California Licensure

>> On-Line Professional Licensing for Dental Auxiliaries

Out of State
Registered dental hygienists are licensed in California by the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries, Dental Board of California. Applicants must pass both a clinical and written examination, and undergo a criminal history investigation, prior to receiving a license. Effective January 3, 2003, qualified registered dental hygienists from states outside of California may apply for licensure by credential. For specific details on the licensure by credential requirements, click here.

Foreign
In order to be eligible to take the clinical examination, applicants must have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in the United States of America, Canada or Puerto Rico. Successful completion of the National Board of Dental Examiners' examination for dental hygienists is required. Verification of completion of California Board-approved courses in periodontal soft tissue curettage, administration of local anesthetic agents and administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen is also required. Beginning in 2003, successful completion of an ethics and jurisprudence exam will also be required. Check the COMDA web site for additional details on this new requirement.

COMDA
To obtain information on taking the clinical board, go to the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries web site.

You may also write or call the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries.
Committee on Dental Auxiliaries (COMDA)
1428 Howe Avenue, Suite #58
Sacramento, CA 95825-1428
916-263-2595

Expanded Duties Courses
If you are not a graduate of a California dental hygiene program, we have listed the only two courses available in California for approved continuing education in periodontal soft tissue curettage, administration of local anesthetic agents and administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen:

Sacramento City College
Dental Hygiene Continuing Education
3835 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95822
916-558-2443
916-441-4142 (Fax)