text:
(a) In addition to other acts constituting unprofessional conduct under this chapter, it is unprofessional conduct for any dentist to perform or allow to be performed any treatment on a patient who is not a patient of record of that dentist. A dentist may, however, after conducting a preliminary oral examination, require or permit any dental auxiliary to perform procedures necessary for diagnostic purposes, provided that the procedures are permitted under the auxiliary’s authorized scope of practice. Additionally, a dentist may require or permit a dental auxiliary to perform all of the following duties prior to any examination of the patient by the dentist, provided that the duties are authorized for the particular classification of dental auxiliary pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 1740):

(1) Expose emergency radiographs upon direction of the dentist.

(2) If the dental auxiliary is a registered dental assistant in extended functions, a registered dental hygienist, or a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, determine and perform radiographs for the specific purpose of aiding a dentist in completing a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for a patient using telehealth, as defined by Section 2290.5, for the purpose of communication with the supervising dentist pursuant to Sections 1753.55, 1910.5, and 1926.05. A dentist is not required to review patient records or make a diagnosis using telehealth.

(3) Perform extra-oral duties or functions specified by the dentist.

(4) Perform mouth-mirror inspections of the oral cavity, to include charting of obvious lesions, malocclusions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.

(b) For purposes of this section, “patient of record” refers to a patient who has been examined, has had a medical and dental history completed and evaluated, and has had oral conditions diagnosed and a written plan developed by the licensed dentist.

(c) For purposes of this section, if dental treatment is provided to a patient by a registered dental assistant in extended functions, a registered dental hygienist, or a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice pursuant to the diagnosis and treatment plan authorized by a supervising dentist, at a location other than the dentist’s practice location, it is the responsibility of the authorizing dentist that the patient or the patient’s representative receive written notification that the care was provided at the direction of the authorizing dentist and that the notification include the authorizing dentist’s name, practice location address, and telephone number. This provision shall not require patient notification for dental hygiene preventive services provided in public health programs as specified and authorized in Section 1911, or for dental hygiene care when provided as specified and authorized in Section 1926.

(d) A dentist shall not concurrently supervise more than a total of five registered dental assistants in extended functions, registered dental hygienists, or registered dental hygienists in alternative practice providing services pursuant to Sections 1753.55, 1910.5, and 1926.05.

(e) This section shall not apply to dentists providing examinations on a temporary basis outside of a dental office in settings including, but not limited to, health fairs and school screenings.

(f) This section shall not apply to fluoride mouth rinse or supplement programs administered in a school or preschool setting.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 662, Sec. 1. (AB 1174) Effective January 1, 2015.)


kind: section

code: BPC

citation: BPC § 1685

text: In addition to other acts constituting unprofessional conduct under this chapter, it is unprofessional conduct for a person licensed under this chapter to require, either directly or through an office policy, or knowingly permit the delivery of dental care that discourages necessary treatment or permits clearly excessive treatment, incompetent treatment, grossly negligent treatment, repeated negligent acts, or unnecessary treatment, as determined by the standard of practice in the community.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 464, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1994.)

division: 2. HEALING ARTS

chapter: 4. Dentistry

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 4. Dentistry > 4. Suspension and Revocation of Licenses


citation: BPC § 1686

text:
A person whose license, certificate, or permit has been revoked or suspended, who has been placed on probation, or whose license, certificate, or permit was surrendered pursuant to a stipulated settlement as a condition to avoid a disciplinary administrative hearing, may petition the board for reinstatement or modification of penalty, including modification or termination of probation, after a period of not less than the following minimum periods have elapsed from the effective date of the decision ordering disciplinary action:

(a) At least three years for reinstatement of a license revoked for unprofessional conduct or surrendered pursuant to a stipulated settlement as a condition to avoid an administrative disciplinary hearing.

(b) At least two years for early termination, or modification of a condition, of a probation of three years or more.

(c) At least one year for modification of a condition, or reinstatement of a license revoked for mental or physical illness, or termination, or modification of a condition, of a probation of less than three years.

The petition shall state any fact required by the board.

The petition may be heard by the board, or the board may assign the petition to an administrative law judge designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code.

In considering reinstatement or modification of penalty, the board or the administrative law judge hearing the petition may consider (1) all activities of the petitioner since the disciplinary action was taken, (2) the offense for which the petitioner was disciplined, (3) the petitioner’s activities during the time the license, certificate, or permit was in good standing, and (4) the petitioner’s rehabilitative efforts, general reputation for truth, and professional ability. The hearing may be continued from time to time as the board or the administrative law judge as designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code finds necessary.

The board or the administrative law judge may impose necessary terms and conditions on the licentiate in reinstating a license, certificate, or permit or modifying a penalty.

A petition under this section shall not be considered while the petitioner is under sentence for any criminal offense, including any period during which the petitioner is on court-imposed probation or parole. A petition shall not be considered while there is an accusation or petition to revoke probation pending against the person. The board may deny without a hearing or argument any petition filed pursuant to this section within a period of two years from the effective date of the prior decision following a hearing under this section.

This section shall not be deemed to alter Sections 822 and 823.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 1. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 4. Suspension and Revocation of Licenses


citation: BPC § 1687

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with regard to an individual who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code, or the equivalent in another state or territory, under military law, or under federal law, the board shall be subject to the following requirements:

(1) The board shall deny an application by the individual for licensure pursuant to this chapter.

(2) If the individual is licensed under this chapter, the board shall revoke the license of the individual. The board shall not stay the revocation and place the license on probation.

(3) The board shall not reinstate or reissue the individual’s licensure under this chapter. The board shall not issue a stay of license denial and place the license on probation.

(b) This section shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) An individual who has been relieved under Section 290.5 of the Penal Code of his or her duty to register as a sex offender, or whose duty to register has otherwise been formally terminated under California law or the law of the jurisdiction that requires his or her registration as a sex offender.

(2) An individual who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code solely because of a misdemeanor conviction under Section 314 of the Penal Code. However, nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit the board from exercising its discretion to discipline a licensee under other provisions of state law based upon the licensee’s conviction under Section 314 of the Penal Code.

(3) Any administrative adjudication proceeding under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code that is fully adjudicated prior to January 1, 2008. A petition for reinstatement of a revoked or surrendered license shall be considered a new proceeding for purposes of this paragraph, and the prohibition against reinstating a license to an individual who is required to register as a sex offender shall be applicable.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 517, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)


citation: BPC § 1695

text: It is the intent of the Legislature that the Dental Board of California seek ways and means to identify and rehabilitate licentiates whose competency may be impaired due to abuse of dangerous drugs or alcohol, so that licentiates so afflicted may be treated and returned to the practice of dentistry in a manner that will not endanger the public health and safety. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the Dental Board of California shall implement this legislation in part by establishing a diversion program as a voluntary alternative approach to traditional disciplinary actions.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 426, Sec. 11. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2016.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 4. Dentistry > 4.7. Diversion Program


text:
As used in this article:

(a) “Board” means the Dental Board of California.

(b) “Committee” means a diversion evaluation committee created by this article.

(c) “Program manager” means the staff manager of the diversion program, as designated by the executive officer of the board. The program manager shall have background experience in dealing with substance abuse issues.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 426, Sec. 12. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2016.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


text: One or more diversion evaluation committees is hereby created in the state to be established by the board. The board shall establish criteria for the selection of the committee. No board member shall serve on any committee.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1261, Sec. 1.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


text: Each member of a committee shall receive per diem and expenses as provided in Section 103.

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


text: The board shall administer the provisions of this article.

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


text:
(a) The board shall establish criteria for the acceptance, denial, or termination of licentiates in a diversion program. Unless ordered by the board as a condition of licentiate disciplinary probation, only those licentiates who have voluntarily requested diversion treatment and supervision by a committee shall participate in a diversion program.

(b) A licentiate who is not the subject of a current investigation may self-refer to the diversion program on a confidential basis, except as provided in subdivision (f).

