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Role-specific CE reference

California dentist CE requirements

Dentists in California: 50 units / 2 years (biennial). Renewal-cycle notes: Biennial cycle. Dentists (Dental Board of California): 50 units per 2 years including mandatory 2-unit Infection Control, 2-unit California Dental Practice Act, 2-unit course on Responsibilities and Requirements of Prescribing Schedule II Opioid Drugs, and up to 4 units Basic Life Support (BLS) from an approved provider — BLS must be in-person/hands-on, online-only BLS is not accepted. No more than 50% of required units may be non-live/correspondence (live video conferencing/webinars/lectures count as live); max 8 units per day. Courses must be from a DBC CE Registered Provider or ADA CERP / AGD PACE provider. Retain certificates for three renewal periods. Hygienists (RDH) 25 units and RDAs 25 units per 2 years follow the same 50%-non-live and 8-units/day caps; first renewal CE-exempt for licensees/permit holders. RDH mandatory-course specifics are set by the Dental Hygiene Board of California. Confirm current role-specific requirements with the California dental board before renewing.

Requirement summary

50 units / 2 years (biennial)

Last verified 2026-07-08. Research confidence: high.

Renewal cycle and mandatory topics

Biennial cycle. Dentists (Dental Board of California): 50 units per 2 years including mandatory 2-unit Infection Control, 2-unit California Dental Practice Act, 2-unit course on Responsibilities and Requirements of Prescribing Schedule II Opioid Drugs, and up to 4 units Basic Life Support (BLS) from an approved provider — BLS must be in-person/hands-on, online-only BLS is not accepted. No more than 50% of required units may be non-live/correspondence (live video conferencing/webinars/lectures count as live); max 8 units per day. Courses must be from a DBC CE Registered Provider or ADA CERP / AGD PACE provider. Retain certificates for three renewal periods. Hygienists (RDH) 25 units and RDAs 25 units per 2 years follow the same 50%-non-live and 8-units/day caps; first renewal CE-exempt for licensees/permit holders. RDH mandatory-course specifics are set by the Dental Hygiene Board of California.

Official source

Use the state board source before filing a renewal or choosing CE courses. Dentovio is an educational summary, not the licensing authority.

Open California board source

References

Educational summary only, not compliance advice. Confirm current role-specific requirements, approved providers, deadlines, and audit rules with the California board before renewing.