California Dental License Renewal
Updated August 2026
Fees, deadlines, and what's required to renew a dental license in California.
Dentist, RDA, RDAEF, OA, and DSA licenses issued by the Dental Board of California renew every two years, expiring on the last day of the licensee's birth month during the second year of the term (BPC § 1715). Licensees born in an even-numbered year renew in even-numbered years; those born in an odd-numbered year renew in odd-numbered years. There is no grace period, but a delinquency (late) fee is not charged until the renewal is more than 30 days late. A license not renewed within five years of expiration is automatically cancelled and cannot be restored (BPC § 1718.3).
Dentist license renewal fees
| License status | Renewal fee | Late fee (30+ days delinquent) |
|---|---|---|
| Dentist License – Active | $680.00* | $325.00 |
| Dentist License – Inactive | $650.00 | $325.00 |
| Dentist License – Reduced Fee Active | $355.00* | $162.00 |
| Dentist License – Reduced Fee Inactive | $325.00 | $162.00 |
*Active-status fees include the annual $15.00 CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) fee. A dentist who has practiced 20+ years, reached Social Security retirement age, and provides services free or at nominal charge may qualify for the reduced fee (BPC § 1716.1). A dentist unable to practice due to disability may request a 50% renewal-fee waiver.
Dental assisting license/permit renewal fees
| License/Permit | Renewal fee | Late fee |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Dental Sedation Assistant (DSA) Permit | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Orthodontic Assistant (OA) Permit | $100.00 | $50.00 |
Dental hygiene license renewal fees (Dental Hygiene Board of California)
| License | Renewal fee | Delinquent fee (half of renewal) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) | $300.00 | $150.00 |
| Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions (RDHEF) | $300.00 | $150.00 |
The $300.00 RDH/RDHEF renewal fee took effect July 1, 2022. Both RDH/RDHEF renewal fees and RDHAP renewal fees are set and published by the DHBC; contact the DHBC at (916) 263–1978 or dhbc.ca.gov to confirm the current RDHAP-specific fee, which was not separately published in the materials reviewed for this page.
Selected permit fees (dentists)
| Permit | Renewal fee | Late fee |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Office Permit | $250.00 | $125.00 |
| Elective Facial Cosmetic Surgery Permit | $800.00 | $400.00 |
| Fictitious Name Permit | $325.00 | $162.50 |
| General Anesthesia Permit (GA/MGA) | $325.00 | $162.50 |
| Moderate Sedation Permit | $325.00 | $162.50 |
| Oral Conscious Sedation for Adults Certificate | $168.00 | $84.00 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Permit | $650.00 | $325.00 |
| Mobile Dental Clinic Permit | $100.00 | $50.00 |
Helpful Resources
California Board of Dentistry
Board contact information, licensing requirements, and complaint procedures.
Learn more →California Dental Association
Membership, contact details, and how the state dental association supports licensed dentists.
Learn more →License Requirements
See the exams, education, and application steps required to become a licensed dentist or dental hygienist in every state.
Learn more →CE Requirements
See how many continuing education hours are required to renew your license in each state, and which courses qualify.
Learn more →How to Verify a License
Verify a dentist's or hygienist's license status using each state board's official lookup tool.
Learn more →How to File a Complaint
Step-by-step guidance on filing a complaint against a dentist or hygienist with your state dental board.
Learn more →Disciplinary Actions
How state dental boards investigate and discipline dentists, and how to check a practitioner's public record.
Learn more →Dental Specialties
The 12 recognized dental specialties explained, from orthodontics to oral surgery, and how specialty licensing works.
Learn more →This page is your California renewal starting point
Fees and deadlines above cover what it takes to renew, but continuing education specifics and complaint procedures live on the board's main page. Before you renew, verify your license status is current and in good standing using the tool above.