Licensing Requirements

Education

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

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.

Examinations

Applicants must successfully complete the following examinations:

Dental Hygiene National Board Examination
Clinical Examinations
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 hygiene school graduation to present, whether or not engaged in activities related to dental hygiene.

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 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

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

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

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

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.

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. A timely postmark on your renewal will not prevent an expired license. 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: Visit the dental hygienist 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.