(c) A licentiate under current investigation by the board may also request entry into the diversion program by contacting the board’s Diversion Program Manager. The Diversion Program Manager may refer the licentiate requesting participation in the program to a diversion evaluation committee for evaluation of eligibility. Prior to authorizing a licentiate to enter into the diversion program, the Diversion Program Manager may require the licentiate, while under current investigation for any violations of the Dental Practice Act or other violations, to execute a statement of understanding that states that the licentiate understands that his or her violations of the Dental Practice Act or other statutes that would otherwise be the basis for discipline, may still be investigated and the subject of disciplinary action.

(d) If the reasons for a current investigation of a licentiate are based primarily on the self-administration of any controlled substance or dangerous drugs or alcohol under Section 1681, or the illegal possession, prescription, or nonviolent procurement of any controlled substance or dangerous drugs for self-administration that does not involve actual, direct harm to the public, the board shall close the investigation without further action if the licentiate is accepted into the board’s diversion program and successfully completes the requirements of the program. If the licentiate withdraws or is terminated from the program by a diversion evaluation committee, and the termination is approved by the program manager, the investigation shall be reopened and disciplinary action imposed, if warranted, as determined by the board.

(e) Neither acceptance nor participation in the diversion program shall preclude the board from investigating or continuing to investigate, or taking disciplinary action or continuing to take disciplinary action against, any licentiate for any unprofessional conduct committed before, during, or after participation in the diversion program.

(f) If a licentiate withdraws or is terminated from the diversion program for failure to comply or is determined to be a threat to the public or his or her own health and safety, all diversion records for that licentiate shall be provided to the board’s enforcement program and may be used in any disciplinary proceeding. If a licentiate in a diversion program tests positive for any banned substance, the board’s diversion program manager shall immediately notify the board’s enforcement program and provide the documentation evidencing the positive test result to the enforcement program. This documentation may be used in a disciplinary proceeding.

(g) Any licentiate terminated from the diversion program for failure to comply with program requirements is subject to disciplinary action by the board for acts committed before, during, and after participation in the diversion program. A licentiate who has been under investigation by the board and has been terminated from the diversion program by a diversion evaluation committee shall be reported by the diversion evaluation committee to the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 385, Sec. 11. (SB 540) Effective January 1, 2012.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


text:
A committee created under this article operates under the direction of the program manager. The program manager has the primary responsibility to review and evaluate recommendations of the committee. Each committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) To evaluate those licentiates who request to participate in the diversion program according to the guidelines prescribed by the board and to make recommendations. In making the recommendations, a committee shall consider the recommendations of any licentiates designated by the board to serve as consultants on the admission of the licentiate to the diversion program.

(b) To review and designate those treatment facilities to which licentiates in a diversion program may be referred.

(c) To receive and review information concerning a licentiate participating in the program.

(d) To consider in the case of each licentiate participating in a program whether he or she may with safety continue or resume the practice of dentistry.

(e) To perform such other related duties, under the direction of the board or program manager, as the board may by regulation require.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 548, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2009.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


citation: BPC § 1696

text: Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, relating to public meetings, a committee may convene in closed session to consider reports pertaining to any licentiate requesting or participating in a diversion program. A committee shall only convene in closed session to the extent that it is necessary to protect the privacy of such a licentiate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 589, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1994.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


citation: BPC § 1697

text: Each licentiate who requests participation in a diversion program shall agree to cooperate with the treatment program designed by the committee and approved by the program manager and to bear all costs related to the program, unless the cost is waived by the board. Any failure to comply with the provisions of a treatment program may result in termination of the licentiate’s participation in a program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 548, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2009.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


citation: BPC § 1698

text:
(a) After the committee and the program manager in their discretion have determined that a licentiate has been rehabilitated and the diversion program is completed, the committee shall purge and destroy all records pertaining to the licentiate’s participation in a diversion program.

(b) Except as authorized by subdivision (f) of Section 1695.5, all board and committee records and records of proceedings pertaining to the treatment of a licentiate in a program shall be kept confidential and are not subject to discovery or subpoena.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 548, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2009.)

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


citation: BPC § 1699

text: The board shall provide for the representation of any person making reports to a committee or the board under this article in any action for defamation for reports or information given to the committee or the board regarding a licentiate’s participation in the diversion program.

article: 4.7. Diversion Program


citation: BPC § 1700

text:
Any person, company, or association is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not less than 10 days nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), or by both fine and imprisonment, who:

(a) Assumes the degree of “doctor of dental surgery,” “doctor of dental science,” or “doctor of dental medicine” or appends the letters “D.D.S.,” or “D.D.Sc.” or “D.M.D.” to their name without having had the right to assume the title conferred upon them by diploma from a recognized dental college or school legally empowered to confer the same.

(b) Assumes any title, or appends any letters to their name, with the intent to represent falsely that they have received a dental degree or license.

(c) Engages in the practice of dentistry without causing to be displayed in an area that is likely to be seen by all patients who use the facility, the original or copy of the current license, permit, or registration of each person employed at the facility to practice dentistry.

(d) Within 10 days after demand is made by the executive officer of the board, fails to furnish to the board the name and address of all persons practicing or assisting in the practice of dentistry in the office of the person, company, or association, at any time within 60 days prior to the demand, together with a sworn statement showing under and by what license or authority this person, company, or association and any employees are or have been practicing dentistry. This sworn statement shall not be used in any prosecution under this section.

(e) Is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while engaged in the practice of dentistry in actual attendance on patients to an extent that impairs their ability to conduct the practice of dentistry with safety to patients and the public.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 36. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 4. Dentistry > 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


text: Notwithstanding Section 1700, any person who holds a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a dentist under this chapter may append the letters “D.D.S.” to his or her name, regardless of the degree conferred upon him or her by the dental college from which the licensee graduated.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 792, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


citation: BPC § 1701

text:
(a) Any person is for the first offense guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) or more than three thousand dollars ($3,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail for not to exceed six months, or both, and for the second or a subsequent offense is guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) nor more than six thousand dollars ($6,000), or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both such fine and imprisonment, who:

(1) Sells or barters or offers to sell or barter any dental degree or any license or transcript made or purporting to be made pursuant to the laws regulating the license and registration of dentists.

(2) Purchases or procures by barter any such diploma, license or transcript with intent that the same shall be used in evidence of the holder’s qualification to practice dentistry, or in fraud of the laws regulating such practice.

(3) With fraudulent intent, makes or attempts to make, counterfeits or alters in a material regard any such diploma, certificate or transcript.

(4) Uses, attempts or causes to be used, any such diploma, certificate or transcript that has been purchased, fraudulently issued, counterfeited or materially altered, either as a license to practice dentistry, or in order to procure registration as a dentist.

(5) In an affidavit, required of an applicant for examination, license or registration under this chapter, willfully makes a false statement in a material regard.

(6) Practices dentistry or offers to practice dentistry as it is defined in this chapter, either without a license, or when the license has been revoked or suspended.

(7) Under any false, assumed or fictitious name, either as an individual, firm, corporation or otherwise, or any name other than the name under which the license is issued, the licensee practices, advertises or in any other manner indicates that the licensee is practicing or will practice dentistry, except such name as is specified in a valid permit issued pursuant to Section 1701.5.

(b) The board may post an administrative citation issued pursuant to Section 148 on the board’s internet website for an offense described in subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 37. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 1700 and 1701, a person who willfully, under circumstances or conditions that cause or create risk of bodily harm, serious physical or mental illness, or death, practices or attempts to practice, or advertises or holds themselves out as practicing dentistry without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate, license, registration, or permit as provided in this chapter, or without being authorized to perform that act pursuant to a certificate, license, registration, or permit obtained in accordance with some other provision of law, is guilty of a public offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and either imprisonment.

(b) A person who conspires with or aids and abets another to commit any act described in subdivision (a) is guilty of a public offense and subject to the punishment described in subdivision (a).

(c) The board may post an administrative citation issued pursuant to Section 148 on the board’s internet website for an offense described in subdivisions (a) and (b).

