How to Renew a Dental Assistant License

Dental assistant looking at xrays

Dental Assistants in California are responsible for keeping their licenses up to date. If your license is expired, you can face significant fines or other punishments from the Dental Board of California.

It’s important to understand how to properly renew your dental assistant license and how to choose an education provider to receive your renewal.

We provided helpful information on how to renew dental assistant licenses and the process. Continue reading to learn more about how to renew your dental assistant license in California.

How Do I Renew My Dental Assistant License

As a dental professional, you must keep your dental assistant license current to administer dental care legally. To renew your dental assistant license, you must download and complete a Renewal Declaration Form from the Dental Board of California.

You must get your dental license renewed periodically to keep your license current and complete all CE requirements.

What Are the Dental Board of California CE Requirements for Dental Assistant License Renewal?

These are the Dental Board of California’s requirements to renew my dental assistant license.

Basic Life Support

The Dental Board of California’s license renewal page requires that you meet the basic life support requirements to be able to renew your license. You must complete either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association course.

You can also complete the basic life support course through the Academy of General Dentistry’s Program for Continuing Education or be taught by an approved provider from the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program.

Infection Control Coursework

You must complete two hours of California Infection Control Coursework to renew your dental assistant license. The Infection Control Coursework can be completed through an online board-approved provider.

Dental Practice Art Coursework

To renew dental assistant license, you must complete two hours of California Dental Practice Art Coursework. The Dental Practice Art Coursework can be completed through an online board-approved provider.

Provide Evidence of Board Approved Application of Pit and Fissure Sealants

The Business and Professions Code Section 1752.6 on the Dental Board of California’s website notes this specific requirement:

You must provide evidence that you have completed a board-approved course in the application of fissure and pit sealants before the first expiration date of your dental assistant license.

You must complete a registered sealant and pit course to meet the current CE requirements to renew your dental assistant license.

How Often Does a Dental Assistant License Need to be Renewed?

A dental assistant license must be renewed at least once every two years. Your dental assistant license’s expiration date is based on your birth month and year.

From when your permit or license was first issued, your permit or license will expire on the last day of your birth month, and in the first even or odd year corresponding with the year of your birth.

What Are the Renewal Requirements for an Active Vs. Inactive Dental Care Provider?

Any dental care provider that is actively providing dental care must meet the following requirements:

  • Submit a renewal payment
  • Complete, sign, and date the renewal form
  • Full disclosure of licensing discipline by either a government agency
  • Fulfill the fingerprinting requirements of the Dental Board of California
  • Satisfactory completion of 25 CE units
  • Complete the Dental Healthcare Workforce Survey

If you are an inactive dental care provider renewing your license, you are currently not providing dental care. You must follow the exact requirements as an active dental provider to renew your license. However, inactive renewal does not require you to complete the CE units.

How to Renew Expired Dental Assistant License

To renew your expired dental assistant license, you must complete a Renewal Declaration Form and submit the completed form to the Dental Board of California.

An expired license can result in major fines and punishment from the Dental Board of California, so it is essential not to allow it to expire.

Final Thoughts

At Howard Healthcare Academy, we are here to help with your dental assistant license renewal through the state of California. Get started with renewing your active license with programs here at Howard Healthcare Academy. Learn more and register today!

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