Steps to get licensed in Washington
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam, including its local anesthesia and restorative sections.
- Pass the Washington dental hygiene drug and law jurisprudence exam.
- Apply to the Washington State Department of Health.
Board exams for Washington licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Washington accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Washington's licensing exams include local anesthesia (written and clinical) and restorative competencies, along with patient evaluation and prophylaxis.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required
Washington requires its dental hygiene drug and law jurisprudence exam before you're licensed.
- Local anesthesia
- Part of licensure
Washington doesn't issue a separate local anesthesia permit. Local anesthesia, written and clinical, is part of the licensing exams every applicant passes.
Moving to Washington with a license from another state
Washington is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Once the compact commission starts issuing privileges, a hygienist licensed in one member state will be able to practice in the others. It isn't issuing them yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Washington State Department of Health about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Washington?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 10 schools with dental hygiene programs in Washington, 7 offer an associate degree and 6 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Washington State Department of Health reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Washington
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Washington?
Not automatically yet. Washington has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Washington State Department of Health about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Washington require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Washington requires its dental hygiene drug and law jurisprudence exam before you're licensed.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Washington?
Washington doesn't issue a separate local anesthesia permit. Local anesthesia, written and clinical, is part of the licensing exams every applicant passes.
Which clinical exams does Washington accept?
Washington accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Washington's licensing exams include local anesthesia (written and clinical) and restorative competencies, along with patient evaluation and prophylaxis. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified September 28, 2026.
- doh.wa.gov /licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions…
- app.leg.wa.gov /wac/default.aspx
- app.leg.wa.gov /wac/default.aspx
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Washington State Department of Health before you rely on them. Official board site