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Dental Assistant - Rules in Progress
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 Completed Rules webpage.
Current Rules in Progress
- Dental licensure requirements
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission filed a CR101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry as WSR 24-15-022 on July 9, 2024 (PDF), for WAC 246-817-135 Dental licensure without exam and WAC 246-817-160 Graduates of nonaccredited schools. The commission is considering amending WAC 246-817-135 to remove requirements pertaining to federal or state tax numbers when applying for licensure without an examination. The commission is also considering amending WAC 246-817-160 to clarify clinical and didactic education and training requirements for foreign-trained dentists and graduates of non-accredited schools or programs.
- Continuing education for dentists administering sedation
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission filed a CR-102 Proposed Rule Making Notice as WSR 25-24-079 on December 1, 2025. The commission is proposing to amend WAC 246-817-773, Continuing education for dentists administering sedation, to ensure clear continuing education requirements.
- Dentist Compact
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission and the Department of Health filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry as WSR 24-21-097 on October 17, 2024. The commission and the department are considering adding new sections to chapter 246-817 WAC to implement provisions of Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1576 (chapter 297, Laws of 2023), which creates a new interstate compact for dentists and gives member states the discretion to charge a fee for granting compact privileges.