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New Demographic Information Requirements for Dental Professionals

Aug 5, 2024
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is implementing a new requirement for dental professionals as mandated by Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1503, which passed in 2023.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is implementing a new requirement for dental professionals as mandated by Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1503, which passed in 2023.

ESHB 1503 requires DOH to collect personal demographic data from all health practitioners in Washington. This data collection will begin on January 1, 2025, and will be included with license applications and renewals.

The DOH will ask six questions on the application/renewal form:

  • How would you classify your race/ethnicity?
  • What is your gender?
  • What language(s) do you speak well enough to communicate with your patients?
  • What is your specialty?
  • Primary and secondary practice locations?
  • Are you currently practicing?
The proposed questions and response options are also available in more detail here.

For privacy and security, individual responses will not be identifiable, and all data will be collected and analyzed in aggregate form. Additionally, responses will be saved in a separate system to protect confidentiality.

The data collected will help provide a more complete picture of the state's dental workforce and support efforts to address health equity concerns and ensure all communities have access to qualified healthcare providers, helping to identify areas where the dental workforce can be expanded or diversified to better meet the needs of Washington residents. This information will be used in conjunction with other data sources to develop comprehensive health equity initiatives.

Learn More

DOH is hosting a listening session for those interested in learning more and will provide an opportunity to answer questions and hear public comments.

August 15
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Webinar Registration
For those unable to attend the listening session, please send comments by August 23, 2024 to ESHB1503@doh.wa.gov.