Navigating California Dental Board Requirements: Essential Tips for Compliance

Hello Dental Professionals,

This week we’re diving into a topic every California practice needs to master: Dental Board Requirements. These aren’t just guidelines — they’re enforceable rules designed to protect patients, the public, and your license. Let’s break them down into simple, actionable steps.

🦷 Understanding the Basics

The Dental Board of California and Dental Hygiene Board of California enforce regulations outlined in the California Dental Practice Act. These cover infection control, CE requirements, patient safety, and recordkeeping.

Key requirements include:

• Infection Control (2 CEUs) – Required every two years for all licensees.

• NEW! Unlicensed dental assistants must complete an 8-hour Infection Control course before working in the back office.

• California Dental Practice Act (2 CEUs) – Required once per renewal period for all licensed professionals.

• CPR Certification – Must be current at all times; renewal required every two years.

• Responsibilities & Requirements for Prescribing Schedule II Opioids (2 CEUs) – Required for all dentists every renewal cycle.

📅 Staying Updated

Regulations can change quickly in California, and staying current is your responsibility. Here are a few tips:

• Check the Dental Board of California website regularly.

• Subscribe to their email alerts for new rules.

• Keep a compliance calendar to track deadlines.

• Join the Dental Ed Compliance Program — we monitor updates for you so nothing slips through the cracks.

🧭 Seeking Help

Compliance isn’t always straightforward. Overlapping requirements between the Dental Board, Cal/OSHA, CDPH, and HIPAA can create confusion. If you’re unsure:

• Contact the Dental Board directly.

• Work with an educator who specializes in California-specific rules (that’s what we do at Dental Ed!).

• Use CE courses that are Board-approved and tailored to your role.

Bottom line: Compliance in California is doable — when you stay informed, organized, and proactive.

✅ Quick Reference Checklist for License Renewal

1. Infection Control (2 CEUs every 2 years; 8-hour course for new assistants)

2. California Dental Practice Act (2 CEUs every 2 years)

3. Responsibilities & Requirements for Prescribing Schedule II Opioids (2 CEUs, dentists every 2 years)

4. OSHA Training (Annual, required for all staff with exposure risk)

5. Workplace Violence Prevention (NEW in 2024 – written plan + annual training)

6. CPR Certification (Maintain at all times, renew every 2 years)

7. HIPAA Training (Annual for all team members)

💡 How Dental Ed Helps

At Dental Ed, Inc., we provide:

• Board-approved CE courses (Infection Control, California Dental Practice Act, Opioids, HIPAA-coming Fall 2025!)

• OSHA & Workplace Violence Prevention training

• Personalized OSHA protocols and compliance plans

• Digital templates, logs, and inspection support

Our goal? To make compliance easy, clear, and maybe even fun — so you can focus on patient care.

Until next time, 

 — Joyce

Owner | Lead Educator
Dental Ed, Inc.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 760-930-9401