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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Washington. Degree required: Graduate of ADA CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $100+. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Governing Authority
Washington State Department of Health - Dental Quality Assurance Commission
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
71% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Graduate of ADA CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$100+
Total Initial Fees
15 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-4 years
Program Length
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 Jurisprudence Examination
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 (for out-of-state credentialed hygienists)
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+ |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (annual, expires on credential holder's birthday)
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.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#3 of 51
Cost
#6 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$106,800
25th percentile
Median
$125,370
+33% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$132,830
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,140 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Hygienists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.7%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+10,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
12,200
per year (avg.)
218,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+247% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$125,370
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$57,040
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$125,370
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$197,950
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Washington State Department of Health - Dental Quality Assurance Commission — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington State Department of Health - Dental Quality Assurance Commission — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Washington requires a Graduate of ADA CODA-accredited dental hygiene program 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.