commission determined that if the dentist obtains some specialized training or education, prior to providing services to a specific population, up to seven continuing education hours could be accumulated per reporting cycle. Examples of this type of continuing education would be working with the Special Olympics, working with the Smilemobile or ABCD programs, etc. Most of these programs provide training/orientation programs to dentists working in these settings. It is not the intention for continuing education hours to be granted for routine pro-bono work that is not preceded by specialized education or instructional training.
Can I get an extension of time to complete my continuing education?
Dentists may be excused from or granted an extension of continuing education requirements due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. Law requires continuing education to renew your annual license. Any requests should be made several weeks before your renewal date to prevent delays in processing your license renewal. Requests must be in writing and sent to Dental Quality Assurance Commission Program Manager by
email or mail. You cannot practice without an active license.
Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission
PO BOX 47852
Olympia, WA 98504
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Dentist Inactive License
How do I obtain an inactive dentist license?
You must have an active dentist license. You must request an inactive license in writing, and pay inactive status renewal fee and impaired dentist surcharge.
May I practice in Washington with an inactive dentist license?
No. Law indicates you may not practice dentistry in Washington State while you hold an inactive license. (RCW 18.32.185)
Is continuing education required to renew my inactive dentist license?
No. Continuing education will be required when you choose to return to active dentist license.
How do I renew my inactive dentist license?
Dentists must renew their inactive licenses annually on or before their birthday. They are required to submit the appropriate fee. Please keep your address updated to receive courtesy renewal notices.
Your renewal must be postmarked or received by midnight of the expiration date or it is considered late. A
late fee will be assessed. You can pay through regular or overnight mail or in person. Your inactive license may be renewed up to 90 days before it expires. You should receive a courtesy renewal reminder 6-8 weeks before the credential expires. If you do not receive the notice within four weeks of your expiration date, please call 360.236.4700 or
email us for help.
We cannot accept credit/debit cards over the phone or take payment on line. However, we do accept MasterCard or Visa credit/debit cards at the
front counter.
Checks or money orders are payable to:
Washington State Department of Health
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099
NOTE: You are not required to submit continuing education to renew an inactive dentist license.
How do I return to active dentist license?
We are developing an application.
- If license has been in inactive status for three years or less:
- Submit written request to return to active status.
- 42 hours of
continuing education completed in previous two years.
- Pay current active license renewal fee and impaired dentist surcharge.
- If license has been in inactive status for three years or more AND you have been actively practicing in another state:
- Submit written request to return to active status.
- Submit state verification of any licenses held from other states.
- Submit verification of active practice with in last three years.
- 42 hours of
continuing education completed in previous two years.
- Pay current active license renewal fee and impaired dentist surcharge.
- If license has been in inactive status for three years or more AND you have not been actively practicing in another state:
- Submit written request to return to active status.
- Submit state verification of any licenses held from other states.
- 42 hours of
continuing education completed in previous two years.
- Pay current active license renewal fee and impaired dentist surcharge
- Submit proof of successful completion of an approved:
- Practical/practice examination according to WAC
246-817-120; or
- A qualifying postgraduate residency program, approved by or administered under the direction of the DQAC
- Successful completion of an approved written jurisprudence examination within the past year.
- Verification of malpractice insurance if available, including dates of coverage and any claims history.
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Scope of Practice
Where can I locate the Dental laws?
You can find the laws relating to the practice of dentistry on our website. (RCW 18.32 Dentistry,
RCW 18.260 Dental Professionals, and
WAC 246-817 Dental Quality Assurance Commission)
Can dentists order lab tests for patients?
Yes. Dentists can order lab tests to diagnose and treat dentally related conditions.
Can dentists prescribe Zyban for their patients to assist them in smoking cessation?
Yes. Dentists may prescribe smoking cessation products.
When dentists use triazolam orally on dental patients, is it misleading to advertise as offering sleep dentistry?
Yes. Triazolam is typically used as an anti-anxiety medication that may induce sleep in some patients but does not in all. The use of the term sleep dentistry infers that the patient will be asleep.
Is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a DDS degree allowed to do elective cosmetic surgery such as rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty?
