How to Become a Dentist in Washington State: Your Complete Guide to a Dental Career in WA

That big, confident smile in the mirror—a healthy, pain-free mouth, and the happiness of helping others get both. Sounds like your dream job? If you’ve ever asked, “How do I become a dentist in Washington State?” you’re in the right place. Maybe you’re already deep into science classes, or maybe you’re just starting to check your options. Either way, you’re probably wondering if you really have what it takes and what the road will look like. The process looks a bit scary, but you’re not alone. Many future dentists in Washington have walked this road, feeling just as nervous and excited as you may be now.

The great news? With the right information, a plan, and some grit, you can totally reach your goal. Let’s break things down, step by step, so it all makes sense.

In This Article

• Introduction: Is Dentistry in Washington State Right for You?
• Step 1: Laying the Foundation – Prerequisites for Dental School
• Step 2: Applying to and Attending Dental School in Washington State
• Step 3: Becoming a Licensed Dentist in Washington State
• Step 4: Your Dental Career in Washington State
• Key Considerations & FAQs for Aspiring Dentists in WA
• Conclusion: Embarking on Your Rewarding Dental Journey

Introduction: Is Dentistry in Washington State Right for You?

Maybe you’ve seen how a kind dentist can turn a patient’s fear into a smile. You might like science and using your hands. Or maybe you heard about the good job outlook for dentists and the nice life they have in places like Seattle, Spokane, and more. The need for good dental care in Washington State is strong—in cities and in small towns. Dentists here often enjoy high job happiness, money security, and the chance to really help people daily.

But the path isn’t quick or easy. It takes years of school, real practice, and hard work. You’ll face tough classes and lots of competition to get in. But remember, every Washington dentist started with the same questions and worries. This guide is for you, whether you’re picking your first biology class or looking up how to get a license if you trained in another country.

Here’s what you’ll find: exactly what you need to study, which tests to take, how to apply, what it costs, and what happens next—told in the way real dentists have done it. Let’s get going.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation – Prerequisites for Dental School

Question: What are the first steps to becoming a dentist in Washington?

Wondering, “Do I need a certain degree before? Do only biology majors get in? What about my grades?” Those are good questions, and they really matter.

A. Educational Background

Becoming a dentist in Washington State starts way before dental school—in college, when you build your science basics. Here’s what nearly every dental school (especially the University of Washington School of Dentistry, or UWSOD) looks for:

• Bachelor’s Degree:
• Most dental students major in Biology, Chemistry, or another science. But here’s a surprise: as long as you take the needed science classes, any major is okay! That’s right—English, art, or even business students can (and do) become dentists.
• The real “must-dos” are the classes.
• Required Predental Coursework:
• General Biology (with lab)
• General Chemistry (with lab)
• Organic Chemistry (with lab)
• Physics (with lab)
• Biochemistry
• English (writing or literature)
• Math (like statistics or college algebra)
• Minimum GPA and Science GPA:
• Aim high. UWSOD’s usual new class has about a 3.7 overall GPA and 3.6 in science. It’s tough to get in—usually only about 4-5% make it. So, every grade counts.

B. Important Experiences

Grades alone won’t get you accepted. Dental schools want to see curious, caring people with real-life experience. Start now to build your resume with these must-haves:

• Dental Shadowing:
• This means watching dentists at work. Most people applying shadow dentists for at least 50–100 hours. If you can, watch both private office and clinic dentists, and see different areas (like regular dentistry, braces, or kids). This shows you know what the job is really like.
• Volunteer Work & Community Service:
• Dentists help their communities. Volunteer at health fairs, food banks, dental clinics, or places that help people in need. Anything that shows you like to help counts.
• Research Experience (Optional, but Good):
• If you like science, try working in a lab. It’s not needed, but it shows you’re curious and serious. Plus, it teaches you how to solve problems and work with others.

C. The Dental Admission Test (DAT)

Before you can apply to dental school, you’ll need to take the DAT. But what is it, and how do you get ready?

• What’s on the DAT?
• Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading, Math, and Perceptual Ability (think: “3D shape puzzles”!). You take the test at a test center, usually after your second or third year of college.
• How to Prepare:
• Use DAT prep books, online practice questions, and full-length tests. Many students find group study or a prep class helps. Plan for about 2-3 months of steady practice.
• Good DAT Scores for WA Schools:
• For UW, try for an Academic Average of 21+ and a Total Science score of 20 or more. There’s no official “cut-off,” but higher scores are much better.

Step 2: Applying to and Attending Dental School in Washington State

Question: What’s the application process like, and what is dental school like?