(d) The remedy provided in this section shall not preclude any other remedy provided by law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 38. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


text:
(a) Any dentist who as a sole proprietor, dentists who are organized as an association, partnership, or group, or a dental corporation that desires to practice under any name that would otherwise be in violation of Section 1701 may practice under this name if the dentist, association, partnership, group, or dental corporation obtains and maintains in current status a fictitious name permit issued by the board under this section.

(b) To obtain or renew a fictitious name permit, the dentist, association, partnership, group, or dental corporation shall apply to the board on an application form prescribed by the board and provide all of the following information:

(1) The names, license numbers, and contact information for each applicant engaging in practice under the fictitious name.

(2) The address of the place or establishment, or the portion thereof, where the applicant or applicants practice under the fictitious name.

(3) Evidence that the place or establishment, or the portion thereof, identified in paragraph (2) is owned or leased by the applicant or applicants, and the practice conducted at the place or establishment, or portion thereof, is wholly owned and entirely controlled by the applicant or applicants.

(4) The fictitious name under which the applicant or applicants propose to engage in dental practice that contains at least one of the following designations: “dental group,” “dental practice,” “dental office,” or “dental corporation,” as applicable pursuant to Section 1804, and is in conformity with Section 651 and subdivisions (i) and (l) of Section 1680.

(c) All applicants shall hold an active license that is not subject to any pending license enforcement action.

(d) Initial permit application and renewal fees shall be submitted to the board in accordance with Section 1724.5.

(e) A permit issued under this section by the board shall be issued for a two-year term.

(f) Any permit issued under this section may be revoked or suspended at any time that the board finds that any one of the requirements for original issuance of a permit is no longer being fulfilled by the holder to whom the permit was issued. Proceedings for revocation or suspension shall be governed by Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(g) A fictitious name permit issued to a dentist as the sole proprietor shall be suspended or revoked in the event the dentist’s license to practice dentistry is suspended or revoked.

(h) In the event charges of unprofessional conduct are filed against a member of an association, or partnership, group, or dental corporation to whom a permit has been issued under this section, proceedings shall not be commenced for revocation or suspension of the permit issued under this section until final determination of the charges of unprofessional conduct and unless the charges have resulted in revocation or suspension of the member’s license, registration, or permit.

(i) Any departures of dentists engaged in practice under the fictitious name shall be reported by the departing dentist to the board within 30 days of such departure. If a departing dentist is the dentist whose family name was used in the fictitious name, the departing dentist shall be removed as a permitholder, as applicable, and the remaining permitholders shall apply to the board to change the fictitious name to remove only the family name of the departing dentist.

(j) If an additional dentist desires to engage in practice under the fictitious name, the fictitious name permit shall be canceled and a new fictitious name permit application shall be submitted to the board.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 40. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


citation: BPC § 1702

text: Nothing in this article shall prohibit the conferring of degrees and the bestowing of diplomas by reputable dental colleges of this State which have been approved by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1937, Ch. 415.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


citation: BPC § 1703

text: The board, or any member or officer thereof, may prefer a complaint for violation of this chapter, or any part thereof, before any court of competent jurisdiction, and may by its officers, counsel and agents, assist in presenting the law or facts at the trial. The district attorney of each county in this State shall prosecute all violations of this chapter in their respective counties in which the violations occur.

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


citation: BPC § 1705

text: In addition to the other proceedings provided for in this chapter, the superior court of any county, on application of the board, shall issue an injunction to restrain any unlicensed person from carrying on or conducting the practice of dentistry as defined in this chapter.

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


text: Whenever any person has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute an offense against this chapter, the superior court of any county, on application of 10 or more persons holding licenses to practice dentistry issued under this chapter, may issue an injunction or other appropriate order restraining such conduct. Proceedings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 517, Sec. 5.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


citation: BPC § 1706

text:
(a) Every complete upper or lower denture fabricated by a licensed dentist, or fabricated pursuant to the dentist’s work order, shall be marked with the patient’s name, unless the patient objects. The initials of the patient may be shown alone, if use of the name of the patient is not practical. The markings shall be done during fabrication and shall be permanent, legible, and cosmetically acceptable. The exact location of the markings and the methods used to implant or apply them shall be determined by the dentist or dental laboratory fabricating the denture.

(b) The dentist shall inform the patient that the markings are to be used for identification only and that the patient shall have the option to decide whether or not the dentures shall be marked.

(c) The dentist shall retain the records of those marked dentures and shall not release the records to any person except to enforcement officers, in the event of an emergency requiring personal identification by means of dental records, or to anyone authorized by the patient.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 182, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


citation: BPC § 1707

text:
(a) If upon investigation, the board has probable cause to believe that a person, company, or association is advertising with respect to the offering or provision of an educational program or course that requires board approval without being properly approved by the board to offer or provide the educational program or course, the board may issue a citation in accordance with Section 148.

(b) Each citation issued pursuant to subdivision (a) may contain:

(1) An assessment of an administrative fine. Administrative fines shall range from fifty dollars ($50) to five thousand dollars ($5,000), inclusive, for each violation. Any sanction authorized for activity under this section shall be separate from and in addition to any other civil or criminal remedies.

(2) An order of correction that requires the violator to do both of the following:

(A) Cease the unlawful advertising.

(B) Notify the telephone company furnishing services to the violator to disconnect the telephone service furnished to any telephone number contained in the unlawful advertising.

(c) This action is stayed if the person to whom a citation is issued under subdivision (a) notifies the board in writing that they intend to contest the citation. The board shall afford an opportunity for a hearing, as specified in Section 125.9.

(d) If the person to whom a citation and order of correction is issued under subdivision (a) fails to comply with the order of correction after that order is final, the board shall inform the Public Utilities Commission of the violation and the Public Utilities Commission shall require the telephone corporation furnishing services to that person, company, or association to disconnect the telephone service furnished to any telephone number contained in the unlawful advertising.

(e) The good faith compliance by a telephone corporation with an order of the Public Utilities Commission to terminate service issued pursuant to this section shall constitute a complete defense to any civil or criminal action brought against the telephone corporation arising from the termination of service.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 41. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 5. Offenses Against This Chapter


citation: BPC § 1715

text:
Licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter, unless specifically excepted, expire at 12 midnight on the legal birth date of a licentiate of the board during the second year of a two-year term if not renewed.

The board shall establish procedures for the administration of the birth date renewal program, including, but not limited to, the establishment of a pro rata formula for the payment of fees by licentiates affected by the implementation of such program and the establishment of a system of staggered license expiration dates such that a relatively equal number of licenses expire annually.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1189.)

article: 6. Fees

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 4. Dentistry > 6. Fees


text: The provisions of Sections 1715, 1716, 1717, 1718, 1718.1, 1718.2, and 1718.3 shall also apply to and govern the expiration, renewal, restoration, reinstatement, and reissuance of permission to conduct an additional place of practice.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1270.)

article: 6. Fees


text:
(a) A licensee shall, upon his or her initial licensure and any subsequent application for renewal, report the completion of any advanced educational program accredited by the Committee on Dental Accreditation in a dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association.

(b) The licensee shall also report, upon his or her initial licensure and any subsequent application for renewal, the practice or employment status of the licensee, designated as one of the following:

(1) Full-time practice or employment in a dental practice of 32 hours per week or more in California. This reporting requirement shall also apply to a dental auxiliary licensee.

(2) Full-time practice or employment in a dental practice outside of California.

(3) Part-time practice or employment in a dental practice for less than 32 hours per week in California.

(4) Dental administrative employment that does not include direct patient care, as may further be defined by the board.

(5) Retired.

(6) Other practice or employment status, as may be further defined by the board.

(c) Information collected pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Internet Web site of the board.

(d) (1) A licensee may report, in his or her application for renewal, and the board shall collect, information regarding the licensee’s cultural background and foreign language proficiency.

(2) Information collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be aggregated on an annual basis, based on categories utilized by the board in the collection of the data, into both statewide totals and ZIP Code of primary practice or employment location totals.

