California dental hygienist CE requirements
To renew an California dental hygiene license you need 25 CE hours every 2 years. Here's the full breakdown, mandated topics, delivery limits, and CPR, straight from the board's rules.
The full California requirement
- Total hours
- 25 hours every 2 years
- Category minimums
- Practice management: max 5 hrs · max 20%
- Mandated topics
- Infection control: 2 hrs · Ethics / jurisprudence: 2 hrs
- Delivery limits
- Self-study ≤ 12.5 hrs
- CPR / BLS
- Required, must be current
- Credit sources
- Presenting: ≤ 5 hrs · ≤ 20%
- First renewal
- Exempt
Source: California board ↗ · Last reviewed June 25, 2026.
California dental hygienist CE, FAQ
How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in California?
Registered dental hygienists in California must complete 25 continuing-education hours every 2 years to renew their license.
How often do California dental hygienists renew their license?
California renews dental hygiene licenses on a every 2 years cycle, and CE is measured over a 24-month window.
Does California require CPR for dental hygienist renewal?
Yes. California requires a current CPR/BLS certification that is current at renewal.
What CE topics are required for dental hygienists in California?
In California, beyond the 25-hour total, the board specifies: Infection control: 2 hrs; Ethics / jurisprudence: 2 hrs.
How long should I keep my California CE certificates?
Keep your certificates of completion for at least your current renewal cycle and the one before it, most boards can request them in a random audit. A document vault that stores every certificate makes an audit a non-event.
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This summary is provided for convenience and may not reflect the most recent rule changes. Always confirm requirements with the California board before relying on them for renewal.