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Dentist 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 What's Happening webpage.
Current Rules in Progress
- Opioid prescribing exclusions
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission filed a CR102 Proposed Rule Making notice as WSR 24-20-025 on September 20, 2024, for WAC 246-817-905 Exclusions. The commission is proposing amendments to this rule to expand the types of patients who are exempt from opioid prescribing rules by adding facility types to the list of opioid prescribing exclusions for dentists. The proposed language aligns with the Washington Medical Commission’s adopted rules to ensure consistency and alignment with best practices.
Email comments on proposed rule to the commission by December 2, 2024 at midnight.
- Military spouses - removing barriers to temporary practice permits
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission filed a CR105 Expedited Rule as WSR 24-15-006 on July 3, 2024, for WAC 246-817-187 Temporary practice permit—Military spouse eligibility and issuance. The commission is proposing amendments to WAC 246-817-187 to update language changes made by Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1009 (chapter 165, Laws of 2023).
Email comments on proposed rule to the commission by September 23, 2024, at midnight.
- 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.
- Dental Assistant Registration
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry as WSR 24-16-138 on August 6, 2024. The commission is considering amending WAC 246-817-190, Dental assistant registration, to include a minimum age requirement for dental assistant registration.
- Continuing education for dentists administering sedation
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The Dental Quality Assurance Commission filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry as WSR 24-21-038 on October 8, 2024. The commission is considering amending 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.