California Dental License Renewal Checklist for 2026
California dental licenses don’t just expire — they’re audited, scrutinized, and increasingly enforced.
Every two years, California dental licenses are not just renewed—they are verified. As enforcement and audit activity by the Dental Board of California continues to increase, license renewal in 2026 requires accurate documentation, current coursework, and timely submission through the state’s renewal system.
California dental licenses renew on a biennial schedule and must be submitted through the BreEZe online system by 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Missing this deadline results in delinquent status, late fees, and possible interruption of clinical practice. Dental clinics should confirm renewal cycles early, especially when managing multiple licensed providers.
Active California dentists must complete 50 units of Dental Board–approved continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. All CE must be completed through approved providers and must be relevant to dental practice. Courses that are outdated, incorrectly categorized, or obtained through non-approved sources may be rejected during a Board audit, even if certificates of completion are available.
Mandatory coursework for California dentists includes:
- A two-unit Infection Control course that reflects current California regulations and enforcement standards
- A two-unit California Dental Practice Act course focused on state-specific laws and professional responsibilities
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from a Dental Board–accepted provider
- A two-unit Schedule II controlled substances course for dentists who prescribe opioids
Dental team members, including Registered Dental Hygienists, Registered Dental Assistants, and permit holders, are subject to role-specific CE unit requirements. While unit totals vary, all licensees are held to the same standards regarding approved providers, documentation accuracy, and audit compliance.
The Dental Board of California requires licensees to retain CE records for at least four years. Documentation must clearly identify the course provider, title, number of units, and completion date. During an audit, incomplete or missing records may result in citations or disciplinary action, even if renewal has already been processed.
Infection control remains one of the most closely reviewed areas during inspections and audits. Education must align with current CDC guidance, OSHA standards, and California regulations, as well as with the dental office’s written infection control and exposure control policies. Relying on outdated or generic courses is a common compliance mistake.
Once CE requirements are met, renewal must be completed through BreEZe, including payment of fees and attestation of compliance. Providing inaccurate or incomplete information during renewal can lead to disciplinary consequences.
Completing required coursework early and verifying documentation before submission helps protect both individual licenses and dental practices as regulatory oversight continues through 2026.
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