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Dentist (DDS/DMD) · California

California dentist CE/CEU requirements

To renew a California dental license you need 50 CE hours every 2 years. Here's the full breakdown, mandated topics, delivery limits, and CPR, straight from the board's rules.

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CE hours50
Renewal cycleevery 2 years
CPR / BLSRequired
CE trackingSelf-attestation

The full California requirement

Total hours
50 hours every 2 years
Mandated topics
Infection control: 2 hrs · Ethics / jurisprudence: 2 hrs · Opioids: 2 hrs
Delivery limits
Self-study ≤ 25 hrs
CPR / BLS
Required, must be current
Credit sources
Presenting: ≤ 10 hrs · ≤ 20%
First renewal
Exempt

Source: California board ↗ · Last reviewed June 25, 2026.

California dentist CE, FAQ

How many CE hours do dentists need in California?

Licensed dentists (DDS/DMD) in California must complete 50 continuing-education hours every 2 years to renew their license.

How often do California dentists renew their license?

California renews dental licenses on a every 2 years cycle, and CE is measured over a 24-month window.

Does California require CPR for dentist renewal?

Yes. California requires a current CPR/BLS certification that is current at renewal.

What CE topics are required for dentists in California?

In California, beyond the 50-hour total, the board specifies: Infection control: 2 hrs; Ethics / jurisprudence: 2 hrs; Opioids: 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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DentaReady knows the California rules. Log a course once and it tallies your hours, category minimums, and delivery limits, stores every certificate, and tells you exactly what's left before your renewal, across every state you're licensed in.

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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.