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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

  • Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
  • DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
  • Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
  • Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
  • Application fee — $100

How to Apply

  1. Access the Online Application ▾
    Log in to the Professional Licensing Services (PLS) portal through your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account and select the Dental Assistant application type.
  2. Complete the Application Form ▾
    Fill out all required sections of the Dental Assistant application form within the PLS system, providing accurate personal, educational, and professional history.
  3. Submit Required Documentation ▾
    Upload necessary supporting documents, which may include official transcripts, proof of dental assisting education, and any relevant exam scores directly into the PLS application.
  4. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Submit the non-refundable application fee of $50.00 online through the PLS payment portal.
  5. Await Application Review ▾
    The Washington State Department of Health will review your complete application and all submitted documents for compliance with state licensing requirements.
  6. Receive License Decision ▾
    Once your application is approved, your Dental Assistant license will be issued, and you will be notified through the PLS system or by mail.
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. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the Washington Department of Health. The application fee is $100.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    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.
  3. Provide Proof of Training ▾
    Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
  4. Provide DANB Certification ▾
    Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
  5. Provide Radiography Certification ▾
    Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
  6. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾
    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.
  7. Await Board Processing ▾
    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.
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.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100

Slow Downs

Fingerprinting delays ▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents ▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors ▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Washington-specific note ▾
Washington may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.

Questions

Does Washington require a dental assistant license? ▾
Yes, Washington requires Registered Dental Assistant (EFDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Washington? ▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Washington.
Can I take dental x-rays in Washington? ▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Washington? ▾
State application fees are $100. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.

Board Info

Washington Department of Health
Phone360-236-4700
Sources