(3) Aggregated information under this subdivision shall be compiled annually, and reported on the Internet Web site of the board on or before July 1 of each year.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 3. (SB 1575) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1716

text: Nothing contained in this chapter shall exempt from the payment of the renewal fee any person authorized to practice dentistry in the State of California, and every person practicing dentistry in this State shall pay the renewal fee irrespective of the time when he was licensed or first had the right to lawfully practice dentistry in this State or elsewhere.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1961, Ch. 364.)

article: 6. Fees


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 1716, the board may, by regulation, reduce the renewal fee for a licensee who has practiced dentistry for 20 years or more in this state, has reached the age of retirement under the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 301 et seq.), and customarily provides his or her services free of charge to any person, organization, or agency. In the event that charges are made, these charges shall be nominal. In no event shall the aggregate of these charges in any single calendar year be in an amount that would render the licensee ineligible for full social security benefits. The board shall not reduce the renewal fee under this section to an amount less than one-half of the regular renewal fee.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 1716, any licensee who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that he or she is unable to practice dentistry due to a disability, may request a waiver of 50 percent of the renewal fee. The granting of a waiver shall be at the discretion of the board, and the board may terminate the waiver at any time. A licensee to whom the board has granted a waiver pursuant to this subdivision shall not engage in the practice of dentistry unless and until the licensee pays the current renewal fee in full and establishes to the satisfaction of the board, on a form prescribed by the board and signed under penalty of perjury, that the licensee’s disability either no longer exists or no longer affects his or her ability to safely practice dentistry.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 728, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1717

text: To renew an unexpired license, the licensee shall, before the time at which the license would otherwise expire, apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the board and pay the renewal fee prescribed by this chapter. The receipt of the executive officer shall be indispensable evidence that payment has been made.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 12. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1718

text: Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an expired license may be renewed at any time within five years after its expiration on filing of application for renewal on a form prescribed by the board, and payment of all accrued renewal and delinquency fees. If the license is renewed more than 30 days after its expiration, the licensee, as a condition precedent to renewal, shall also pay the delinquency fee prescribed by this chapter. Renewal under this section shall be effective on the date on which the application is filed, on the date on which the renewal fee is paid, or on the date on which the delinquency fee, if any, is paid, whichever last occurs. If so renewed, the license shall continue in effect through the expiration date provided in Section 1715 which next occurs after the effective date of the renewal, when it shall expire if it is not again renewed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 607, Sec. 1.)

article: 6. Fees


text: A suspended license is subject to expiration and shall be renewed as provided in this article, but such renewal does not entitle the licensee, while the license remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in the licensed activity, or in any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which the license was suspended.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 364.)

article: 6. Fees


text: A revoked license is subject to expiration as provided in this article, but it may not be renewed. If it is reinstated after its expiration, the licensee, as a condition precedent to its reinstatement, shall pay a reinstatement fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date before the date on which it is reinstated, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of its revocation.

article: 6. Fees


text:
A license that is not renewed within five years after its expiration shall be canceled and shall not be renewed, restored, reinstated, or reissued thereafter, but the holder of the license may apply for and obtain a new license if the following requirements are satisfied:

(a) No fact, circumstance, or condition exists which would justify denial of licensure under Section 480.

(b) The licenseholder pays all of the fees that would be required if the licenseholder were then applying for the license for the first time and all delinquency fees, if any, that have accrued since the date on which the licenseholder last renewed the license. Delinquency fees shall not accrue after the license has been canceled pursuant to this section.

(c) The licenseholder applies for licensure, as a new applicant, through one of the available licensing pathways under this division and meets all the requirements for licensure outlined therein.

(d) For purposes of subdivision (c), a licenseholder who was previously eligible for examination pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 1628 shall be eligible to take the examination required by Section 1632 pursuant to the terms of subdivision (e) of Section 1628.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 42. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1719

text: Upon collection by the proper officer of the court, 75 percent of the fines or forfeitures of bail in any case in which any person is charged with a violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be paid to the executive officer of the board and the balance, or 25 percent of the fines or forfeitures of bail, shall be paid to the county where the action is tried.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 13. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1720

text: The executive officer shall on or before the 10th day of each month pay to the State Treasury and report to the Controller all fines, penalties, and forfeitures received for violations of this chapter, together with all examination, renewal, and license fees received by him or her prior to the date of the report and payment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 14. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1721

text: Except as provided in Sections 1944 and 1945, all funds received by the Treasurer under the authority of this chapter shall be placed in the State Dentistry Fund. Expenditure of those funds shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act. Subject to that appropriation, and except as provided in Sections 1944 and 1945, all disbursements by the board made in the transaction of its business and in the enforcement of this chapter shall be paid out of the fund upon claims against the state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 865, Sec. 46. (AB 1519) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 6. Fees


text: All funds received by the Treasurer pursuant to Section 1725 shall be placed in the State Dentistry Fund for the purposes of administering this chapter as it relates to dental assistants, registered dental assistants, registered dental assistants in extended functions, dental sedation assistant permitholders, and orthodontic assistant permitholders. Expenditure of these funds shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 865, Sec. 47. (AB 1519) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1722

text: The amount of seven hundred dollars ($700) of the fund shall constitute a revolving fund and may be drawn upon the warrant of the president and secretary of the board without being audited in the usual manner, in cases of emergency or where cash advances are necessary. However, after the sum of seven hundred dollars ($700) has been so expended, no further warrant shall be drawn on the revolving fund until expenditures previously made from it shall be substantiated by vouchers and itemized statements and audited. All expenditures from the revolving fund shall, at the end of each fiscal year, or at any other time when demand therefor is made by the Director of Finance or by the State Controller, be so substantiated and audited unless previously done.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 320, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1723

text: All fines, penalties, and forfeitures, including the examination fee, imposed or collected by the board under any provision of this chapter shall be paid to the executive officer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 47, Sec. 15. Effective March 21, 1984.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1724

text:
The amount of charges and fees for dentists licensed pursuant to this chapter shall be established by the board as is necessary for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities required by this chapter as it relates to dentists, subject to the following limitations:

(a) The fee for an application for licensure qualifying pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 1632 shall not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500). The fee for an application for licensure qualifying pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 1632 shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(b) The fee for an application for licensure qualifying pursuant to Section 1634.1 shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(c) The fee for an application for licensure qualifying pursuant to Section 1635.5 shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(d) The fee for an initial license and for the renewal of a license is five hundred twenty-five dollars ($525). On and after January 1, 2016, the fee for an initial license shall not exceed six hundred fifty dollars ($650), and the fee for the renewal of a license shall not exceed six hundred fifty dollars ($650). On and after January 1, 2018, the fee for an initial license shall not exceed eight hundred dollars ($800), and the fee for the renewal of a license shall not exceed eight hundred dollars ($800).

(e) The fee for an application for a special permit shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the renewal fee for a special permit shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(f) The delinquency fee shall be 50 percent of the renewal fee for such a license or permit in effect on the date of the renewal of the license or permit.

(g) The penalty for late registration of change of place of practice shall not exceed seventy-five dollars ($75).

(h) The fee for an application for an additional office permit shall not exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750), and the fee for the renewal of an additional office permit shall not exceed three hundred seventy-five dollars ($375).

(i) The fee for issuance of a replacement pocket license, replacement wall certificate, or replacement engraved certificate shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125).

(j) The fee for a provider of continuing education shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per year.

(k) The fee for application for a referral service permit and for renewal of that permit shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).

(l) The fee for application for an extramural facility permit and for the renewal of a permit shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25).

(m) The fee for an application for an elective facial cosmetic surgery permit shall not exceed four thousand dollars ($4,000), and the fee for the renewal of an elective facial cosmetic surgery permit shall not exceed eight hundred dollars ($800).

(n) The fee for an application for an oral and maxillofacial surgery permit shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the fee for the renewal of an oral and maxillofacial surgery permit shall not exceed one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200).

(o) The fee for an application for a general anesthesia permit shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the fee for the renewal of a general anesthesia permit shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(p) The fee for an onsite inspection and evaluation related to a general anesthesia or moderate sedation permit shall not exceed four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500).

