Washington Dental Assistant Requirements
Each state has different requirements for dental assistants. This page includes links to all the information you need to understand the requirements for dental assistants in this state. View the different dental assisting levels, along with the requirements for each. You can also view the allowable duties at each level.
Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
Dental Anesthesia Assistant
Dental Anesthesia Assistant Requirements
Each applicant for certification as a dental anesthesia assistant must submit to the Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC):
1. An application, on a form provided by the department, AND
2. An application fee, AND
3. Evidence of completion of one of the following:
a. The "Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE)" or predecessor program, provided by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), or
b. The "Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistants Course" course provided by the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CALAOMS), or
c. Substantially equivalent education and training approved by DQAC, AND
4a. Evidence of completion of training in intravenous access or phlebotomy that includes 8 hours of didactic training and hands on experience starting and maintaining intravenous lines with at least ten successful intravenous starts on a human or simulator/manikin, or
4b. Evidence of completion of substantially equivalent education and training approved by DQAC, AND
5. A current and valid certification for health care provider basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or pediatric advanced life support (PALS), AND
6. A valid Washington state general anesthesia permit of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist where the dental anesthesia assistant will be performing his or her services, AND
7. Any other information determined by DQAC
A Dental Anesthesia Assistant must complete one hour of current infection prevention standards education annually provided by a qualified individual or organization, as well as two hours of health equity training every three years.
Note: A certified dental anesthesia assistant shall notify DQAC in writing on a form provided by DQAC of any changes in his or her supervisor. DQAC must be notified of the change prior to the certified dental anesthesia assistant accepting delegation from another supervisor.
