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.

Washington Requirements

Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements

Radiography

Registered Dental Assistant

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary

Dental Anesthesia Assistant

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Requirements

To become an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) in Washington, a dental assistant must:

1a. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, or

1b. Be DANB CDA certified (after meeting DANB CDA/GC pathway II eligibility requirements, and completing an additional dental assisting review course), AND

2. Complete an EFDA course approved by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC), AND

3. Pass the Washington State Restorative Exam (WARE)* administered by DANB, AND

4. Pass the clinical exam* administered by the Western Regional Examining Board, AND

5. Provide any other information determined by DQAC, AND

6. Apply to DQAC for an EFDA license.

To be eligible for a license as an EFDA without examination, one must:

1a. Hold a current license in another state with substantially equivalent licensing standards as determined by DQAC OR 

1b. Hold a Washington full dental hygiene license and complete a course in taking final impressions affiliated with or provided by a CODA accredited dental assisting program, dental hygiene school or dental school, AND

2. Provide any other information determined by the state, AND 

3. Apply to DQAC for an EFDA license 

An EFDA must hold current and valid health care provider basic life support (BLS) certification. An EFDA must complete one hour of current infection prevention standards education annually provided by a qualified individual or organization.

Note: DANB administers the Washington State Dental Hygiene Drug and Law Examination under agreement with the Washington State Department of Health. To obtain an application or for additional information, contact the Washington State Dental Hygiene Program at 360-236-4837 (dental hygiene department).