Dental professionals in California must complete continuing education (CE) to maintain an active license. ACES Advanced Continuing Education Systems offers live, interactive dental CE webinars designed to help dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants meet their renewal requirements while staying current on the latest clinical and regulatory updates.
California dental licenses renew every two years, and CE must be completed during each renewal cycle.
California CE Requirements Overview
| License Type | Renewal Period | CE Hours Required |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist (DDS / DMD) | 2 Years | 50 Hours |
| Dental Hygienist (RDH) | 2 Years | 25 Hours |
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | 2 Years | 25 Hours |
California CE courses must be taken through approved continuing education providers such as ACES.
Dentist Continuing Education Requirements (California)
California dentists must complete:
50 hours of continuing education every two years
Required Topics
During each renewal cycle dentists must include:
- 2 hours – Infection Control
- 2 hours – California Dental Practice Act
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- 2 hours – Opioid prescribing / controlled substance education (if prescribing Schedule II medications)
Dentists with permits for sedation or anesthesia may have additional CE requirements.
Many California dentists choose live online CE webinars because they provide the convenience of remote learning while still meeting interactive CE requirements.
Dental Hygienist CE Requirements (California)
Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) must complete:
25 hours of continuing education every two years
Required Courses
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- 2 hours – Infection Control
- 2 hours – California Dental Practice Act
Hygienists may complete a portion of their CE through online learning, including interactive webinars.
Registered Dental Assistant CE Requirements (California)
Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) must complete:
25 hours of CE every two years
Required Topics
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- 2 hours – Infection Control
- 2 hours – California Dental Practice Act
Additional requirements may apply depending on certifications or expanded duties.
California Dental License Renewal
Dental licenses in California are renewed every two years by the last day of your birth month.
When renewing your license, you must:
- Complete required CE hours
- Submit your renewal application
- Pay the renewal fee
- Certify CE completion
CE hours cannot be carried forward to the next renewal period.
Complete Your California Dental CE Online
ACES makes it easy to complete your California CE requirements with live interactive webinars designed specifically for dental professionals.
With ACES you can:
- Earn CE credits from home or the office
- Attend live, interactive webinars
- Learn from experienced dental educators
- Stay compliant with California licensing requirements
- Avoid travel and complete CE on your schedule
Browse upcoming courses and start earning your California dental CE today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can California dentists complete CE online?
Yes. California dentists may complete a portion of their continuing education through online learning. Live interactive webinars are widely accepted because they allow real-time participation.
How many CE hours do California dentists need?
Dentists must complete 50 CE hours every two years to renew their license.
How many CE hours do California dental hygienists need?
California hygienists must complete 25 hours of CE every two years.
When does a California dental license expire?
California dental licenses typically expire every two years on the last day of the licensee’s birth month.
Dental CE Requirements in Other States
Looking for dental continuing education requirements in another state? Explore these popular state CE requirement pages:
ACES provides live interactive dental CE webinars accepted by state dental boards across the United States.
- Texas Dental CE Requirements
- Florida Dental CE Requirements
- New York Dental CE Requirements
- Pennsylvania Dental CE Requirements
- Illinois Dental CE Requirements
- Ohio Dental CE Requirements
- Massachusetts Dental CE Requirements
- Washington Dental CE Requirements
- Michigan Dental CE Requirements
- North Carolina Dental CE Requirements
- Virginia Dental CE Requirements
- Tennessee Dental CE Requirements
- New Jersey Dental CE Requirements
- Arizona Dental CE Requirements
- Colorado Dental CE Requirements
- Indiana Dental CE Requirements
Disclaimer
ACES has compiled this information to assist you in understanding California dental continuing education requirements. ACES cannot guarantee accuracy, and it is each professional’s responsibility to comply with their continuing education requirements. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Dental Board of California. If you notice any inaccuracies, please email aces@aces4ce.net so we can correct any errors.