California Dental Practice Act

Many dental continuing education course queries are received related to the topic of "What exactly is the Dental Practice Act?". 

Our 2-hour California-required CE course on the topic is available at: CA Practice Act Course

The California Dental Practice Act is a compilation of laws, rules and regulations governing the practice of dentistry within the State of California. The Dental Practice Act has been developed as part of the California Business and Professions Code (CBPC) and the California Code of Regulations (CCR) which govern the entire spectrum of dental professionals within California. This includes the practice of general dentists, dental specialists (periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, oral pathologists, and oral/maxillofacial surgeons), dental hygienists, and dental assistants. The Dental Practice Act provides serves as a framework and legal guide to the practice of dentistry for dental professionals as well as the general public (patients). The Act covers such areas as dental education, licensing requirements, licensing of dental professionals with foreign education credentials, dental continuing education, advertising limitations, ethical conduct, legal restrictions on the practice of dental hygienists and assistants, requirements for supervision of auxillaries, definitions of the scope of practice of dentistry, laws regarding the prescribing of drugs, identifying and reporting abuse and neglect, legal violations and penalties, etc. The Act is a comprehensive compilation of statutes and laws regulating all aspects of dentistry within the State of California. The California Dental Board requires every licensed dental professional to familiarize themselves with the Act and receive 2 hours of dental continuing education regarding the Dental Practice Act during each 2-year dental license renewal period. A 2-hour CE course meeting this requirement is available on our website at: Dental Didactics CE