(q) The fee for an application for a moderate sedation permit shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the fee for the renewal of a moderate sedation permit shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(r) The fee for an application for an adult oral conscious sedation certificate shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the fee for the renewal of an adult oral conscious sedation certificate shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(s) The fee for an application for a pediatric minimal sedation permit shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the fee for the renewal of a pediatric minimal sedation permit shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(t) The fee for an application for a pediatric endorsement for a general anesthesia permit or moderate sedation permit shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the fee for the renewal of a pediatric endorsement shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(u) The fee for a certification of licensure shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125).

(v) The fee for an application for the law and ethics examination shall not exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 43. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 6. Fees


text:
The amount of fees payable in connection with permits issued under Section 1701.5 is as follows:

(a) The initial permit fee is an amount equal to the renewal fee for the applicant’s license to practice dentistry in effect on the last regular renewal date before the date on which the permit is issued, except that, if the permit will expire less than one year after its issuance, then the initial permit fee is an amount equal to 50 percent of the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date before the date on which the permit is issued.

(b) The renewal and delinquency fees shall be fixed by the board at not more than the then current amount of the renewal fee for a license to practice dentistry nor less than five dollars ($5).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 515, Sec. 2.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1725

text:
The amount of the fees prescribed by this chapter that relate to the licensing and permitting of dental assistants shall be established by regulation and subject to the following limitations:

(a) The application fee for an original license shall not exceed two hundred dollars ($200).

(b) The fee for examination for licensure as a registered dental assistant shall not exceed the actual cost of the examination.

(c) The fee for application and for the issuance of an orthodontic assistant permit or a dental sedation assistant permit shall not exceed two hundred dollars ($200).

(d) The fee for the written examination for an orthodontic assistant permit or a dental sedation assistant permit shall not exceed the actual cost of the examination.

(e) The fee for the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination for a registered dental assistant shall not exceed the actual cost of the examination.

(f) The fee for examination for licensure as a registered dental assistant in extended functions shall not exceed the actual cost of the examination.

(g) The biennial renewal fee for a registered dental assistant license, registered dental assistant in extended functions license, dental sedation assistant permit, or orthodontic assistant permit shall not exceed two hundred dollars ($200).

(h) The delinquency fee shall be 50 percent of the renewal fee for the license or permit in effect on the date of the renewal of the license or permit.

(i) The fee for issuance of a duplicate registration, license, permit, or certificate to replace one that is lost or destroyed, or in the event of a name change, shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100).

(j) The fee for each curriculum review and site evaluation for educational programs for registered dental assistants that are not accredited by a board-approved agency, or the Chancellor’s office of the California Community Colleges shall not exceed seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500).

(k) The fee for review of each approval application or reevaluation for a course that is not accredited by a board-approved agency or the Chancellor’s office of the California Community Colleges shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000).

(l) Fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the State Dentistry Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 865, Sec. 48. (AB 1519) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 6. Fees


citation: BPC § 1740

text: It is the intention of the Legislature by enactment of this article to permit the full utilization of dental assistants in order to meet the dental care needs of all the state’s citizens. The Legislature further intends that the classifications of dental assistants established by this article permit the continual advancement of persons to successively higher levels of licensure with additional education and training. The Legislature further intends that the Dental Board of California, in implementing this article, consider the recommendations of the Dental Assisting Council, established pursuant to Section 1742.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 44. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 4. Dentistry > 7. Dental Auxiliaries


citation: BPC § 1741

text:
As used in this article:

(a) “Alternative dental assisting program” means a program offered by an institution of secondary or postsecondary education that has a current accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation or is accredited or approved by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or State Department of Education, including career health and technical education programs, regional occupation centers or programs, or apprenticeship programs registered by the State Department of Education or Division of Apprenticeship Standards of the Department of Industrial Relations in allied dental programs, and whereby a certificate of completion from the program shall serve as a pathway component for licensure as a registered dental assistant.

(b) “Basic supportive dental procedures” means procedures that have technically elementary characteristics, are completely reversible, and are unlikely to precipitate potentially hazardous conditions for the patient being treated, including extraoral tasks involving sterilization procedures and infection control and disease prevention tasks.

(c) “Board” means the Dental Board of California.

(d) “Certified dental assistant” means an individual who has successfully passed the general chairside assisting, radiation health and safety, and infection control examinations administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and has an active certification satisfactory to terms and conditions of the Dental Assisting National Board at the time of application for a dental assisting license. A current and valid certified dental assistant certificate is not required for subsequent licensure renewals.

(e) “Certificate of completion” means a certificate that shall include, at minimum, the participant’s name, the name of the course or program completed, the name of the course or program provider, including the board-issued approval number, the date or date range of completion of the course or program, the number of completed hours of the course or program, and the signature of the course or program provider, director, administrator, or their designee that verifies the participant has successfully completed any of the following:

(1) A board-approved educational course or program in dental assisting.

(2) A continuing education course provided by a board-approved continuing education provider.

(3) An alternative dental assisting program.

(f) “Continuing education” means a course of study specific to the performance of dental-related procedures where the education is directly related to the clinical and supplemental duties and functions of dental assistants, registered dental assistants, registered dental assistants in extended functions, and dental assisting permitholders, as defined in this article. The continuing education coursework must follow the provisions outlined in board regulations. Continuing education units obtained shall be limited to no more than eight units per day. The following shall apply to the continuing education units:

(1) Live interactive coursework units obtained shall not total more than eight units per day.

(2) Nonlive or self-paced online coursework units shall not be more than eight units per day within a range of dates during a seminar, workshop, or educational series where more than one day is required to complete the coursework.

(g) “Coronal polishing” means a procedure limited to the removal of plaque and stain from exposed tooth surfaces.

(h) “Council” means the Dental Assisting Council of the Dental Board of California.

(i) “Course” means an educational offering, class, presentation, meeting, or other similar event.

(j) “Dental assistant” means an individual who, without a license, may perform only basic supportive dental procedures described in Sections 1750 and 1750.1.

(k) “Direct supervision” means supervision of dental procedures based on instructions given by a licensed dentist, who shall be physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of those procedures.

(l) “General supervision” means supervision of dental procedures based on instructions given by a licensed dentist but not requiring the physical presence of the supervising dentist during the performance of those procedures.

(m) “Good standing” means the licensee or permitholder has not been disciplined, is not the subject of an unresolved complaint or review procedures, and is not the subject of any unresolved disciplinary proceeding.

(n) “Interim therapeutic restoration” means a direct provisional restoration placed to stabilize the tooth until a licensed dentist diagnoses the need for further definitive treatment. An interim therapeutic restoration consists of the removal of soft material from the tooth using only hand instrumentation, without the use of rotary instrumentation, and subsequent placement of an adhesive restorative material. An interim therapeutic restoration may also be applied to a tooth with caries that has been confirmed by the treating dentist to be arrested through the use of a caries arresting agent with or without further removal of tooth structure. Local anesthesia shall not be necessary for interim therapeutic restoration placement.

(o) “Preceptee” means an unlicensed dental assistant who is supervised by a California-licensed dentist or dentists in good standing and is participating in a preceptorship in dental assisting to learn the clinical skills and acquire procedural knowledge through work experience and supplemental dental assisting coursework.

(p) “Preceptor” means a California-licensed dentist in good standing who directly supervises and provides on-the-job training to a preceptee in a preceptorship in dental assisting by evaluating clinical competence, documenting completion of clinical chairside work experience, learning, and clinical progress, teaching and promoting clinical reasoning, and ensuring the preceptee has completed course requirements before performing dental assisting duties pursuant to Section 1750.1. A preceptee may have more than one California-licensed dentist serve as a preceptor.

(q) “Preceptorship in dental assisting” means supervised on-the-job training of a preceptee by a preceptor in the performance of duties specified in Section 1750.1 in a competent manner as determined by the preceptor pursuant to the requirements set forth in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 1752.1.

(r) “Registered dental assistant” means a person licensed by the board to perform all procedures authorized under Section 1752.4.

(s) “Registered dental assistant in extended functions” means a person licensed by the board to perform all procedures authorized under Section 1753.5.

