Licensing Requirements

Education

Applicants for dental therapy credentials must graduate from a dental therapy 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.

Applicants who successfully completed a dental therapist program before September 30, 2022, that was not accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation but that the commission determines is substantially equivalent to an accredited education program meet the criteria described in RCW 18.265.030.

Examinations

Dental therapy applicants must successfully complete the following examinations:

  • A Commission Approved Dental Therapy Written Exam administered by either: 
    • Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS);
    • The American Board of Dental Examiners (previously CDCA-WREB-CITA); or 
    • Any other examination that the commission determines as substantially equivalent; and
  • The Washington State Drug and Law Examination

The department must receive proof of successful completion of exams sent directly from the exam organization or testing agency.

Work History

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 therapy school graduation to present, whether or not they are engaged in activities related to dental therapy.

State Licensure Verification

Applicants 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 be complete and a verification form must be submitted. Applicant shall send the verification form to the jurisdiction for completion. The jurisdiction is required to send the completed form directly to the department.

Personal Data Questions

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 Pathways

Licensure by Examination/Full License

An applicant seeking licensure in Washington by examination must meet the requirements listed above, and must successfully pass the written examinations consisting of:

  • Official verification of passing the dental therapy examinations approved by the commission under WAC 246-819-050. Official verification must be sent directly to the department from the testing agency; and
  • Washington State Drug and Law Washington State Drug and Law examination.

Licensure without exam-Licensed in Another State 

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).

Limited License

An applicant seeking an initial limited license in Washington must hold a valid dental therapist license, dental health aide therapist (DHAT) certification, or recertification; and

  • Hold a valid license in another state or Canadian province that allows a substantively equivalent scope of practice.
  • A verification by a U.S. state or territory, Canadian province, or tribal or federal certification board or equivalent authority of an active credential to practice dental therapy, dental health aide therapy (DHAT), certification or recertification in another jurisdiction without restrictions, and whether the applicant has been the subject of final or pending disciplinary action;
  • Proof of graduation from an approved dental therapy or equivalent dental health aide therapist program. The only acceptable proof is an official, posted transcript sent directly to the department from such school;
  • Proof that the applicant has at least 560 hours of active practice within the preceding 24 months. Active practice can include teaching, or practice in a clinical setting of dental therapy, dental health aide therapy (DHAT), certification or recertification;
  • Proof of successful completion of an approved Washington state dental therapy drug and law examination.

Important Reminders

Avoid an Expired License

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. Renewals sent by mail take about two weeks to process.

Update Contact Information

Maintain up-to-date contact information to ensure you receive renewal notices and all correspondence from the Department of Health.

Maintain Continuing Education Compliance

See the dental therapy continuing education (CE) webpage for CE requirements and resources. It is important to retain CE documentation for at least four years, and to be prepared to provide proof if you get audited by the department.

Contact and Connect

If you have questions about the application process, contact us.

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