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Washington Dental Assistant License

Washington Department of Health

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification — Must be a current and valid healthcare provider BLS certification.
  • Proof of Age — Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. A copy of a government-issued ID may be requested.
  • Out-of-State Credential Verification — If you hold or have held a license in another state, that state must send verification directly to the WA DOH. Verification Form

How to Apply

  1. Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) Account ▾
    Register for a SAW account to access the Department of Health's online application system (HELMS).
    Sign Up for SAW
  2. Add HELMS Service ▾
    Log in to SAW, select 'Add a New Service', choose 'Department of Health', and add 'Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)'.
    HELMS Instructions
  3. Complete Online Application ▾
    Launch HELMS from your SAW dashboard and complete the Dental Assistant Registration application.
    Start Application
  4. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the non-refundable $40 application fee online using a credit/debit card or E-check.
  5. Submit Required Documents ▾
    Upload or mail required documents, including proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  6. Background Check ▾
    The DOH will conduct a background check. If fingerprints are required, you will be notified via email with instructions.
    Fingerprint Info
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Washington Department of Health for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you have completed 200 hours of employment by a WA licensed dentist, including training in sealants and fluoride varnish.
  2. Complete Endorsement Application ▾
    Fill out the Dental Assistant Sealant/Fluoride Varnish Endorsement Application Packet.
  3. Submit Training Affidavit ▾
    Have your employing dentist sign the 'Affidavit of Employing/Training Dentist' included in the application packet.
  4. Pay Endorsement Fee ▾
    Submit the $50 endorsement fee along with your application.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Annually
Compact
No
Board
Washington Department of Health

Keeping Your License Active

Washington Dental Assistant licenses renew Annually. Contact the Washington Department of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100

Slow Downs

Incomplete Personal Data Questions ▾
Answering 'Yes' to personal data questions without providing the required explanatory documents and court records causes significant delays.
Missing BLS Certification ▾
Failure to provide a current healthcare provider BLS card is a frequent cause for application holds.
Out-of-State Verification Delays ▾
Waiting for other state boards to send verification forms can take weeks; contact those boards early in the process.

Questions

Is HIV/AIDS training still required for Washington Dental Assistants? ▾
No. As of June 11, 2020, HIV/AIDS education and training is no longer a requirement for dental assistant registration in Washington.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements? ▾
Registered Dental Assistants must complete one hour of infection prevention standards education annually. There are no other general CE requirements for basic registration.
Can I work while my application is pending? ▾
No. You must have an active registration issued by the Department of Health before you can begin practicing as a dental assistant in Washington.
When does my registration expire? ▾
Your registration expires every year on your birthday. You can renew up to 90 days before the expiration date.

Board Info

Washington Department of Health
Phone360-236-4700
Sources
State statutes