(t) “Satisfactory work experience” means performance of the duties specified in Section 1750.1 in a competent manner as determined by the supervising dentist or dentists, who shall certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California the applicant’s completion of the work experience.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 46. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


citation: BPC § 1742

text:
(a) There is hereby created a Dental Assisting Council of the Dental Board of California, which shall consider all matters relating to dental assistants in this state, on its own initiative or upon the request of the board, and make appropriate recommendations to the board and the standing committees of the board, including, but not limited to, the following areas:

(1) Requirements for dental assistant examination, licensure, permitting, and renewal.

(2) Standards and criteria for approval of dental assisting educational programs, courses, and continuing education.

(3) Allowable dental assistant duties, settings, and supervision levels.

(4) Appropriate standards of conduct and enforcement for dental assistants.

(5) Requirements regarding infection control.

(b) (1) The members of the council shall be appointed by the board and shall include the registered dental assistant member of the board, another member of the board, and five registered dental assistants, representing as broad a range of dental assisting experience and education as possible, who meet the requirements of paragraph (2).

(2) The board shall consider, in its appointments of the five registered dental assistant members, recommendations submitted by any incorporated, nonprofit professional society, association, or entity whose membership is comprised of registered dental assistants within the state. Two of those members shall be employed as faculty members of a registered dental assisting educational program approved by the board, and shall have been so employed for at least the prior five years. Three of those members, which shall include one registered dental assistant in extended functions, shall be employed clinically in private dental practice or public safety net or dental health care clinics. All five of those members shall have possessed a current and active registered dental assistant or registered dental assistant in extended functions license for at least the prior five years, and shall not be employed by a current member of the board.

(c) No council appointee shall have served previously on the dental assisting forum or have any financial interest in any registered dental assistant school. All final candidate qualifications and applications for board-appointed council members shall be made available in the published board materials with final candidate selection conducted during the normal business of the board during public meetings.

(d) A vacancy occurring during a term shall be filled by appointment by the board for the unexpired term, according to the criteria applicable to the vacancy within 90 days after it occurs.

(e) Each member shall comply with conflict of interest requirements that apply to board members.

(f) The council may meet in conjunction with other board committees, and at other times as deemed necessary.

(g) Each member shall serve for a term of four years, except that, of the initial appointments of the nonboard members, one of the members shall serve a term of one year, one member shall serve a term of two years, two members shall serve a term of three years, and one member shall serve a term of four years, as determined by the board. No member shall serve more than two full terms.

(h) Recommendations by the council pursuant to this section shall be approved, modified, or rejected by the board within 120 days of submission of the recommendation to the board during full board business. In the event the board rejects, postpones, refers the matter back to the council for any reason, or significantly modifies the intent or scope of the recommendation, the board shall provide its reasons in writing for rejecting or significantly modifying the recommendation, which shall be provided by the board within 30 days.

(i) The council shall select a chair who shall establish the agendas of the council and shall serve as the council’s liaison to the board, including the reporting of the council’s recommendations to the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 865, Sec. 50. (AB 1519) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


citation: BPC § 1743

text:
(a) The board shall have the following duties and authority related to applications:

(1) Shall review and evaluate all applications for licensure in all dental assisting categories to ascertain whether a candidate meets the appropriate licensing requirements specified by statute and board regulations.

(2) Shall maintain application records, cashier application fees, and perform any other ministerial tasks as are incidental to the application process.

(3) May delegate any or all of the functions in this subdivision to its staff.

(4) Shall issue dental assistant licenses in all cases, except where there is a question as to a licensing requirement.

(b) The board shall develop or cause to be developed and administer examinations. The board shall set pass points for all dental assisting licensing examinations.

(c) The board shall be responsible for all aspects of the license renewal process, which shall be accomplished in accordance with this chapter and board regulations. The board may delegate any or all of its functions under this subdivision to its staff.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 31, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2009. Operative July 1, 2009, by Sec. 55 of Ch. 31.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


citation: BPC § 1747

text: The procedure on all matters relating to the denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses granted under this article shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 872.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


citation: BPC § 1750

text:
(a) A dental assistant is an individual who, without a license, may perform basic supportive dental procedures, as authorized by Section 1750.1 and by regulations adopted by the board, under the supervision of a licensed dentist. “Basic supportive dental procedures” are those procedures that have technically elementary characteristics, are completely reversible, and are unlikely to precipitate potentially hazardous conditions for the patient being treated.

(b) The supervising licensed dentist shall be directly responsible for determining the competency of the dental assistant to perform the basic supportive dental procedures, as authorized by Section 1750.1.

(c) The employer of a dental assistant shall be responsible for ensuring that the dental assistant has successfully completed a board-approved eight-hour course in infection control prior to performing any basic supportive dental procedures involving potential exposure to blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious materials.

(d) The employer shall maintain evidence for the length of the employment for the dental assistant at the supervising dentist’s treatment facility to verify the dental assistant has met and maintained all certification requirements as dictated by statute and regulation.

(e) The employer shall inform the dental assistant of the educational requirements described in subdivision (f) to maintain employment as an unlicensed dental assistant.

(f) The employer of a dental assistant shall be responsible for ensuring that the dental assistant who has been employed continuously or on an intermittent basis by that employer for one year from the date of first employment provides evidence to the employer that the dental assistant has already successfully completed, or successfully completes, all of the following within one year of the first date of employment:

(1) A board-approved two-hour course in the Dental Practice Act.

(2) Current certification in basic life support issued by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the American Safety and Health Institute, the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program, or the Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education, in accordance with both of the following:

(A) The dental assistant shall be responsible for maintaining current certification in basic life support to perform duties involving patients.

(B) The employer of a dental assistant shall be responsible for ensuring that the dental assistant maintains certification in basic life support.

(3) To perform radiographic procedures, a dental assistant shall complete a board-approved course in radiation safety. The original or a copy of the current, valid certificate issued by a board-approved radiation safety course provider shall be publicly displayed at the treatment facility where the dental assistant performs dental services.

(4) To perform coronal polishing prior to licensure as a registered dental assistant, an unlicensed dental assistant shall complete a board-approved coronal polishing course and obtain a certificate of completion. Prior to taking the coronal polishing course, the dental assistant shall provide evidence to the course provider of having completed a board-approved eight-hour course in infection control and a current, valid certification in basic life support.

(A) Coronal polishing performed pursuant to this paragraph shall be performed under the direct supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist, who shall, at minimum, evaluate each patient after coronal polishing procedures are performed by the dental assistant.

(B) The original or a copy of the current, valid certificate issued by a board-approved coronal polishing course provider shall be publicly displayed at the treatment facility where the dental assistant performs dental services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 48. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text:
(a) A dental assistant may perform the following duties under the general supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist:

(1) Extraoral duties specified by the supervising licensee that meet the definition of a basic supportive dental procedure specified in subdivision (b) of Section 1741. These duties may include a procedure that requires the use of personal protective equipment, laboratory functions, and sterilization and disinfection procedures described in Section 1005 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations and Section 5193 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.

(2) Operate dental radiography equipment for the purpose of oral radiography if the dental assistant has complied with the requirements of paragraph (4) of subdivision (f) of Section 1750.

(3) Perform intraoral and extraoral photography.

(b) A dental assistant may perform the following duties under the direct supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist:

(1) Apply nonaerosol and noncaustic topical agents, including all forms of topical fluoride.

(2) Take intraoral impressions for all nonprosthodontic appliances.

(3) Take facebow transfers and bite registrations.

(4) Place and remove rubber dams or other isolation devices.

(5) Place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures.

(6) Remove postextraction dressings after inspection of the surgical site by the supervising licensed dentist.

(7) Perform measurements for the purposes of orthodontic treatment.

(8) Cure dental materials with a light curing device.

(9) Examine orthodontic appliances.

(10) Place and remove orthodontic separators.

(11) Remove ligature ties and archwires.

(12) After adjustment by the dentist, examine and seat removable orthodontic appliances and deliver care instructions to the patient.

(13) Remove periodontal dressings.