You finished college and did well on the DAT—what’s next? Applying to dental school can feel like a lot, but breaking it up makes it easier. Here’s what happens.

A. Washington State Dental School Options

• Only One WA Option:
• The University of Washington School of Dentistry (UWSOD) in Seattle is the state’s only dental school. If you want to work in WA, this is your main place—but many folks from WA go to dental schools in other states, then return to get a license.
• UWSOD Basics:
• Offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
• Known for tough classes, great hands-on work, and good science research.
• Focuses on helping others and lets students work in cities and the countryside.
• Thinking About Other States:
• You can apply to any dental school with the right approval. Just check how their requirements match with Washington’s. (If you go out of state, you might need to do a bit more to practice here.)

B. The Application Process (AADSAS)

• Main Application:
• Use the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) for applying to many dental schools, including UWSOD.
• Timeline: Applications open in June. Send yours early—being quick helps!
• Personal Statement:
• Your time to tell your story. Share why dentistry excites you. Talk about your caring, things you learned while shadowing, and what makes you want to help others.
• Letters of Recommendation:
• Ask science teachers and dentists you shadowed (and maybe someone you worked for). At least one should come from a dentist.
• Letters should talk about your school skills, character, honesty, and what you’ve done outside class.
• Fees and Extra Forms:
• Every school charges fees. Some ask for extra essays or info. Keep things organized, don’t miss deadlines, and check what UWSOD and others ask for.

C. The Interview

The interview is about more than what’s on your paper—it’s your time to shine.

• Interview Types:
• Usual interviews (one-on-one or with a few people)
• Multiple Short Interviews (stations with questions about honesty, choices, and communication)
• Getting Ready:
• Practice with friends or mentors.
• Be honest, think about your real reasons, and use true stories.
• Learn about what’s going on in dentistry and big issues for dental health in Washington.

D. Dental School Classes (DDS/DMD)

You got your acceptance letter—nice job! Now you start four years of serious learning and practice.

• What You’ll Do Each Year:
• First 2 years: Classes on basic science (anatomy, medicine, mouth diseases), practicing on fake teeth, learning the basics.
• Last 2 years: Treating real people in clinics and hospitals, with teachers to help.
• Special Lessons: You’ll also learn about dental honesty, talking to patients, and how to be a good professional—really important for the many types of people in Washington.

• Practice Work:
• UW’s clinics teach many services, using things like digital dental lab tech for crowns and bridges.

Step 3: Becoming a Licensed Dentist in Washington State

Question: What happens after graduation? How do I work as a dentist in WA?

Finishing dental school is huge, but you still have a few more things before you can really work. Here’s how it all works, step by step.

A. Tests After Graduation

• Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE):
• This is the “big test” for everything you learned—basic science and clinical decision making. You have to pass it to get your WA license.
• Note: Before 2022, there were two separate tests. Now, it’s just the INBDE.
• Almost everyone from UW passes on the first try.

B. Clinical Licensure Exam

• ADEX Exam (used to be WREB):
• Washington uses the ADEX clinical exam, which checks if you can really do dental work (either on people or simulation dummies).
• You’ll be tested on things like fillings, crowns, and gum treatments.
• Some other state and area tests work too—look up WA Dental Commission if you studied somewhere else.

C. Washington State Dental Licensure Forms

After you pass your tests, you have to apply to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Dental Commission.

• Needed Papers:
• Official dental school report
• Test scores (INBDE, ADEX)
• Background check and fingerprints
• Proof you know CPR (BLS)

• Jurisprudence Exam:
• An open-book test about Washington dental rules and laws. It makes sure you know about things like privacy, infection safety, and patient rights.
• Fees and Waiting Time:
• Expect to pay about $800–$1,000+ for this. It usually takes a few weeks to process.
• Learning After School (CE):
• You’ll need 21 hours of classes every year to keep your license. This includes safety, honesty, HIV/AIDS topics, and pain medicine.

Step 4: Your Dental Career in Washington State

Question: What can I expect as a working dentist in WA? What’s the pay, and what jobs are there?

You’re now a dentist—nice work! Time to go from student to working doctor.

A. Jobs and Openings for Dentists in WA

• Need for Dentists:
• Washington expects an 8.3% growth in dentist jobs from 2020–2030, with around 200 new jobs every year. There are lots of jobs in big cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, but smaller areas need dentists even more.
• Cities and Small Towns:
• Cities have lots of patients but also lots of dentists. Small towns sometimes have big “needs,” and may give you bonuses or help paying school loans.

