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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $100+
Governing Authority
Washington State Department of Health - Dental Quality Assurance Commission
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited through the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); official transcript must be sent directly from the program to DOH
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$100+
Total Initial Fees
15 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited through the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); official transcript must be sent directly from the program to DOH Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-4 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Format: 350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based. Passing score: 75. Exam fee: $100.
Pass a clinical board examination. Washington accepts: WREB, CRDTS, CDCA, CITA. No state-specific clinical exam. Patient-based or simulated clinical exams accepted from approved organizations.
Pass the Washington dental jurisprudence exam. Washington State Drug and Law Examination (also called 'Washington State Drug and Law Jurisprudence Examination' in the licensure by examination section).
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, BLS for healthcare provider card (must remain current), Expanded function education in anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and restorative (REQUIRED for all hygienists), Complete professional chronology from graduation to present.
Submit your application to the Washington State Department of Health - Dental Quality Assurance Commission. Application fee: $100. License fee: $100. Total initial fees: $100+.
Renew your license every Annual renewal on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC (per WAC 246-815-990). 15 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $70.
CE Hours Required
15 hours
Per annual renewal on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 wac (per wac 246-815-990) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Annual renewal on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC (per WAC 246-815-990)
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
15 hours every year at renewal, BLS for healthcare provider card must be maintained current (separate from CE hours), CE records retained for at least 4 years
Renewal Fee
$70
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-4 years
Program Length
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Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
State-Specific Exam
No state-specific clinical exam. Patient-based or simulated clinical exams accepted from approved organizations.
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Washington State Drug and Law Examination (also called 'Washington State Drug and Law Jurisprudence Examination' in the licensure by examination section)
Overall licensing difficulty: 11/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Browse study guides
Dental Hygiene Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, clinical exam, WA Drug and Law exam, expanded function education in anesthesia/nitrous/restorative
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Initial Limited License
Requirements
Equivalent credentials in another state or Canadian province, valid for 5 years
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Washington is notable in that expanded function education in anesthesia, nitrous oxide, AND restorative is REQUIRED for ALL dental hygienists (not optional). Local anesthesia has been allowed under indirect supervision since 1971. Nitrous oxide minimal sedation requires no permit but follows WAC 246-817-740 practice requirements under close supervision. Restorative functions are part of standard scope with expanded function education.
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
Washington allows general supervision (dentist not present in office). Local anesthesia allowed under indirect supervision since 1971 -- one of the earliest states to permit this. Nitrous oxide minimal sedation under close supervision of anesthesia provider.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application/examination fee | $100 |
Exam Fee Reexamination fee; exam fees also paid directly to testing organizations for NBDHE and clinical exams | $100 |
License Fee Credentialing application fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee Annual renewal fee; late renewal penalty $50 additional | $70 |
Total Initial Fees Application fee plus exam fees paid separately to testing organizations | $100+ |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual renewal on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC (per WAC 246-815-990)
Renewal Period
15 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$70
Annual renewal; late penalty $50; expired license reissue $50
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Licensure by Credential and Initial Limited License
Transfer Details
By Credential: current license in qualifying state with recent practice within past year. Initial Limited License: equivalent credentials in another state or Canadian province, valid for 5 years.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Washington with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
BLS for healthcare provider card (must remain current)
Expanded function education in anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and restorative (REQUIRED for all hygienists)
Complete professional chronology from graduation to present
Washington is unique in REQUIRING expanded function education in anesthesia, nitrous oxide, AND restorative for ALL dental hygienists as a baseline -- most states treat these as optional certifications. The state was one of the earliest to permit local anesthesia by hygienists (since 1971). Renewal is annual on the credential holder's birthday with 15 CE hours each year. The jurisprudence exam is specifically a 'Drug and Law' examination. An Initial Limited License (5-year validity) is available for out-of-state and Canadian province credentialed practitioners. A sealant/fluoride varnish endorsement requires a one-time $50 fee with no renewal.
Washington REQUIRES expanded function education in anesthesia, nitrous oxide, AND restorative for ALL dental hygienists -- not optional like most states.
Washington was one of the earliest states to allow local anesthesia administration by hygienists (since 1971).
Annual renewal on the credential holder's birthday.
15 CE hours required every year (not biennial).
Initial Limited License available for out-of-state/Canadian province credentialed hygienists, valid for 5 years.
Sealant/Fluoride Varnish endorsement available for $50 (no renewal required).
Duplicate license $15; certification of license $25.
Education program evaluation fee $200.
All fees are non-refundable per WAC 246-12-340.
Washington State Drug and Law exam is a separate jurisprudence requirement.
Professional chronology from graduation to present required with application.
Dental hygienist scope of practice is expanding rapidly across states. Direct access, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration, and restorative functions vary significantly by state and may have changed since this data was last verified. Always confirm current scope with your state dental board.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Washington
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Dental Hygienist Schools in Washington
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Washington? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Washington →
Washington requires a Graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited through the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); official transcript must be sent directly from the program to DOH from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Washington State Department of Health - Dental Quality Assurance Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.