Glossary Q&A
When does a California dentist have to check CURES before prescribing?
California requires a CURES check before the first Schedule II-IV prescribing event unless a current exemption applies, with an ongoing-therapy recheck at least every 6 months.
Last verified July 22, 2026
Reviewed by Mahtab Mansour, DDS on July 22, 2026
Direct answer
- Check CURES before the first Schedule II-IV prescribing event unless a current statutory exemption applies.
- For ongoing treatment, California expects a re-check at least every 6 months.
- Use the current California exemption language before assuming the check can be skipped.
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Common trap
CURES questions are often lost on timing or exemption details, not on whether opioids are generally risky.
Related Q&A
What is the current California CURES exemption language dentists should study?
Use the current 7-day nonrefillable exemption framing instead of stale 5-day shorthand.
Related Q&A
What changed in California dental sedation and anesthesia permits in 2025?
The 2025 changes updated permit names, staffing expectations, and operational framing, so older sedation shorthand is unreliable.