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WA SB6146
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/14/2026
Primary Sponsor
Mike Chapman
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a new "oral preventive assistant" license in Washington, requiring approved training, application submission, and applicable fees
- Oral preventive assistants may perform dental assisting services, periodontal probing (after initial probing by dentist/hygienist), and dental prophylaxis for patients in healthy oral states, all under dentist supervision
- Establishes a pathway for dentists who practiced at least five years in another country to apply for dental hygienist licensure after passing examination and demonstrating equivalent competency
- Authorizes the dental commission to set continuing education and renewal requirements for oral preventive assistants and expanded function dental auxiliaries
- Amends RCW 18.260.040, 18.260.090, and 18.29.021 to integrate the new license category into existing dental workforce regulations
Legislative Description
Expanding oral health equity and increasing access to preventive dental care.
Last Action
First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.
1/14/2026
Committee Referrals
Health & Long-term Care1/14/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available