California Dental License Application

Everything You Need to Know About Getting and Maintaining Your Dental License in California

Are you ready to practice dentistry in California? Whether you’re a recent graduate, relocating from another state, or an international dentist, this guide will walk you through exactly what you need to know about getting and maintaining your California dental license.

Your Path to Licensure: Finding the Right Route for YOU

California offers several pathways to dental licensure based on your background and experience:

For You as a California Dental School Graduate

If you graduated from a CODA-accredited California dental school, your most direct route is the Portfolio Examination pathway. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Submit your official transcripts
• Pass your Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Complete your school’s portfolio assessment
• Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination

For You as a Graduate from Another U.S. State

Coming from outside California? You’ll take the ADEX Dental Examination (which replaced the WREB). This hands-on assessment will test your skills in:

• Prosthodontic procedures
• Endodontic techniques
• Restorative dentistry
• Clinical examination scenarios

Once you pass ADEX, you can apply for licensure in multiple states, though you’ll still need to pass California’s specific Law and Ethics Exam.

For You as a Resident or Experienced Dentist

Have you completed a residency program? The Licensure by Residency pathway might be your best option. You’ll need:

• 12 months of residency training in a CODA-accredited program
• Your NBDE/INBDE scores
• A passing score on the Law and Ethics Exam

Already practicing in another state? You can apply through Licensure by Credential if you’ve practiced for 5,000 hours over five of the last seven years. You’ll submit:

• Verification of your active, unrestricted license
• Proof of 50 hours of continuing education
• A passing score on the Law and Ethics Exam

For You as an International Graduate

If you received your dental education outside the U.S., you’ll need to:

• Complete a 2-year Advanced Standing Program at a CODA-accredited institution
• Pass the INBDE
• Successfully complete the ADEX examination
• Submit to a Live Scan fingerprint background check

Comparing Your Licensure Options

Making Your Application Process Easier with BreEZe

The Dental Board of California offers the BreEZe online portal to simplify your application process. When you use BreEZe, you can:

• Upload your documents digitally
• Track your application progress in real-time
• Manage all your permits in one place
• Renew your license instantly when you pay your fee

While you can still submit paper applications, be prepared for longer processing times—up to 30 days compared to the online method.

Your Critical Examinations: Proving Your Knowledge and Skills

California Law and Ethics Examination

No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll need to pass this 100-question computerized test. It will assess your understanding of:

• The Dental Practice Act provisions
• Your scope-of-practice boundaries
• Professional conduct expectations

You’ll take this exam at a Pearson VUE center, and you’ll need a score of 75% or higher to pass.

ADEX Clinical Examination

This comprehensive assessment tests your clinical abilities on typodonts, including:

• Creating anterior and posterior restorations
• Performing endodontic access procedures
• Preparing a tooth for a full-coverage crown

Budget accordingly—the examination fees total $2,795, plus the cost of your typodont and facility fees.

Keeping Your License Active: Your Renewal Checklist

Your California dental license will expire every two years on your birthday. To keep practicing, you’ll need:

• 50 hours of continuing education (CE), including:
  • 2 hours covering the California Dental Practice Act
  • 2 hours on infection control protocols
  • 1 hour focused on opioid prescribing practices
• Payment of your $668 renewal fee
• Completion of the healthcare workforce survey

Not practicing temporarily? You can choose inactive status for $650, but remember—you cannot see patients while your license is inactive.

Your Need-to-Know Regulatory Updates for 2025

New Infection Control Requirements

Starting January 1, 2025, you must ensure your unlicensed dental assistants complete an 8-hour Board-approved infection control course before they perform any intraoral tasks. As their employer, you’re responsible for verifying this compliance—violations could cost you up to $5,000.

Updated CURES 2.0 Reporting

If you prescribe controlled substances in your practice, you must transition to the ASAP 4.2B format for your CURES reporting by August 1, 2025. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary action against your license.

Cultural Competency Requirements Added

You’ll now need to complete 2 hours of cultural competency/language access CE per renewal cycle, with a focus on serving patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and those from underserved populations.

Expanding Your Practice: Special Permits You Might Need

If you want to offer additional services in your practice, you’ll need these specialized permits:

• Oral Conscious Sedation: Requires you to complete 25 hours of CE, including 14 hours of hands-on airway management training
• General Anesthesia: You’ll need to complete a CODA-accredited residency program in this specialty
• Elective Cosmetic Surgery Permit: If you want to offer Botox or dermal fillers, you’ll need 40 hours of accredited training and an $800 permit fee

Avoiding Common Compliance Pitfalls

The Dental Board regularly investigates complaints against dentists. To protect your license, avoid these common violations:

• Prescription Issues: Always check CURES before prescribing controlled substances
• Staff Oversight: Ensure your dental assistants never perform procedures beyond their scope
• CE Documentation: Keep accurate records of all your continuing education credits

Penalties start with citations and fines but can escalate to license suspension or revocation if problems continue or recur.

Your Next Steps

Getting and maintaining your California dental license requires attention to detail and ongoing compliance with evolving regulations. The BreEZe system has made many administrative tasks easier, but you must stay informed about legislative changes that affect your practice.

By understanding these requirements and planning accordingly, you can establish a successful dental practice in California while ensuring you provide high-quality, compliant care to your patients.

For the most current forms and requirements, visit the Dental Board of California’s official website.