The rules writing process is open to the public. The public is welcome to take part in helping us write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices and workshops, and usually a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
To get updates about rule making and other topics related to dental professionals, subscribe for updates at the bottom of the page.
Rules recently changed are on our What's Happening webpage.
Current Rules in Progress
- Dental anesthesia rules
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WAC 246-817-701 through 790 updated December 2021 (PDF)
The Dental Quality Assurance Commission is considering amendments to update general requirements for the administration of anesthetic agents for dental procedures. In addition to general updates, the commission is also considering amendments to address 24 hour on-call availability after a complex dental procedure, on-site inspections for all dentists holding sedation permits, and creation of a pediatric sedation endorsement.
- CR101 filed on August 17, 2017, as WSR #17-17-089 (PDF)
- Draft Moderate Sedation with Parenteral Agents On-site form (PDF)
- Draft General Anesthesia On-site form (PDF)
Please send comments on the proposed rules to Jennifer Santiago.
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission is considering rulemaking to allow dentists to delegate administration of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination to licensed dental hygienists with close supervision and demonstration of competency.
- CR103 Emergency rule filed on February 19, 2021, as WSR #21-06-012 (PDF)
- CR103 Extended emergency rule filed on June 18, 2021, as WSR #21-13-091 (PDF)
- CR103 Extended emergency rule filed on October 15, 2021, as WSR #21-21-052 (PDF)
The emergency rule will be withdrawn January 22, 2022, when the permanent rule is effective.
- CR101 filed on March 8, 2021, as WSR #21-07-020 (PDF)
- CR102 filed on August 18, 2021, as WSR #21-18-005 (PDF)
The rule is effective January 22, 2022.
- Dentist Continuing Education
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission is considering rule amendments for the number of hours allowed under self-study methods, WAC 246-817-440.
- CR101 filed on April 6, 2021, as WSR #21-08-076 (PDF)
- CR102 filed on August 26, 2021, as WSR #21-18-073 (PDF)
The rule is effective January 28, 2022.
- License requirements for expanded function dental auxiliaries (EFDAs)
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (commission) is considering rule amendments to determine if placing and finishing amalgam restoration on clinical patients for expanded function dental auxiliary (EFDA) licensure is necessary during required education. EFDA education program curriculum must include placing and finishing amalgam restoration on clinical patients under WAC 246-817-195 (4)(a)(ii).
Look for EFDA Education Program Committee meeting notices to participate in rule amendments. Please send comments to the dental commission.
- Dentist retired active status
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (commission) is proposing amendments to WAC 246-817-230 (PDF), Dentist retired active status, to align with WAC 246-817-440, Dentist continuing education requirements, and update the reference to chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 5 to specific required rules.
The rule is effective January 28, 2022.