- Chapter 18.29 RCW
- Chapter 246-815 WAC
- Education
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Applicants for dental hygiene credentials must graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited through the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). We must receive an official transcript listing the degree and dates posted directly from the applicant's education program.
- Expanded function education
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Applicants must complete expanded function education through the applicant's ADA CODA-accredited dental hygiene program or from a secretary of health-approved program. Expanded function education is required in anesthesia, nitrous oxide and restorative.
- Dental hygiene national board examination
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Applicants must successfully complete the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam. Original scorecards must be sent directly from the National Board.
- Clinical examinations
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Applicants must successfully complete approved clinical examinations in basic hygiene, anesthesia and restorative. Original scorecards must be sent directly from the testing agency.
- Washington state drug and law examination
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Applicants must successfully complete the Washington State Drug and Law exam. The department must receive the original letter stating that the applicant has passed the examination.
- Work history
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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.
- State licensure verification
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Applicant must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. 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. Applicant shall send the verification form to the jurisdiction for completion. The jurisdiction is required to send the completed form directly to the department. All applicants are checked for disciplinary information.
- Personal data questions
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Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. 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.
- Licensure by examination
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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:
- A written examination. Only the US National Board Dental Hygiene Examination will be accepted;
- Washington State Drug and Law Jurisprudence Examination; and
- The following dental hygiene patient evaluation-prophylaxis examinations:
Dental Hygiene Practical Examinations
The patient based clinical examinations from the following exam companies are required.
- Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) Dental Hygiene Examination if passed after May 8, 1992.
- Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS) Dental Hygiene Examination if passed after November 1, 2001.
- Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) [Formerly NERB] Dental Hygiene Examination if passed between January 1, 2000 and August 21, 2009, or if passed after March 16, 2018.
- Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. if passed after July 23, 2021.
The manikin/simulated clinical examination from the following exam companies have been approved for licensure.
- Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) Dental Hygiene Manikin-Based Clinical Examination if passed after October 8, 2021.
- Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS) Dental Hygiene Simulated Patient Examination if passed after October 8, 2021.
- Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) Simulated Dental Hygiene Examination if passed after October 8, 2021 (must include both the OSCE/CCSE written and the simulated patient clinical exam.
Dental Hygiene Expanded Functions Examinations:
- WREB Anesthesia Exam if passed after May 8, 1992
- WREB Restorative Exam if passed after May 8, 1992
- CRDTS Anesthesia Exam if passed after October 13, 2017
- CRDTS Restorative Exam if passed after March 7, 2016
- Licensure by credential
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An applicant seeking licensure in Washington by credential must meet the requirements listed above and:
- Be licensed in a qualifying state that is verified by the state board and
- Be currently in practice (within the past year).
- Initial limited license
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An applicant seeking an initial limited license in Washington must meet the requirements above and
- Hold a valid license in another state or Canadian province that allows a substantively equivalent scope of practice.
- The initial limited license is valid for five years and is renewable. The following is required to renew:
- Verification of passing scores on an approved dental hygiene patient evaluation-prophylaxis examination.
- Verification of passing the WREB or CRDTS anesthesia examination;
- Verification of didactic and clinical competency in the administration of anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
- Upon renewing, the expiration date will change to the licensee's birth date.
- Continuing education requirements
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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 246-815-140, and 246-12(7) for more information. Please keep your address updated to receive courtesy renewal notices.
- Avoid an expired license
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Don't let your license expire. You must make sure we have your renewal before it expires. Otherwise, you won't 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.
Continuing Education (CE)
- See CE information below
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Dental hygienists are required to complete 15 clock hours of continuing education (CE) annually. WAC 246-815-140 discusses the requirements and acceptable continuing education.
RCW 18.29.060 License Issuance – Display
- Upon passing an examination and meeting the requirements as provided in RCW 18.29.060, the secretary of health shall issue to the successful applicant a license as dental hygienist. The license shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the operation room where such licensee shall practice.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider
- Dental Hygienists are required to keep a current BLS for the Healthcare provider card in order to renew their credential. Please see WAC 246-815-140 for further information.
* Additional continuing education information can be found on the Dental Hygienist frequently asked questions page.