Fee Schedule | Understanding your Application | Process for Approving/Denying Applications | Additional Licensing Information
Apply for a License
- Apply Online
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Getting started
Online Application Instructions
Online application instructions are on our website.
Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on the Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.
- Apply on Paper
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The following forms are required to complete the application process. Please download and print the forms.
Applications
- License Application Packet
Verification Forms
Endorsement/Attestations
- Continuing Education Attestation (coming soon)
- Disciplinary Action Attestation (coming soon)
- Renewal Requirements
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- Dental therapists must renew their license annually. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date. Dental therapists are required to submit the appropriate renewal fee(s) with each renewal cycle.
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A Practice Plan Contract must be submitted to the secretary upon license renewal. A licensed dental therapist cannot begin working until the Practice Plan Contract is submitted. The practice plan must be signed by the supervising dentist and a dental therapist and must outline the mutually agreed upon functions that the dentist authorizes the dental therapist to perform and the level and type of supervision that is required. The Practice Plan Contract must be submitted to the secretary at the time of license renewal; and submitted within 30 days of any substantive revision.
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A liability insurance attestation must be submitted to the secretary at license renewal. A licensed dental therapist cannot begin working until the attestation of liability insurance is submitted. A licensed dental therapist must obtain liability insurance with coverage equivalent to that of the supervising dentist's liability insurance coverage and is required to attest to having the liability insurance each year at renewal.
- Continuing Education
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Renewal Requirements
Fee Schedule
- Licensing Fees
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WAC 246-819-990 – Fees
- Initial application - $950
- License renewal - $950
- Late renewal penalty - $300
- Expired license reissuance - $300
- Limited license application - $950
- Duplicate license - $15
- Verification of license - $25
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
Understanding your Application
All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).
After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.
- Demographic Information
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Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.
- Military
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It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military-related applications, and it is important to be aware of the documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain healthcare professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.
To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses, visit the Military Resources website.
- Personal Data Questions
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All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession.
Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.
- Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.
Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us. Please check in advance to help expedite this process.
- Education
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To verify your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended, and the school needs to send them directly to DOH.
Important Reminders
- Fees
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Fees must be paid when an application is submitted. You can pay online while using the online application portal, or by sending a check or money order to the appropriate P.O. Box as listed on your application.
Applications with unpaid fees cannot be processed until payment is received.
- Background Check
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A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.
- Exception Application
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A small number of applications, based on applicant-provided information or background-check findings, undergo additional review. These are known as “exceptions”; watch the introductory video on exceptions to learn more.
Process for Approving/Denying Applications
A final review happens once a credentialing specialist confirms that the application is complete and meets the requirements in chapter 18.29 RCW and chapter 246-815 WAC. This review also includes a background check and verification that all required fees were submitted. Credentialing supervisors and lead staff can approve routine applications. If they cannot confirm that an applicant meets all requirements, the disciplining authority may conduct an additional review.
If an application is denied, we will notify the applicant in writing. Applicants have the right to request a hearing to appeal the decision.