How to Renew Dental Assistant Registration in Washington State

Dental assistants in Washington State work spend a lot of time taking care of patients, but they have to take time to take care of themselves too. Without an active, valid license, a dental assistant can find him or herself in big trouble. Staying on top of your license expiration and going through Washington State's relatively easy renewal process can save you from serious legal consequences.

Instructions

• 1

  Take any needed continuing education units you may lack for your current licensing year. When renewing your license, you will need proof of your annual continuing education. If you're not sure how many credits you're missing, call the Washington Department of Health to check your status.

• 2

  Use the courtesy renewal notice you receive from the Washington Department of Health about 90 days before your license expiration date to process your renewal.

• 3

  Contact the DOH if you do not receive your renewal notice before 30 days of your license expiration. According to Washington law, you are responsible for your renewal, not the DOH. You should initiate your renewal.

• 4

  Send your renewal fees and proof of continuing education to the DOH with your renewal notice. If you did not receive a renewal notice, include your license number, name, current address, telephone and email address along with fees and continuing education.

• 5

  Follow up with the department if you have not received your new license within a week of your expiration date. The critical part is for your new expiration date to post to the DOH license verification website. You do not need the paper license to practice so long as the electronic database is updated. However, you'll also want the paper version as soon as possible.