(14) Remove sutures after inspection of the site by the dentist.

(15) Place patient monitoring sensors.

(16) Adjust the flow of nitrous oxide and oxygen gases if deemed necessary and directed by the supervising dentist who shall be present in the operatory directly supervising the adjustment.

(17) Extraoral functions specified by the supervising dentist that meet the definition of basic supportive dental procedures specified in subdivision (b) of Section 1741. Such duties may include patient monitoring, placing monitoring sensors, taking of vital signs, or other extraoral procedures related to the scope of their practice.

(18) In response to a medical emergency and under the direct supervision, order, control, and full professional responsibility of the licensed dentist, a dental assistant may administer or assist in the administration of oxygen.

(c) The board may specify additional allowable duties by regulation.

(d) The duties of a dental assistant or a dental assistant holding a permit in orthodontic assisting or in dental sedation shall not include any of the following procedures unless specifically allowed by law:

(1) Diagnosis and comprehensive treatment planning.

(2) Placing, finishing, or removing permanent restorations.

(3) Surgery or cutting on hard and soft tissue including, but not limited to, the removal of teeth and the cutting and suturing of soft tissue.

(4) Prescribing medication.

(5) Starting the flow of nitrous oxide and oxygen gases.

(6) Administration of local or general anesthesia or sedation.

(e) Unless otherwise permitted in this section, the duties of a dental assistant do not include any duty or procedure that only a registered dental assistant, registered dental assistant in extended functions, orthodontic assistant, dental sedation assistant, registered dental hygienist, or registered dental hygienist in alternative practice is allowed to perform.

(f) The placement of pit and fissure sealants may only be performed by a registered dental assistant, registered dental assistant in extended functions, registered dental hygienist, or registered dental hygienist in alternative practice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 49. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text:
(a) The board may issue an orthodontic assistant permit to a person who files a completed application, pays the applicable fee, and provides evidence, satisfactory to the board, of the following eligibility requirements:

(1) Successful completion, within two years before the date the application is received by the board, of a two-hour board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act and an eight-hour board-approved course in infection control, and, within five years before the date the application is received by the board, of a board-approved course in ultrasonic scaling.

(2) Current certification in basic life support issued by American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute, American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program, or Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education.

(3) Successful completion of a board-approved orthodontic assistant course.

(4) A full set of fingerprints for purposes of conducting a criminal history record check.

(5) Passage of a written examination administered by the board after completion of all of the other requirements of this subdivision. The written examination shall encompass the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to competently perform the duties specified in Section 1750.3.

(b) A person who holds a permit pursuant to this section shall be responsible for obtaining recertification in basic life support as part of permit renewal and completing the continuing education requirements as established by the board pursuant to Section 1645 and the renewal requirements of Article 6 (commencing with Section 1715).

(c) The original or a copy of the current, valid permit issued by the board shall be publicly displayed at the treatment facility where the permitholder performs dental services.

(d) Preparation or execution of false documentation of satisfaction of any requirement under this section shall be considered unprofessional conduct and grounds for license denial, revocation, or suspension.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 50. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text:
(a) A person holding an orthodontic assistant permit pursuant to Section 1750.2 may perform under the general supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist all duties that a dental assistant is allowed to perform under subdivision (a) of Section 1750.1, and the following duties under the direct supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist:

(1) All duties that a dental assistant is allowed to perform under subdivision (b) of Section 1750.1.

(2) Isolate, condition, etch, and prepare teeth for provisional attachments, bonded attachments, aligner buttons, aligner connections, orthodontic brackets, and appliances.

(3) Size, fit, and secure orthodontic bands using appropriate materials.

(4) Prepare teeth for bonding and select, preposition, and cure orthodontic brackets after their position has been approved by the supervising licensed dentist.

(5) Remove orthodontic bands, brackets, and attachments and remove excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument, with the removal of any remaining material by the supervising licensed dentist or registered dental assistant in extended functions licensed on or after January 1, 2010.

(6) Place and ligate archwires.

(7) Remove excess cement with an ultrasonic scaler from supragingival surfaces of teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment.

(8) Any additional duties that the board may prescribe by regulation.

(b) The original or a copy of the current, valid permit issued by the board shall be publicly displayed at the treatment facility where the permitholder performs dental services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 51. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text:
(a) The board may issue a dental sedation assistant permit to a person who files a completed application, pays the applicable fee, and provides evidence, satisfactory to the board, of all of the following eligibility requirements:

(1) Current, active, and valid licensure as a registered dental assistant or registered dental assistant in extended functions, or completion of at least 12 months of verifiable work experience as a dental assistant.

(2) Successful completion, within two years before the date the application is received by the board, of a two-hour board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act and an eight-hour board-approved course in infection control.

(3) Current certification in basic life support issued by American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute, American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program, or Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education.

(4) Successful completion of a board-approved dental sedation assistant course, which may commence after the completion of six months of work experience as a dental assistant.

(5) A full set of fingerprints for purposes of conducting a criminal history record check.

(6) Passage of a written examination administered by the board after completion of all of the other requirements of this subdivision. The written examination shall encompass the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to competently perform the duties specified in Section 1750.5.

(b) A person who holds a permit pursuant to this section shall be responsible for obtaining recertification in basic life support as part of permit renewal and completing the same continuing education requirements as established by the board pursuant to Section 1645 and the renewal requirements of Article 6 (commencing with Section 1715).

(c) The original or a copy of the current, valid permit issued by the board shall be publicly displayed at the treatment facility where the permitholder performs dental services.

(d) Preparation or execution of false documentation of satisfaction of any requirement under this section shall be considered unprofessional conduct and grounds for license denial, revocation, or suspension.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 52. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text:
(a) A person who holds a dental sedation assistant permit pursuant to Section 1750.4 may perform under general supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist all duties that a dental assistant is allowed to perform under subdivision (a) of Section 1750.1 and the following duties under the direct supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a current, valid licensed dentist or other licensed health care professional authorized to administer moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia in the treatment facility:

(1) All duties that a dental assistant is allowed to perform under subdivision (b) of Section 1750.1.

(2) Monitor patients undergoing moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia utilizing data from noninvasive instrumentation such as pulse oximeters, electrocardiograms, capnography, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate monitoring devices. Evaluation of the condition of a sedated patient shall remain the responsibility of the supervising dentist or the licensed health care professional authorized to administer moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia, who shall be at the patient’s chairside while moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia is being administered.

(3) Drug identification and draw, limited to identification of appropriate medications, ampule and vial preparation, and withdrawing drugs of correct amount as verified by the supervising licensed dentist, or the licensed health care professional authorized to administer moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia.

(4) Add drugs, medications, and fluids to intravenous lines using a syringe, provided that a supervising licensed dentist is present at the patient’s chairside, limited to determining patency of intravenous line, selection of injection port, syringe insertion into injection port, occlusion of intravenous line and blood aspiration, line release, and injection of drugs for appropriate time interval. The exception to this duty is that the initial dose of a drug or medication shall be administered by the supervising licensed dentist or licensed health care professional authorized to administer moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia.

(5) Removal of intravenous lines.

(6) Any additional duties that the board may prescribe by regulation.

(b) The duties listed in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) may not be performed in any setting other than a dental office or dental clinic.

(c) The original or a copy of the current, valid permit issued by the board shall be publicly displayed at the treatment facility where the permitholder performs dental services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 53. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


citation: BPC § 1751

text: At least once every seven years, the board shall review the allowable duties for dental assistants, registered dental assistants, registered dental assistants in extended functions, dental sedation assistant permitholders, and orthodontic assistant permitholders, the supervision level for these categories, and the settings under which these duties may be performed, and shall update the regulations as necessary to keep them current with the state of the dental practice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 703, Sec. 19. (SB 1491) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text:
(a) The board may license as a registered dental assistant a person who files an application, pays the applicable fee, and submits written evidence, satisfactory to the board, of one of the following eligibility requirements:

(1) Graduation from an educational program in registered dental assisting approved by the board.

