As a reminder, in 2021 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission approved amendments to WAC 246-817-420, Specialty Representation, to clarify dental specialty areas of practice and requirements for those who wish to represent themselves as a specialist. Under the rule, effective July 1, 2022, a licensed dentist in a group practice with two or more dentists must identify themselves as either a general dentist or a specialist. If the dentist is a specialist, then the provider must include the area of specialty, and upon patient request the dentist must provide qualifications of specialty to the patient.

While general dentists may still provide specialty services, they may not advertise or represent themselves as a specialist, and the rule offers two options to obtain specialty designation. The first option is completion of a Commission on Dental Accreditation post-doctoral education program at least two years in length that is approved by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. The second path to obtain specialty designation is by completing a CODA advanced educational program or program of other accreditors recognized by the United States Department of Education that is at least two years in length. 

More information on specialty representation rule requirements can be found here.