Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in California

This guide outlines the pathways and requirements for obtaining a dental license in the state of California.

Pathways to Licensure

There are four main pathways to obtain a dental license in California:

1. Examination (Portfolio)
2. Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
3. Licensure by Credential
4. Licensure by Residency

1. Examination (Portfolio) Pathway

This pathway is for students graduating from California dental schools.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited California dental school
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Successfully complete a portfolio examination at your dental school
• Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application to the Dental Board of California
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit NBDE or INBDE scores
5. Submit portfolio examination results
6. Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination
7. Complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check

2. Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) Pathway

This pathway is for candidates who have taken the WREB examination.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Pass the NBDE Parts I and II, or the INBDE
• Pass the WREB examination
• Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application to the Dental Board of California
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit NBDE or INBDE scores
5. Submit WREB examination scores
6. Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination
7. Complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check

3. Licensure by Credential Pathway

This pathway is for dentists who are already licensed and practicing in another state.

Requirements:

• Hold a current, unrestricted license in another state
• Have been in active clinical practice or teaching for at least 5,000 hours in five of the seven years immediately preceding application
• Have no disciplinary actions against your license
• Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by credential
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license
4. Submit proof of active practice or teaching hours
5. Provide certification of completion of approved courses in radiation safety and infection control
6. Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination
7. Complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check

4. Licensure by Residency Pathway

This pathway is for dentists who have completed a general practice residency or advanced education program in general dentistry.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Pass the NBDE Parts I and II, or the INBDE
• Complete a minimum one-year general practice residency or advanced education program in general dentistry
• Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application to the Dental Board of California
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit NBDE or INBDE scores
5. Provide proof of completion of the residency or advanced education program
6. Pass the California Law and Ethics Examination
7. Complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check

Additional Information

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
• The California Law and Ethics Examination covers California dental laws, regulations, and ethics.
• Licenses must be renewed biennially, and continuing education requirements must be met for renewal.
• California requires dentists to have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by the Dental Board of California and may need to complete a two-year (international dentist) program at a CODA-accredited California dental school.
• California offers a Special Permit for foreign-trained dentists to practice or teach in sponsored events or dental education programs.

For the most up-to-date information and specific details, please visit the Dental Board of California website or contact them directly.