California Dentist CE

How many CE hours do California dentists need?

California dentist CE totals 50 units every 2 years, and your license expires on the last day of your birth month, in the odd or even year that matches your birth year. Your renewal notice shows your exact expiration date ( Dental Board of California, Continuing Education ). Ten of the 50 units are mandated topics and the other 40 are general dental CE. Start with the California dentist CE package . Looking for a different license? See California dental hygienist CE and California registered dental assistant CE .

Which CE topics are required for California dentists?

Every renewal you need 2 units of California infection control , 2 units of the California Dental Practice Act , which now includes professional ethics, and 2 units on the responsibilities and requirements of prescribing Schedule II opioids ( Dental Board of California ). You must also complete Basic Life Support certification with a live, in-person skills session, and up to 4 units count toward your 50. An online-only BLS course does not qualify. A dentist with a DEA registration completes the federal DEA MATE training once ( DEA MATE Act FAQ ).

Do California sedation and anesthesia permits require extra CE?

Yes, and the units are counted within your 50, not added on top. A General Anesthesia permit holder completes 24 units, a Moderate Sedation permit holder 15 units, an Oral Conscious Sedation permit holder 7 units and a Pediatric Minimal Sedation permit holder 7 units ( Dental Board of California ). Our sedation and anesthesia course covers 2 units of the knowledge portion, and our pharmacology of local anesthetics and sedation course covers 4 units. A Pediatric Minimal Sedation permit holder is exempt from that permit's 7 units at the permit's first renewal only ( Dental Board of California, pediatric sedation permit ).

Do California dentists need live CE?

Yes. No more than 50 percent of your 50 units may come from correspondence, self-study or other non-live coursework, so at least 25 units must be live ( Dental Board of California ). Your in-person BLS skills session counts as live. Use the California dentist CE package for the non-live units and add live CE through our live webinars . Confirm with the Board that a specific live webinar meets its live definition.

Does California accept AGD PACE credit?

California accepts CE from recognized providers, and you keep certificates of completion in case the Board audits you ( Dental Board of California ). AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503). Your certificate is available the moment you finish a course.

Do newly licensed California dentists need CE for their first renewal?

No. A dentist's first license renewal after initial licensure is fully exempt from the 50-unit requirement, including the mandated topic courses. The obligation begins with the second renewal ( Dental Board of California, renewal information ).

Does California audit dentist CE?

Yes. California has no state tracking platform for dentists, and you self-certify your CE when you renew. The Board runs random audits, and non-compliance can lead to citations and fines. Keep your certificates of completion for 3 renewal periods ( Dental Board of California ). AchieveCE reports your completions to AGD PACE within 24 business hours, and your certificate is available the moment you finish a course. Our support team is on live chat, email, and phone, 7 days a week.

Other California dental licenses: California dental hygienist CE and California registered dental assistant CE . Try Free dental CE before you buy, and browse every state and license in our CE course finder .

Last verified: October 25, 2026

Sources

• Dental Board of California, Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal of a License or Permit

• Dental Board of California, Continuing Education

• Dental Board of California, Renewal Information

• Dental Board of California, Pediatric Minimal Sedation Permit

• DEA Diversion Control Division, MATE Act Training FAQ