# 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: 2026-06-10
Reviewed by: Mahtab Mansour, DDS on 2026-04-25 (re-verification in progress)

## 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.

## Common trap
- CURES questions are often lost on timing or exemption details, not on whether opioids are generally risky.

## Full guide
- [What California prescribing and CURES rules matter for dental exam prep?](https://dentovio.com/guide/california-dentistry-law-ethics-exam/prescribing-cures-opioids/index.html.md): Use this guide when you need California prescribing rules, CURES timing, opioid counseling, and emergency-style exception language.

## Focused answer page
- [Focused answer](https://dentovio.com/answers/glossary-when-must-dentist-check-cures/index.html.md): Short, source-bounded answer page for search and AI citation.
- [California law and ethics glossary answer topic](https://dentovio.com/answers/topic/california-law-ethics-glossary/index.html.md)

## Primary sources
- `A12` DCA CURES overview. <https://www.dca.ca.gov/licensees/cures_update.shtml>
- `A13` DCA CURES mandatory-consultation flyer and exemptions. <https://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/cures_flyer.pdf>
- `A32` BPC section 688 electronic prescribing and exemptions. <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&sectionNum=688.>

## Next step
- [Take the free diagnostic](https://dentovio.com/free-practice-test)
- [See the paid California prep overview](https://dentovio.com/products/california-dental-law-ethics/index.html.md)

## Related glossary pages
- [What is the current California CURES exemption language dentists should study?](https://dentovio.com/guide/california-dentistry-law-ethics-exam/glossary/what-is-current-cures-exemption-language/index.html.md)
- [What changed in California dental sedation and anesthesia permits in 2025?](https://dentovio.com/guide/california-dentistry-law-ethics-exam/glossary/what-changed-in-sedation-permits-2025/index.html.md)