License Requirements

License Requirements for Dentist, Anesthesia/Sedation Permit, Faculty License-Limited, Resident License-Limited

Dentist

License requirements

Education

Applicants must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental school with a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of dental medicine degree (DMD). Official school transcript with degree posted, or, for recent graduates, a verified list of graduating students submitted directly from the dean, is required.
Or
Graduates from non-accredited dental schools must also meet the requirements outlined in WAC 246-817-160.
- Evidence of successful completion of at least two additional predoctoral or postdoctoral academic years of dental education. Official school transcript or letter from school verifying education is required.
  - Additional predoctoral or postdoctoral dental education completed before July 1, 2018, must be obtained at a dental school in the United States or Canada, approved, conditionally or provisionally, by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
  - Additional predoctoral or postdoctoral dental education completed after July 1, 2018, must be obtained in a dental program in the United States or Canada, approved, conditionally or provisionally, by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and include clinical training.

Examinations

Applicants must pass written examination. Acceptable written examinations include:
- The Integrated National Board Dental Examination;
- The National Board Dental Examination Parts I and II; and
- The Canadian National Dental Examining Board examination.

An original scorecard or a certified copy of the scorecard is required.

And

Applicants must pass a complete practical-clinical examination. Acceptable clinical examinations include:

Manikin (non-patient based) or patient-based clinical examinations are acceptable from all approved testing organizations.
All examination sections listed in WAC 246-817-120 must be completed for Washington State dentist licensure.
Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) - The optional prosthodontics examination is a required section of the clinical examination for Washington State dentist licensure. Additionally, Washington State doesn't have specific criteria associated to the operative/restorative section. Applicants may follow WREB's examination process for operative/restorative section.
Commission on Dental Agency Competency (CDCA) formally known as NERB - The optional periodontal examination is a required section of the clinical examination for Washington State dentist licensure.
Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) – The optional periodontal examination is a required section of the clinical examination for Washington State dentist licensure.
The Dental Quality Assurance Commission has determined that the California State Dental Board portfolio examination is not an acceptable clinical examination for Washington State dentist licensure.
The Council of Interstate Testing Agency's (CITA) patient or manikin clinical examination;
The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations dental licensure objective structured clinical examination (DLOSCE);
Examination results of a U.S. state or territory with an individual state board clinical examination; and
The commission will accept the complete National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) of Canada clinical examination as meeting its standards if the applicant is a graduate of an approved dental school defined in WAC 246-817-110 (2)(a).

An original scorecard or a certified copy of the scorecard is required.

The commission will only accept results of approved practical examinations taken within the preceding five years from the date of an application for licensure.

Applicants must complete a qualifying postgraduate residency program to be accepted in lieu of practical-clinical examination.
- Acceptable residencies are Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) general practice residency, advanced education in general dentistry residency, and pediatric residency programs at least one year in length and must be in a setting that serves predominantly low-income patients in Washington State.

A letter from the approved residency verifying residency completion is required.

Applicants licensed in other U.S. states or territories must meet requirements of RCW 18.32.215 and WAC 246-817-135.
- Hold a valid license in another U.S. state or territory. A verification of license (PDF) must be submitted directly by the state to the department.
- Graduate from CODA dental school. Official school transcript with degree posted.
  - Graduates of non-CODA dental school must meet requirements of RCW 18.32.215 (1)(b).
    - Has practiced in another state for at least four years; and
    - A verification of license must be submitted directly by the state to the department.
    - Has completed a one-year postdoctoral residency program. A letter from the approved residency verifying residency completion is required.
  - Are currently engaged in the practice of dentistry by demonstrating one of the following:
    - Serving as a dentist in the U.S federal service;
    - Employed by a dental school;
    - In a dental residency program; or
    - Practicing dentistry for a minimum of 20 hours per week for the four consecutive years preceding application.
  - A proof of practice form (PDF) must be submitted.

State license 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 (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Personal data questions

Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. An appropriate explanation and required documentation must be sent with positive answers. 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.

Additional information/documents required

A signed attestation must be completed on the application.
Applicants should list all professional training and experience including college or university (pre-dental) and chronology of practice history from the date of dental school graduation to present.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) verification. A verification form (PDF) must be completed and submitted by the DEA.
Malpractice insurance if available. Verification from insurance company must include dates of coverage and any claims history.
Applicant must successfully pass the dental jurisprudence examination.
2x2 photo, signed and dated.

Process for approving/denying applications

We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.32 RCW and chapter 246-817 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Continuing education requirements

Dentists must complete 63 hours of continuing education every three years. The goal of continuing education is to encourage the lifetime professional development and enhance the clinical and overall skills to protect the health and safety of all patients. Acceptable continuing education is listed in WAC 246-817-440.

Renewal requirements

Dentists must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date. Dentists must attest to completing the required 63 hours of continuing education every three years as part of the renewal. A courtesy renewal notice will be mailed to your address on record. You must keep your address current with us. Any renewal postmarked or presented to the department after midnight on the expiration date is late.

Avoid an expired license

Do not let your license expire. You must make sure we have your renewal before it expires. Otherwise, you will not 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. Remember to include your continuing education to complete your renewal.

Anesthesia/Sedation Permits

Permit Requirements

A permit is required to administer moderate sedation, moderate sedation with parenteral agents, and general anesthesia/deep sedation. WACs 246-817-755, 760, and 770 govern permit requirements.

An interpretive statement has been adopted regarding the application requirements for moderate sedation with parenteral agents permits (PDF).

Faculty License - Limited

License Requirements: A limited faculty license is available for dentists who have been licensed to practice dentistry in another state or country, and who have been accepted for employment by the University of Washington, School of Dentistry. Such license shall permit the holder to practice dentistry only in connection with his or her duties in employment with the school of dentistry of the University of Washington per RCW 18.32.195 (1).

Resident License - Limited

License Requirements: A limited resident license is available for dentists to practice dentistry in this state to university postdoctoral students or residents in dental education, or to postdoctoral residents in a dental residency program approved by the commission. The license shall permit the resident dentist to provide dental care only in connection with his or her duties as a university postdoctoral dental student or resident or a postdoctoral resident in a program per RCW 18.32.195 (2).