(2) Completion of satisfactory work experience performing the duties of a dental assistant, as defined in Section 1750.1, which includes at least 15 months and a minimum of 1,280 hours before the submission of the application.

(3) Current, valid certification as a certified dental assistant, as issued by the Dental Assisting National Board.

(4) Completion of an alternative dental assisting program as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1741 that includes all the following:

(A) At least 500 hours of didactic and laboratory coursework in dental assisting-related topics that shall encompass all aspects of clinical chairside assisting, including, but not limited to, medical and dental emergencies, first aid and safety precautions, protocols and armamentaria associated with a variety of dental assisting chairside procedures, dental materials, and skill development courses associated with operative and specialty dentistry and that include education as specified in subdivision (c).

(B) At least 300 hours of clinical chairside work experience, involving the allowable duties described in Section 1750.1, directly supervised, evaluated, and documented by a supervising licensed dentist.

(5) Completion of a preceptorship in dental assisting that includes all the following:

(A) At least 500 hours of clinical chairside work experience documented on a form furnished by the board, involving allowable duties described in Section 1750.1, directly supervised, evaluated, and documented by a preceptor, who certifies under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California to the applicant’s completion of the clinical chairside work experience. Clinical work experience that meets the eligibility requirements of this term performed as a dental assistant within the two years immediately preceding the effective date of this section may be used to satisfy this requirement.

(B) At least 300 hours documented on a form furnished by the board of coursework in dental assisting-related topics, inclusive of the education required in subdivision (c), which may be obtained concurrent to the work experience and satisfies all the following:

(i) The coursework shall include education defined in subdivision (c) and encompass all aspects of clinical chairside assisting, including, but not limited to, medical and dental emergencies, first aid and safety precautions, protocols and armamentaria associated with a variety of dental assisting chairside procedures, dental materials, and skill development courses associated with operative and specialty dentistry.

(ii) Courses shall be obtained through a board-approved dental assisting educational program or course provider, a board-registered provider of continuing education courses, the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program, or a provider approved by the Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education.

(iii) The preceptee’s completion of the coursework shall be verified by the preceptor, who shall certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California verification of the preceptee’s completion of the required coursework.

(b) The board shall give credit toward the work experience referred to in this section to persons who have graduated from a dental assisting program in a postsecondary institution approved by the Department of Education or in a secondary institution, regional occupational center, or regional occupational program, that are not, however, approved by the board pursuant to subdivision (a). The credit shall equal the total weeks spent in classroom training and internship on a week-for-week basis. The board, in cooperation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, shall establish the minimum criteria for the curriculum of nonboard-approved programs. Additionally, the board shall notify those programs only if the program’s curriculum does not meet established minimum criteria, as established for board-approved registered dental assistant programs, except any requirement that the program be given in a postsecondary institution. Graduates of programs not meeting established minimum criteria shall not qualify for satisfactory work experience as defined by this section.

(c) In addition to the requirements specified in subdivision (a), individuals applying for registered dental assistant licensure shall provide written evidence of successful completion of all of the following:

(1) Within two years before the date of the application received by the board:

(A) A board-approved two-hour course in the Dental Practice Act.

(B) A board-approved eight-hour course in infection control.

(2) Within five years before the date of the application received by the board:

(A) A board-approved course in pit and fissure sealants.

(B) A board-approved course in coronal polishing.

(3) Within 10 years before the date of the application received by the board, a board-approved course in radiation safety.

(4) Current certification in basic life support issued by American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute, American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program, or Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education.

(5) Satisfactory performance on the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination administered by the board.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, individuals with current and active California licensure as a registered dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, or registered dental hygienist in extended functions whose initial license was issued on or after January 1, 2006, applying for licensure as a registered dental assistant shall comply with this subdivision and satisfy all of the following:

(1) File an application with the board and pay the applicable fee.

(2) Submit evidence of current certification in basic life support issued by American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute, American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program, or Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education.

(3) Demonstrate satisfactory performance on the Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination administered by the board.

(e) Individuals applying for registered dental assistant licensure shall submit a full set of fingerprints for purposes of conducting a criminal history record check.

(f) A registered dental assistant with permits in either orthodontic assisting or dental sedation assisting shall be referred to as an “RDA with orthodontic assistant permit,” or “RDA with dental sedation assistant permit,” as applicable. These terms shall be used for reference purposes only and do not create additional categories of licensure.

(g) Completion of the continuing education requirements established by the board pursuant to Section 1645 by a registered dental assistant who also holds a permit as an orthodontic assistant or dental sedation assistant shall fulfill the continuing education requirements for the permit or permits.

(h) The Registered Dental Assistant Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination required by this section shall comply with Section 139.

(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2025.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 54) and added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 55. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025. Operative July 1, 2025, by its own provisions.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text:
(a) A registered dental assistant may perform all of the following duties and procedures of a dental assistant as specified in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 1750.1 and may perform all the following duties under the general supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist:

(1) All duties that a dental assistant is allowed to perform.

(2) Mouth-mirror inspections of the oral cavity, to include charting of obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.

(3) Apply and activate bleaching agents using a nonlaser light-curing device.

(4) Use of automated caries detection devices and materials and recording of such findings before placement of pit and fissure sealants.

(5) Obtain intraoral images for computer-aided design (CAD), milled restorations.

(6) Pulp vitality testing and recording of findings.

(7) Place bases, liners, etch, and bonding agents for restorative procedures.

(8) Chemically prepare teeth for bonding for restorative procedures.

(9) Place, adjust, and finish direct provisional restorations.

(10) Fabricate, adjust, cement, and remove indirect provisional restorations, including stainless steel crowns when used as a provisional restoration.

(11) Place post-extraction dressings after inspection of the surgical site by the supervising licensed dentist.

(12) Place periodontal dressings.

(13) Dry endodontically treated canals using absorbent paper points.

(14) Perform sore-spot adjustment only of dentures extraorally.

(15) Perform tissue conditioning and soft reline of dentures.

(16) Remove excess cement from surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument.

(17) Polish coronal surfaces of the teeth.

(18) Place ligature ties and archwires.

(19) All duties that the board may prescribe by regulation.

(b) A registered dental assistant may only perform the following additional duties after successfully completing a board-approved registered dental assistant educational program or board-approved course in those duties.

(1) Remove excess cement with an ultrasonic scaler from supragingival surfaces of teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment.

(2) The allowable duties of an orthodontic assistant permitholder as specified in Section 1750.3. A registered dental assistant shall not be required to complete further instruction in the duties of placing ligature ties and archwires, removing orthodontic bands, and removing excess cement from tooth surfaces with a hand instrument.

(3) The allowable duties of a dental sedation assistant permitholder as specified in Section 1750.5.

(4) The application of pit and fissure sealants.

(c) Except as provided in Section 1777, the supervising licensed dentist shall be responsible for ensuring completion of courses to perform additional duties and determining whether each authorized procedure performed by a registered dental assistant should be performed under general or direct supervision.

(d) The supervising dentist shall be responsible for determining whether each authorized procedure in subdivision (a) performed by a registered dental assistant should be performed under general or direct supervision.

(e) A registered dental assistant may perform the following duties under direct supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist:

(1) Isolate, etch, bond, and attach composite buttons for orthodontic procedures.

(2) Size, fit, secure, and remove orthodontic bands using appropriate dental materials.

(f) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a registered dental assistant may perform a duty specified in this section using contemporary techniques and materials designed for use in the performance of that duty under the direct supervision and pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed dentist if the registered dental assistant has completed the appropriate education and training, and whose skill, knowledge, and education in the use of such contemporary technique or material has been determined clinically competent by the supervising licensed dentist.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 56. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries


text: A registered dental assistant licensed on and after January 1, 2010, shall provide evidence of successful completion of a board-approved course in the application of pit and fissure sealants prior to the first expiration of his or her license that requires the completion of continuing education as a condition of renewal. The license of a registered dental assistant who does not provide evidence of successful completion of that course shall not be renewed until evidence of course completion is provided.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 499, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 2009.)

article: 7. Dental Auxiliaries