How to Become a Dental Assistant in Washington

Who can apply

• You must hold an active Washington dental assistant registration before you work as a dental assistant. This has been required since July 1, 2008. Sterilization technicians and orthodontic assistants must register too.
• Students in a dental assisting school or program do not have to register while they are students. You must be registered before you start work after you graduate.
• From July 1, 2026, 16- and 17-year-olds may register if they are in, or have finished, a bona fide dental assistant training program at a school approved by a listed Washington agency; the program must send the Dental Assistant Education Verification for Minors form directly to DOH. Otherwise you must be at least 18.
• No training or exam is required to register. A background check is done on every applicant.
• Registered dental assistants giving direct patient care must hold healthcare provider BLS certification. New hires have 45 days to get it (WAC 246-817-720).

Step by step

1. Apply online (or on paper) for a dental assistant registration and pay the $40 fee.
2. List every state where you hold or held a credential, and have each one send a verification form to the department.
3. Answer the personal data questions and complete a fingerprint background check if DOH asks you to.
4. Wait for approval. Your pending credential number appears in the Provider Credential Search.
5. Get healthcare provider BLS certification within 45 days of being hired.
6. Post your registration at work and renew it every year by your birthday.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Washington does not require training to register. Registered dental assistants may do the tasks listed in WAC 246-817-520 under a dentist's close supervision once they have shown the skills to do each task competently, including placing, exposing and processing radiographs, coronal polishing and applying sealants. To work in a school-based sealant or fluoride varnish program under general supervision, you need a sealant/fluoride varnish endorsement, which requires 200 hours of employment by a Washington dentist that included training in sealants and fluoride varnish.

Exam: Washington has no state exam for dental assistant registration.

What it costs in Washington

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your credential

Renewal: Registration renews every year on or before your birthday ($25; $25 late fee). Renewal can be done within 90 days of expiration. There is no continuing education requirement. You cannot work on an expired registration.

Good to know in Washington

Close supervision: Registered dental assistants work under the dentist's close supervision for the clinical tasks in WAC 246-817-520. Delegating tasks not on that list can lead to discipline.

Sealant/fluoride varnish endorsement: Required only to work in a school-based program under a dentist's general supervision ($50 fee). You need 200 hours of employment by a Washington-licensed dentist, plus training in the DOH sealant/fluoride varnish program guidelines from an ADA-accredited dental assisting, hygiene or dental program, a continuing education course, or individual training by a Washington-licensed dentist.

Who does not need to register: Workers who only do data entry or note charting for the dentist do not need to register.

Military: Active-duty service members keep their credential during active duty if they send their orders to DOH. Military spouses may get expedited processing.

Sources

• WA DOH - Apply for a Dental Assistant License (fees, renewal, minors)
• WA DOH - Dental Assistant Frequently Asked Questions
• WA DOH - Dental Assistant Licensing Requirements
• WA DOH - Dental Assistant Sealant/Fluoride Varnish Endorsement application (DOH 642-001)
• WAC 246-817-520 - Supportive services that may be performed by registered dental assistants
• WAC 246-817-99005 - Fees
• Chapter 18.260 RCW - Dental assistants