Licensing of Dental Hygienists.
 
A dental hygienist is authorized to remove deposits and stains from the surfaces of teeth; apply topical, preventive or prophylactic agents; polish and smooth restorations; and perform root planing, soft tissue curettage, and other operations and services delegated to the dental hygienist by a dentist. Generally, dental hygienists must be supervised by a licensed dentist.  In order to be licensed, dental hygienists must complete an educational program, and pass an examination approved by the Dental Hygiene Examining Committee.
 
Initial Limited Licenses.
 
A dental hygienist licensed in another state or a Canadian province may be temporarily licensed without examination if the applicant provides the Department of Health with certain documentation and information, demonstrates a knowledge of Washington law pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene, pays required fees, and meets requirements for AIDS education.  The procedures a dental hygienist with an initial limited license may perform are limited, although the holder of an initial limited license may obtain endorsements for local anesthesia, restorative procedures, or nitrous oxide analgesia.
 
In order to qualify for the temporary license, the applicant must also show that they are currently engaged in active practice in their home state or province, which means at least 560 hours of practice in the preceding 24 months.

The requirement that an applicant for a temporary dental hygienist license be actively practicing in the applicant's home state or province is removed.