Regulations

Jun 3, 2025

Effective July 1, 2025: Expanded Worker Protections Under Equal Pay and Opportunities Act

Beginning July 1, 2025, Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA) will include expanded protections beyond gender to cover additional protected classes. Dentists who employ staff should review and update their hiring, pay, and advancement practices to ensure compliance with the updated EPOA rules. WSDA has created a compliance checklist resource for members.

May 13, 2025

Governor Signs WSDA’s Dental Benefits Reform Bill Into Law

On Monday, May 12, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed WSDA’s dental benefits reform legislation, Senate Bill 5351, into law. A win for dentists and patients, Senate Bill 5351 makes meaningful progress on several major dental benefits policy issues.

May 5, 2025

WSDA Advocacy on B&O Tax Legislation

Near the end of the 2025 legislative session, WSDA joined a health care coalition effort to advocate against B&O tax increases for health care providers, including dentists. Advocacy efforts resulted in no B&O tax increase for most dentists.

Feb 25, 2025

Pediatric Sedation Endorsement Application Deadline Extended to June 30

Washington State dentists administering moderate sedation with enteral or parenteral agents to children are now required to obtain a Pediatric Sedation Endorsement. The application is now available from the Department of Health and has an extended deadline of June 30, 2025.

Feb 3, 2025

Pediatric Sedation Endorsement Application Deadline Extended to February 28

Washington State dentists administering moderate sedation with enteral or parenteral agents to children are now required to obtain a Pediatric Sedation Endorsement. The application is now available from the Department of Health and has an extended deadline of February 28, 2025.

Jan 8, 2025

Reminder: New Pediatric Sedation Endorsement Requirements for Washington State Dentists – Application Available Now

Beginning January 1, 2025, Washington State dentists administering moderate sedation with enteral or parenteral agents to children are now required to obtain a Pediatric Sedation Endorsement. The application is now available from the Department of Health.

Dec 5, 2024

New Pediatric Sedation Endorsement Requirements for Washington State Dentists – Application Available Now

Beginning January 1, 2025, Washington State dentists administering moderate sedation with enteral or parenteral agents to children will be required to obtain a Pediatric Sedation Endorsement. The application is now available from the Department of Health.

Oct 1, 2024

WDC Business Meeting - October 11

The Washington Dental Commission (WDC) — formerly known as the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) — will hold its next business meeting in hybrid format on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

Sep 26, 2024

Rulemaking for Prescription Label Requirements

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) will hold a public hearing on Friday, October 4 at 9:00 AM for rulemaking on the accessibility of prescription information for visually impaired individuals as well as individuals with limited English proficiency.

Sep 25, 2024

Voluntary PPE Rule Updates

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has filed a permanent rule making order (CR-103) that extends the allowance of voluntary personal protective equipment (PPE) use beyond public health emergencies.

Jun 2, 2024

DQAC Dental Therapy Committee Meeting - June 11

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Dental Therapy Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 11 at 12:00 PM.

May 31, 2024

DQAC Education Outreach Committee Meeting - June 6

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) Education Outreach Committee will meet on Thursday, June 6 at 12:00 PM.

May 23, 2024

Upcoming L&I Webinars: Learn About Key Employment Laws

Employers can learn about the state’s employment laws during a series of webinars offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

May 23, 2024

L&I Expedited Proposal (CR-105) – Paid Sick Leave

The purpose of this proposal is to amend rules for accordance with recently passed legislation, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5793 (ESSB 5793) and Senate Bill 5979 (SB 5979).

May 22, 2024

DQAC Board of Denturists Rulemaking Notice

The Board of Denturists is considering updates to reduce licensure barriers for denturists and plans to address jurisprudence examination requirements.

May 16, 2024

2024 Legislative Session Summary

Washington state’s 60-day legislative session adjourned on Thursday March 7, 2024. WSDA advocated in support of as well as in opposition to several bills this session concerning dental-related issues, workforce, insurance, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more.

Apr 30, 2024

ADA: Seventh State Approves Legislation Establishing Dental Compact

The new Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact will increase access to care for patients by creating reciprocity, reducing red tape for licensed providers.

Apr 28, 2024

Waiver of CE Requirements for Returning from Expired to Active Status

The Governor has waived continuing education and training requirements to return from expired to active licensing status through April 25.

Apr 17, 2024

Dental School Faculty Member Licenses Rule Update

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) filed a rule-making order which will go into effect on Monday, April 29, 2024, amending WAC 246-817-150 Licenses—Persons licensed or qualified out-of state who are faculty at school of dentistry.

Mar 11, 2024

DQAC Temporary Practice Permit-Military Spouse Rule Making Notice

The Department of Health has filed an expedited rule making form CR-105 which proposes amendments to WAC 246-12-051 "How to obtain a temporary practice permit- Military spouse".