In order to protect the public from inherently misleading claims of specialty expertise by dentists who are not adequately trained and experienced, a licensed dentist must comply with the requirements in this section to avoid deception of the public with accurate advertising and representation.

(1) A licensed dentist has the legal authority to practice in all areas of dentistry as defined in RCW 18.32.020 and also the authority to confine their practice in areas within the scope of their education, training, and experience and in accordance with chapters 18.32 RCW and 246-817 WAC.

(2) A licensed dentist may advertise or represent themselves as a specialist if the dentist meets the standards listed in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) A licensed dentist who does not meet the standards listed in subsection (4) of this section is considered a general dentist. A general dentist is permitted to render specialty services but shall not advertise or represent themselves as a specialist in the areas listed in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) A licensed dentist must comply with one of the following requirements before advertising or representing themselves as a specialist in Washington:

(a) Successfully complete a Commission on Dental Accreditation postdoctoral education program at least two years in length, and is recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards in one of the following specialty areas:

(i) Dental anesthesiology;

(ii) Dental public health;

(iii) Endodontics;

(iv) Oral and maxillofacial pathology;

(v) Oral and maxillofacial radiology;

(vi) Oral and maxillofacial surgery;

(vii) Oral medicine;

(viii) Orofacial pain;

(ix) Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics;

(x) Pediatric dentistry;

(xi) Periodontics; or

(xii) Prosthodontics.

(b) Successfully complete a Commission on Dental Accreditation advanced educational program or program of any other accreditors recognized by the United States Department of Education which is at least two years in length in a special interest area of dentistry not listed in (a) of this subsection.

(5) It is misleading, deceptive, or unprofessional conduct for a licensed dentist to advertise or represent themselves by adopting or using any title to the public as a dental specialist, expert, board certified, or diplomate practicing in an area when they have not successfully completed the requirements specified for the dental specialty listed in subsection (4) of this section.

(a) Effective July 1, 2022, a licensed dentist in a group practice that includes two or more dentists must be identified as a general dentist or a specialist as listed in subsection (4) of this section.

(b) A licensed dentist in a group practice who meets the standards listed in subsection (4) of this section shall include the area of their specialty.

(c) Qualifications of any licensed dentist must be made available to the public upon request.