If you hold a California dental license, the Dental Board of California requires 50 units of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. Within that total, California mandates specific courses in infection control, the California Dental Practice Act, and current Basic Life Support (CPR). Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
50 units / 2 years
Fifty CE units each biennial renewal cycle.
Infection control
Mandatory infection control course each cycle.
Dental Practice Act
Mandatory California Dental Practice Act course each cycle.
Basic Life Support
Current BLS/CPR certification from an instructor-led course.
How many CE units California dentists need
California requires 50 units of continuing education every two years, tied to the biennial license renewal cycle.
Mandated subject requirements
- Basic Life Support: current BLS/CPR certification from an instructor-led course.
- Infection control: mandatory course each cycle.
- California Dental Practice Act: mandatory course each cycle.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
California dental licenses renew every two years. Complete and document your 50 units before your renewal date.
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View pricingCalifornia Dentists CME at a glance
- Basic Life Support (CPR)Required · ongoing
Licensees must maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification from an in-person or live-online instructor-led course; the BLS hours count toward the 50-unit total.
- Infection Control2 hrs
A mandatory course in infection control consistent with California's minimum standards must be completed each renewal cycle (typically 2 units).
- California Dental Practice Act2 hrs
A mandatory course on the California Dental Practice Act must be completed each renewal cycle (typically 2 units).
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Dental Board of California requires 50 units of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. Certain mandated courses (Basic Life Support, infection control, the California Dental Practice Act) carry specific requirements.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Dental Board of California before relying on these figures.
Source: Dental Board of California. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
California Dentist CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE units do California dentists need?
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50 units every two years.
Does California require an infection control course for dentists?
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Yes — a mandatory infection control course is required each renewal cycle.
Is the Dental Practice Act course required in California?
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Yes — a California Dental Practice Act course is required each renewal cycle.
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