How many CE hours does a California Dentist need to renew?

California Dentist licensees must complete 50 continuing education hours every 2 year(s) to renew their license.

Are there required topics for California Dentist CE?

Yes. Required topics include: Infection Control (2 hours), California Dental Practice Act (2 hours), Basic Life Support (4 hours), Schedule II Opioid Prescribing (2 hours).

Is online CE accepted for California Dentist renewal?

Up to 50% of hours may be completed online

When is the California Dentist license renewal deadline?

Contact the Dental Board of California to confirm your individual renewal deadline.

Which board oversees California Dentist licensing?

The Dental Board of California oversees California Dentist licensure. More information is available at https://www.dbc.ca.gov/.

California Dentist CE Renewal Requirements

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0 of 50 hrs

Deadline: N/A — verify renewal date at board website

Required Every Renewal

Infection Control2 hrs

California Dental Practice Act2 hrs

Basic Life Support4 hrs

Schedule II Opioid Prescribing2 hrs

General Hours

Elective courses of your choice

40 hrs

Board Notes

License and permit holders are not required to complete continuing education the first time they renew their license. No more than 50 percent of the required units may be taken as non-live or correspondence courses, and no more than eight units may be applied per day. Basic Life Support must include a live, in-person skills practice session, a skills test, and a written examination; American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute providers are accepted for BLS. Retain certificates of course completion for three renewal periods for board audit (California Code of Regulations Title 16 sections 1015, 1016, 1017).

Accepted Accreditations

Board-approved registered CE providersADA CERP-approved providersAGD PACE-approved providersAmerican Heart Association (BLS)American Red Cross (BLS)American Safety and Health Institute

CE courses from providers approved by these accreditors count toward your California Dentist renewal requirements.

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Dental Board of California

Always confirm requirements directly with your licensing board.

Visit California Board →

Data last verified: May 18, 2026