Washington Dental License Renewal

Updated August 2026

Quick Answer

Washington dentists must renew their licenses through Washington Dental Quality Assurance Commission on a annual basis under state dental practice law, submitting a $435.00 renewal fee to maintain active licensure. Renewal requires completing 63 hours of continuing education every 3 years and staying in compliance with board requirements to remain in good standing.

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Continuing Education

63 hrs

every 3 years

License Renewal

Every year

Renewal Fee (Dentist)

$435.00

Washington dental license fees are set out in WAC 246-817-990. Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other licensing activities are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.

Dentist fees

Fee type Amount
Original application, by examination $500.00
Original application, without examination (application + license) $1,000.00 total ($500.00 + $500.00)
Faculty license application $500.00
Resident license application $115.00
Active license renewal $435.00*
Late renewal penalty $185.00
Inactive license renewal $195.00*
Inactive late renewal penalty $50.00
Retired active license renewal $220.00*
Retired active late renewal penalty $75.00
Expired license reissuance $300.00
Duplicate license $15.00
Certification letter $25.00

* Includes the $70.00 Washington Physician Health Program surcharge.

Anesthesia / sedation permit fees

Fee type Amount
Initial application $150.00
Renewal (three-year cycle) $160.00
Late renewal penalty $80.00
Expired permit reissuance $50.00

There is no application or renewal fee for the pediatric sedation endorsement.

Renewal cycle

Dentist licenses renew annually and expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal may be submitted within 90 days of the expiration date; any renewal postmarked or presented after midnight on the expiration date is late. Mailed renewals take about two weeks to process, and CE attestation must be included to complete the renewal. Practicing on an expired license is not permitted. Expired credentials may be reactivated using separate application forms depending on whether the license has been expired less than three years or more than three years.

Courtesy renewal notice DOH emails a courtesy renewal reminder to the address on file. Keep your contact information current at doh.wa.gov to make sure you receive it.

Compare Other Renewal Pages

These share Washington's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing renewal costs and cycles across nearby states.

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