Dentists · Washington · Continuing education
Washington Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD63 hours every 3 years, including 3 h opioid prescribing & pain management (once), 3 h suicide prevention (once), 1 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence), 2 h health equity; renewal by your birthday.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Washington DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 63hours
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Any CE contributing to dental knowledge or patient services; the Commission does not approve specific courses. Live courses, live interactive webinars, study clubs, postdoctoral education; self-study online/mail counts half (30 min per hour); limits on practice management (21 h), teaching, supervision, journal reading, volunteer care.
- New licensees
- For dentists first licensed in 2019 or later the 3-year reporting period starts on the date of licensure.
- Audits & records
- Attestation at renewal every three years; Commission may randomly audit up to 25% of dentists after renewal. Keep certificates showing date, hours and course title.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementDentists licensed to prescribe opioids: one-time best-practices course in the first full reporting period after licensure | 3 | once |
| Suicide preventionOne-time training from the DOH model list, in the first full reporting period after licensure | 3 | once |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)Commission-approved dental jurisprudence examination every 3 years (1 hour credit) | 1 | every renewal |
| Health equity | 2 | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent healthcare-provider BLS with hands-on skills; max 3 h credit per 3 years | — | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Current certification/recertification from an ADA/ABDS-recognized specialty board, or AGD Fellowship/Mastership or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition award in the period counts as 62 hours.
Good to know. License renews every year on the birthday; CE attested every 3 years. Current healthcare-provider BLS with hands-on skills required for all direct patient care staff (max 3 h credit per 3 years).
Source: app.leg.wa.gov · WAC 246-817-440, 246-817-441, 246-817-720, 246-817-909, 246-817-990 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Washington
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in Washington?
Any CE contributing to dental knowledge or patient services; the Commission does not approve specific courses. Live courses, live interactive webinars, study clubs, postdoctoral education; self-study online/mail counts half (30 min per hour); limits on practice management (21 h), teaching, supervision, journal reading, volunteer care.
How many CE hours do dentists need in Washington?
63 hours every 3 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in Washington?
Use the license lookup of the Washington Dental Quality Assurance Commission (doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/dentist); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
Which CE topics are mandatory for dentists in Washington?
Opioid prescribing & pain management — 3 h (once); Suicide prevention — 3 h (once); State laws & rules (jurisprudence) — 1 h (every renewal); Health equity — 2 h (every renewal); CPR / Basic Life Support certification (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in Washington?
Licenses renew by your birthday (3 years cycle).