WSR 26-15-042 (26-15)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Dental Quality Assurance Commission)

[Filed July 8, 2026, 12:38 p.m., effective August 8, 2026]

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

Purpose: Dental licensure requirements; the dental quality assurance commission (commission) is adopting amendments to WAC 246-817-135 Dental licensure without examination—Eligibility and application requirements, to remove requirements pertaining to federal or state tax numbers.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 246-817-135.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.32.0365.

Other Authority: RCW 18.32.215.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 26-03-002 on January 7, 2026.

Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: At the April 24, 2026, business meeting, the commission voted to remove WAC 246-817-160 Graduates of nonaccredited schools, from this rule package and authorized separate rule making for WAC 246-817-160.

A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Debbie Gardner, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4893, TTY 711, email dental@doh.wa.gov.

WAC 246-817-135 is exempt under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(c)(i) because it repeals the requirement to provide federal or state tax numbers as part of the application process. The analysis of the proposed amendments to WAC 246-817-160 that appeared in the preliminary cost-benefit analysis have been removed because those amendments were not adopted.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Date Adopted: July 8, 2026.

Bryan Swanson, DDS, Chair

Dental Quality Assurance Commission

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-01-215, filed 12/23/20, effective 1/23/21)

WAC 246-817-135Dental licensure without examination—Eligibility and application requirements.

For individuals holding a dentist credential in another U.S. state or territory, to be eligible for Washington state dental license without examination, the applicant must provide:

(1) A completed application on forms provided by the secretary;

(2) Applicable fees under WAC 246-817-990;

(3) A verification by a U.S. state or territory board of dentistry (or equivalent authority) of an active credential to practice dentistry, without restrictions, and whether the applicant has been the subject of final or pending disciplinary action;

(4) Proof of graduation from an approved dental school under WAC 246-817-110 (2)(a):

(a) The only acceptable proof is an official, posted transcript sent directly from such school;

(b) Graduates of nonapproved dental schools must meet the requirements under RCW 18.32.215 (1)(b).

(5) Proof that the applicant is currently engaged in the practice of dentistry:

(a) Dentists serving in the United States federal services as described in RCW 18.32.030(2) must provide documentation from their commanding officer regarding length of service, duties and responsibilities, and any adverse actions or restrictions;

(b) Dentists employed by a dental school approved under WAC 246-817-110 (2)(a) must provide documentation from the dean or appropriate administrator of the institution regarding the length and terms of employment, duties and responsibilities, and any adverse actions or restrictions;

(c) Dentists in a dental residency program must provide documentation from the director or appropriate administrator of the residency program regarding length of residency, duties and responsibilities, and any adverse actions or restrictions; or

(d) Dentists practicing dentistry for a minimum of ((twenty))20 hours per week for the four consecutive years preceding application, in another U.S. state or territory must provide:

(i) Address of practice location(s);

(ii) Length of time at the location(s);

(iii) A letter from all malpractice insurance carrier(s) defining years when insured and any claims history; and

(iv) ((Federal or state tax numbers; and

(v))) DEA numbers if any.

(6) Proof of successful completion of a commission approved written jurisprudence examination;

(7) A recent 2" x 2" photograph, signed, dated, and attached to the application; and

(8) Authorization for background inquiries to other sources may include, but are not limited to, the national practitioner data bank and drug enforcement agency.