What Kind of Regulation Do Dentists in Washington Have to Follow?

Dentists in Washington State must follow a number of regulations in order to practice their profession. These regulations are designed to protect the health and safety of patients and to ensure that dentists are competent and qualified to practice.

Some of the key regulations that dentists in Washington must follow include:

• Licensure: All dentists must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). To be licensed, dentists must meet certain educational, examination, and experience requirements.
• Continuing education: Dentists must complete a certain number of hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their license. This continuing education helps to ensure that dentists stay up-to-date on the latest dental practices and procedures.
• Standard of care: Dentists are required to practice in accordance with the standard of care. The standard of care is the level of care that a reasonably competent dentist would provide in the same or similar circumstances.
• Infection control: Dentists must follow strict infection control procedures to prevent the spread of disease. These procedures include using sterile instruments, wearing gloves and masks, and properly disposing of waste.
• Advertising: Dentists are regulated in how they advertise their services. They are prohibited from making false or misleading claims about their services.
• Patient records: Dentists must keep accurate and complete patient records. These records must be kept for at least seven years.

Dentists who violate any of these regulations may be subject to disciplinary action by the DOH, which could include fines, suspension, or revocation of their license.

In addition to the regulations set by the DOH, dentists in Washington may also be subject to the regulations of other organizations, such as the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA sets standards for dental education, practice, and research.

The regulation of dentistry is complex and ever-changing. Dentists are responsible for staying up-to-date on the latest regulations in order to protect their patients and their licenses.