Yes. The definition of oral and maxillofacial surgery does not disallow the performance of elective cosmetic surgery such as rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty. (RCW 18.32.020)
Treatment facility definition clarification. (WAC 246-817-510)
The term connecting suite requires some means of access or passage between suites. Connecting suites would require that a door or passage way be present which would allow treatment providers to walk directly from one suite to the next. The phrase, or the immediately adjacent rooms or areas, refers to adjacent rooms within a particular practice. If there were two separate practices in the same building and they were right next to each other, they would not be considered adjacent rooms or areas. Separate practices within the same medical building with are side by side but do not share a door constitute suites of offices and would not be considered adjoining suites. Offices that share a means of entrance or passage between the practices are considered connecting offices. The term adjoining refers to adjoining rooms within one practice.
Can dentists administer botox or dermafillers?
State law indicates no dentist shall prescribe, dispense or distribute any controlled substance or legend drug for other than dental-related conditions. (WAC 246-817-360)
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General
Can a dentist charge a patient for a copy of the patient record?
Yes. RCW 70.02 governs medical records — health care information access and disclosure
RCW 70.02.010,
RCW 70.02.080, and
WAC 246-08-400 provides how much can be charged.
How long must a dentist keep a record?
Five years. State law details this rule. (WAC 246-817-310)
Do I have to post my license in my office?
Yes. Dentists, dental hygienists, expanded function dental auxiliaries, and dental assistants must place their license so it is visible to individuals receiving services in the premises. (WAC 246-817-301)
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Administration of Anesthetic Agents
I administer minimal sedation by inhalation (nitrous oxide), do I need to take additional continuing education?
Yes. Law requires seven hours every five years in addition to the annual 21 hours required. (WAC 246-817-740) Continuing education must be in one or more of the following subjects:
- Sedation
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Inhalation analgesia
- Patient evaluation
- Patient monitoring
- Medical emergencies
In addition, you must take a healthcare provider basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) course. You cannot use BLS and ACLS hours for the required seven, but may use it toward annual 21 hours.
I administer minimal sedation, do I need to take additional continuing education?
Yes. Law requires seven hours every five years in addition to the annual 21 hours required. (WAC 246-817-745) Continuing education must be in one or more of the following subjects:
- Sedation
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nitrous oxide analgesia
- Patient evaluation
- Patient monitoring
- Medical emergencies
In addition, you must take a healthcare provider basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) course. You cannot use BLS and ACLS hours for the required seven, but may use it toward annual 21 hours.
I have a Moderate Sedation permit, do I need to have continuing education to renew?
Yes. Law requires seven hours every five years in addition to the annual 21 hours required. (WAC 246-817-755) Continuing education must be in one or more of the following subjects:
- Venipuncture
- Intravenous sedation
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nitrous oxide analgesia
- Patient evaluation
- Patient monitoring
- Medical emergencies
In addition, you must take a healthcare provider basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) or pediatric advanced life support (PALS) course. You may not use BLS, ACLS, or PALS hours for the require seven but may use it toward annual 21 hours.
I have a Moderate Sedation with Parenteral Agents permit, do I need to have continuing education to renew?
Yes. Law requires 18 hours every three years in addition to the annual 21 hours required. (WAC 246-817-760 ) Continuing education must be in one or more of the following subjects:
- Sedation
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nitrous oxide analgesia
- Patient evaluation
- Patient monitoring
- Medical emergencies
In addition, you must take a healthcare provider basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) or pediatric advanced life support (PALS) course. You cannot use BLS, ACLS, or PALS hours for the require 18 but may use it toward annual 21 hours.
I have a General Anesthesia permit, do I have to take continuing education to renew?
Yes. Law requires 18 hours every three years in addition to the annual 21 hours required. (WAC 246-817-770) Continuing education must be in one or more of the following subjects:
- General anesthesia
- Conscious sedation
- Physical evaluation
- Medical emergencies
- Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
- Monitoring and use of monitoring equipment
- Pharmacology of drugs
- Agents used in sedation and anesthesia
In addition, you must take a healthcare provider basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) course. You cannot use BLS and ACLS hours for the require 18 but may use it toward annual 21 hours.
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