Dental Jurisprudence Examination

The jurisprudence examination is:

• Free
• Online
• Open book, and
• Multiple choice

Every dentist must complete the jurisprudence examination when applying for initial licensure and as part of continuing education as required in WAC 246-817-440, effective January 1, 2019.

The jurisprudence examination contains questions related to Washington state dental laws, rules, interpretive statements, and guidelines. Once you begin the examination, there are web links to the law, rule, statement, or guideline that is associated with that specific question. You must receive a 100 percent on the examination. Dental laws, rules, interpretive statements, and guidelines are available to review on our website before taking the examination.

Examination results are sent to the Department of Health electronically after you select the submit button at the end of the examination. You must screen-print your examination results before selecting the submit button. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button.

Initial dentist licensure applicants:

• Examination results are added to your application file. Screen-print your examination results before selecting the submit button at the end of the examination. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button.

Licensed dentists in Washington state completing the jurisprudence examination as part of disciplinary action:

• Examination results are added to your disciplinary compliance file. Screen-print your examination results before submitting your examination. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button.

Licensed dentists in Washington State completing the jurisprudence examination for continuing education:

• You must maintain your own record of the examination results. You must screen-print your examination results before selecting the submit button. Place your printed examination results with other continuing education documents. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button. Continuing education documents must be kept for four years, WAC 246-12-200. The jurisprudence examination is required once every three years beginning January 1, 2019.

Take the jurisprudence exam

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the material to study for the jurisprudence examination?

The jurisprudence examination contains questions related to dentistry laws, rules, dental commission interpretive statements and guidelines. There is a web link to the law, rule, statement or guideline associated with that specific question while you take the examination. Laws, rules, statements and guidelines are on our webpage.

How do I obtain a copy of my jurisprudence examination results?

• Initial dentist licensure applicants:
  • Examination results are added to your application file. Screen-print your examination results before selecting submit at the end of your examination. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button. You may contact the department to verify your examination results were received.
• Licensed dentists in Washington State completing the jurisprudence examination as part of disciplinary action:
  • Examination results are added to your disciplinary compliance file. Screen-print your examination results before selecting submit at the end of your examination. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button. You may contact the department to verify your examination results were received.
• Licensed dentists in Washington State completing the jurisprudence examination for continuing education (effective January 1. 2019):
  • You must maintain your own record of the jurisprudence examination results. Screen-print your examination results before selecting submit at the end of your examination. Place your printed examination results with other continuing education documents. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button. The Department of Health will not maintain examination results for continuing education.

Do I send the jurisprudence examination results with my application?

No. Examination results are sent to the Department of Health electronically after you select the submit button at the end of the examination. Screen-print your examination results before selecting the submit button. You will not have access to obtain a copy after you select the submit button.

Do I need to pass the jurisprudence examination before I apply for licensure?

No. You may take the jurisprudence examination at any time during the application process. You must pass the jurisprudence examination before a license is issued.

Can I save my place in the jurisprudence examination if I cannot complete the examination once I've started?

Yes. The system will allow you to save where you left off. Click Save and enter your email for a return to the survey email. You will receive an email with a link to re-enter the examination where you left off.

May I count continuing education hours for taking the jurisprudence examination?

Yes. Every licensed dentist must take the jurisprudence examination once every three years as required in WAC 246-817-440 beginning on January 1, 2019. You may count one hour for completing the jurisprudence examination.