New Dental Therapist License in Washington State

This year, the Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1678 passed creating a new dental therapist license in Washington state. The intention of this legislation is to expand access to oral health care by increasing the number of and diversity of dental providers working in local communities. Dental therapists work under the supervision of a dentist. The supervising dentist and dental therapist must have a practice plan contract outlining the functions which the dental therapist is authorized to perform. Dental therapists are also allowed to supervise expanded functions dental auxiliaries, dental assistants and dental hygienists.

The commission has established a dental therapy committee to review education and examination requirements, and to assist the department in rule writing for this new profession.  If you are interested in participating, please sign up for the Dental Therapist GovDelivery email list.  Visit the GovDelivery email updates webpage.  Once you register, select (+) “Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA)”, (+) “Health Professions”, then select the profession you like to subscribe to.  You may also send any questions to bruce.bronoske@doh.wa.gov.