California Dental License Renewal
Updated August 2026
Quick Answer
California dentists must renew their licenses through Dental Board of California on a biennial basis under state dental practice law, submitting a $680.00 renewal fee to maintain active licensure. Renewal requires completing 50 hours of continuing education every 2 years and staying in compliance with board requirements to remain in good standing.
Open Official California Dental Board Portal ↗Continuing Education
50 hrs
every 2 years
License Renewal
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee (Dentist)
$680.00
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 |
Compare Other Renewal Pages
These share California's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing renewal costs and cycles across nearby states.
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Learn more →How to Verify a License
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