How to renew your California dental hygiene license
To renew your California dental hygiene license you need 25 CE hours every 2 years, and your renewal is due by the end of your birth month, every 2 years. Here are the steps, the CE you need, and the official California renewal portal.
How to renew your California dental hygiene license
Know your renewal deadline
California renews dental hygiene licenses every 2 years, due by the end of your birth month, every 2 years. The board does not always send a reminder, so put the date on your calendar.
Complete your CE hours
California requires 25 CE hours every 2 years, including Infection control: 2 hrs; Ethics / jurisprudence: 2 hrs. See the full California CE requirements for category limits and delivery rules.
Keep your CE certificates
Save a certificate of completion for every course. California uses self-attestation, so keep your own records, and the board can request proof in a random audit.
Submit your renewal to the board
Renew and pay your fee on the official California board renewal page ↗. The current fee and online portal are listed there.
California dental hygiene license renewal, FAQ
When do I need to renew my California dental hygiene license?
California renews dental hygiene licenses every 2 years, due by the end of your birth month, every 2 years. Renewing on time keeps your license active and avoids late penalties.
How do I renew my California dental hygiene license?
Complete your 25 CE hours, keep your certificates, then submit your renewal and fee through the official California board renewal portal.
How much does it cost to renew a California dental hygiene license?
Renewal fees are set by the California board and can change, so the current fee is listed on the board's official renewal page, linked on this page.
How many CE hours do I need to renew my license in California?
California requires 25 continuing-education hours every 2 years. Beyond the total, the board specifies: Infection control: 2 hrs; Ethics / jurisprudence: 2 hrs.
What happens if I miss my California renewal deadline?
Most boards charge a late fee and move the license to an expired or inactive status until you renew, and practicing on a lapsed license is not allowed. Check the California board's renewal page for the exact late and reinstatement rules.
Never miss a California renewal again
DentaReady knows the California rules. Log a course once and it tallies your hours, stores every certificate, and tells you exactly what is left before your renewal, across every state you are licensed in.
More on the free CEU tracker, the RDH CE tracker, and the license renewal tracker.
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Source: California board ↗ · Last reviewed June 25, 2026.
This renewal summary is provided for convenience and may not reflect the most recent rule or fee changes. Always confirm requirements and fees with the California board before renewing.