{"application_form_url":null,"application_portal_url":null,"board_contact_url":null,"board_email":"","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Washington Department of Health","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"360-236-4700","board_physical_address":null,"board_source_url":null,"board_url":null,"canonical_url":null,"ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.","title":"Fingerprinting delays"},{"description":"Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.","title":"Missing or incomplete documents"},{"description":"Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.","title":"Application errors"},{"description":"Washington may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.","title":"Washington-specific note"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:12:11.637694+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"Apply through the Washington Department of Health. The application fee is $100.","title":"Submit Your Application","url":null},{"description":"Washington requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.","title":"Provide License Verification","url":null},{"description":"Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.","title":"Provide Proof of Training","url":null},{"description":"Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.","title":"Provide DANB Certification","url":null},{"description":"Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.","title":"Provide Radiography Certification","url":null},{"description":"Washington requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Washington can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.","title":"Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening","url":null},{"description":"Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 to 6 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.","title":"Await Board Processing","url":null}],"exam_registration_url":null,"faqs":[{"answer":"Yes, Washington requires Registered Dental Assistant (EFDA) through the state board.","question":"Does Washington require a dental assistant license?"},{"answer":"Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Washington.","question":"Is DANB certification recognized in Washington?"},{"answer":"Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.","question":"Can I take dental x-rays in Washington?"},{"answer":"State application fees are $100. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.","question":"How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Washington?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":null,"fingerprint_fee":null,"fingerprint_method_in_state":null,"fingerprint_method_out_of_state":null,"fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":null,"fingerprint_vendor_url":null,"initial_fee_amount":100.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"4 to 6 Weeks","profession":"Dental Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Annually","renewal_fee_amount":null,"renewal_portal_url":null,"required_documents":[{"description":"Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.","name":"Proof of Training","url":null},{"description":"Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.","name":"DANB Certification","url":null},{"description":"Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.","name":"Radiography Certification","url":null},{"description":"through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)","name":"Fingerprint background check","url":null},{"description":"$100","name":"Application fee","url":null}],"slug":"washington-da","state_name":"Washington","state_slug":"washington","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Log in to the Professional Licensing Services (PLS) portal through your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account and select the Dental Assistant application type.","title":"Access the Online Application","url":null},{"description":"Fill out all required sections of the Dental Assistant application form within the PLS system, providing accurate personal, educational, and professional history.","title":"Complete the Application Form","url":null},{"description":"Upload necessary supporting documents, which may include official transcripts, proof of dental assisting education, and any relevant exam scores directly into the PLS application.","title":"Submit Required Documentation","url":null},{"description":"Submit the non-refundable application fee of $50.00 online through the PLS payment portal.","title":"Pay Application Fee","url":null},{"description":"The Washington State Department of Health will review your complete application and all submitted documents for compliance with state licensing requirements.","title":"Await Application Review","url":null},{"description":"Once your application is approved, your Dental Assistant license will be issued, and you will be notified through the PLS system or by mail.","title":"Receive License Decision","url":null}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-04-11T20:12:11.637694+00:00","verify_license_url":null}