Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in California

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California maintains some of the most rigorous dental licensing standards in the country, and understanding the path to licensure before you begin can save you significant time and stress. Whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced clinician relocating from another state, or a foreign-trained dentist, there is a pathway designed for your situation. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of your options.

The Four Pathways

1. Examination (Portfolio) Pathway

Designed specifically for graduates of California dental schools, this pathway replaces the traditional clinical examination with a portfolio-based assessment completed at your institution.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited California dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
  • Successful completion of your dental school’s portfolio examination
  • Passing score on the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps to licensure: Submit your application and fee to the Dental Board of California, along with official transcripts, NBDE/INBDE scores, and portfolio examination results. You’ll also need to pass the California Law and Ethics Examination and complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check.

2. Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) Pathway

If you’ve taken the WREB examination — a widely accepted regional clinical board — this pathway provides a straightforward route to California licensure.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the INBDE
  • Passing score on the WREB examination
  • Passing score on the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps to licensure: Submit your application and fee, along with official transcripts and your NBDE/INBDE and WREB scores. As with all pathways, you must also pass the California Law and Ethics Examination and complete a Live Scan background check.

3. Licensure by Credential

Already licensed and practicing in another state? This pathway allows experienced clinicians to obtain California licensure without retaking a clinical examination, provided they meet the state’s practice requirements.

Requirements:

  • A current, unrestricted dental license in another U.S. state
  • At least 5,000 hours of active clinical practice or teaching within five of the seven years immediately preceding your application
  • A clean disciplinary record — no actions against any license held
  • Passing score on the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps to licensure: Submit an application for licensure by credential along with the required fee. You’ll need to provide verification of licensure from every state where you hold or have held a license, documentation of your active practice or teaching hours, and proof of completion of approved courses in both radiation safety and infection control. A Live Scan background check is also required.

4. Licensure by Residency

This pathway recognizes advanced postgraduate training as a substitute for the traditional clinical examination, making it an excellent option for dentists who have completed a qualifying residency program.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the INBDE
  • Completion of a minimum one-year general practice residency (GPR) or advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) program
  • Passing score on the California Law and Ethics Examination

Steps to licensure: Submit your application and fee, official transcripts, NBDE/INBDE scores, and proof of residency or advanced education program completion. Complete the California Law and Ethics Examination and a Live Scan background check.

Key Requirements All Applicants Share

Regardless of which pathway you pursue, every applicant must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate good moral character. The California Law and Ethics Examination is a universal requirement, covering the state’s dental laws, regulations, and professional ethics standards — plan to prepare for this exam early in the process.

Once licensed, dentists must renew biennially and fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their license. California also mandates that all licensed dentists hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

A Note for Foreign-Trained Dentists

If you received your dental training outside the United States, your credentials must be evaluated by the Dental Board of California. In most cases, you will be required to complete a two-year international dentist program at a CODA-accredited California dental school before becoming eligible for licensure. California also offers a Special Permit that allows foreign-trained dentists to practice or teach in sponsored events or dental education programs while working toward full licensure.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, visit the Dental Board of California website or contact their office directly. Licensure requirements can change, and verifying the latest information before you apply is always the right move.