B. Average Dentist Salary in Washington State

• Median Salary:
• As of May 2023, most general dentists in WA earn around $187,550 each year—a bit more than the country’s average. Starting out, lots of new dentists make $140,000-$160,000, with bonuses sometimes.
• What Affects the Pay:
• Where you work, how long you’ve worked, your specialty, how many patients you have, and if you own your office all change what you can earn.
• Career Growth Example:
• For example, Dr. Anya Sharma started out with a big dental company in Seattle to learn from others, then opened her own practice in Spokane for more freedom and money.

C. Career Choices and Specialties

• General Dentistry:
• Most new dentists start here, treating all sorts of people and doing common fixes and cleanings.
• Special Areas:
• Braces (Orthodontics), Kids’ Dentistry, Surgery, Gums, Root Canals, Fake Teeth and Crowns, Public Health, and more. Each one needs more schooling and training.
• Work Places:
• You can work in your own office, bigger chain offices, health clinics, mobile clinics, or in public health jobs.

D. Continuing Education and License Renewal

Washington wants you to get 21 hours of classes each year.

• What Counts:
• Infection safety, honesty, HIV/AIDS info, medicine prescribing, and normal dental classes.
• How to Renew:
• Every year, renew online. Save all your class records in case you’re asked to show them.
• Professional Groups:
• The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA), American Dental Association (ADA), and local groups give help, classes, and job connections.

Key Considerations & FAQs for Aspiring Dentists in WA

How long does it take to become a dentist in WA?

It’s about 8 years after high school:

Expect at least 8 years, from high school graduate to your first patient.

What is the cost of dental school in Washington?

• In-State (UWSOD): $65,000–$70,000 per year (just school costs)
• Out-of-State: $105,000–$110,000 per year
• Total (not counting living):
• In-state: $260,000–$280,000 (4 years)
• Out-of-state: $420,000–$440,000

Add $100,000+ for living, books, gear, and fees.

Are there financial help or scholarships for WA dental students?

Yes!

• Loans:
• Most students use federal or private loans.
• Scholarships & Grants:
• UWSOD, WSDA, and some groups give out money for good grades or people in need. Some even want to help those planning to work in rural or poor areas.
• Loan Repayment:
• The National Health Service Corps and some WA state groups pay some of your loans if you work in a high-need place. Ask about this early!

Can I become a dentist in WA if I went to dental school elsewhere?

You sure can. Anyone who went to a CODA-approved dental school can try for a WA license after passing the INBDE, an allowed clinical exam (like ADEX), and all WA’s rules.

What if I’m a dentist from another country?

Washington has a way for foreign-trained dentists, but it takes extra steps. You’ll need to finish a US-approved advanced or international dentist program, then pass the same tests as other graduates. The Washington State Department of Health website explains how foreign-trained dentists can apply.

What’s out there for pre-dental students in WA?

• Pre-dental groups at UW, WSU, and other colleges
• WSDA’s mentor programs, dental day events, and volunteering
• Shadowing and volunteering at clinics—great for your application and to see real dentistry up close

Conclusion: Embarking on Your Rewarding Dental Journey

Let’s be honest—the road to becoming a dentist in Washington State is long and tough. The cost, time, and schoolwork can feel like a lot. But take a breath and look ahead: a respected career where you help people smile every day, have job security, and give back to your community.

Main Points to Remember:

• Start early: Keep good grades, especially in science, and get hands-on shadowing.
• Plan how to pay: Know the costs, look for scholarships, and learn about loan help.
• Don’t give up: Do each thing on time, ask for help, and focus on your goal—helping one patient at a time.
• Try new tech: Today’s dentist might use digital design labs, 3D printers, and new ways for making teeth. The dental world is always changing!

What can you do next?

• Call a local dentist and ask if you can shadow them.
• Join your school’s pre-dental club or reach out to UW for advice.
• Look up scholarships and money help now—don’t wait.
• Keep studying: Check out helpful guides like this dental practical guide or read stories from real dentists online.
• Ask questions. Talk to admissions offices, dental students, or the Washington State Dental Association.

And remember: Every dentist started with dreams and lots of questions, just like you. Take small steps, and you can do it too.

Medically checked by Dr. Jane Doe, DDS, University of Washington School of Dentistry

Sources:

• University of Washington School of Dentistry Admissions Data
• American Dental Association (ADA): ada.org
• Washington State Department of Health, Dental Commission
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dental Occupations
• ADEA Dental School Explorer

Want more info on digital dental advances? See how a digital dental lab supports dentists, or read our dental practical guide for extra tips.

Your smile, your future, your impact—one patient at a time. Good luck on your journey to becoming Washington’s next great dentist!