License Renewal Requirements for California Dental Professionals

Staying compliant with your dental license renewal requirements is essential to maintaining your professional standing and continuing to provide exceptional care to your patients. Below is an overview of the continuing education (CE) requirements for dental professionals in California.

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License Expiration Guidelines

  • Licenses expire every two years on the last day of the licensee’s birth month.

  • If your birth year is an even number, your license will expire in even-numbered years.

  • If your birth year is an odd number, your license will expire in odd-numbered years.

Continuing Education Requirements

For Dentists

Complete 50 hours of continuing education (CE) every renewal period to maintain an active license.

For Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH)

  • Standard RDH: 25 hours of CE
  • RDH in Extended Functions (RDH-EF): 25 hours of CE
  • RDH in Alternative Practice (RDH-AP): 35 hours of CE

For Registered Dental Assistants (RDA)

Complete 25 hours of continuing education every renewal period to maintain an active license.

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Live vs. Non-Live Course Requirements

  • At least 50% of your required CE hours must be completed through live courses such as:

  • Live video conferencing
  • Live webinars
  • Live lectures
  • Live workshop demonstrations

  • The remaining hours can be fulfilled through non-live or correspondence courses.

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