Dentists, registered dental hygienists and other professionals who have active California licenses that expire between March 1 and March 31 now have additional time to satisfy the examination and continuing education requirements for license renewal.

An expedited licensure application review process is now available for individuals in specific categories who apply for a professional license through California licensing boards, including dentists, RDAs and RDAEFs who apply for licensure through the Dental Board of California. 

The Dental Board of California will stop sending California-licensed dentists and others licensed by the board automated renewal application forms in the mail beginning July 2021. Licensees can expect to receive instead a postcard reminding them to renew online through BreEZe Online Services.

CDA has learned that dentists are receiving offers for COVID-19 rapid-test products and related services. For now, dentists should ignore the emails and other marketing outreach. Current state law prohibits dentists from obtaining the requisite lab licensure to perform and process rapid COVID-19 tests. 

California dentists, physicians and other specified licensees who renew their license beginning in April 2021 will see an increase in the regulatory fee assessed annually to cover the “reasonable costs” associated with operating and maintaining CURES 2.0 ― California’s prescription drug monitoring database.

California law requires that prescribers of controlled substances begin using new prescription forms beginning Jan. 1, 2021, to help reduce prescription fraud. The compliant forms contain unique serial numbers and barcodes that are linked to corresponding records in CURES. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s registration fee for prescribers will increase from $731 to $888 for a three-year period, according to the final rule published in the Federal Register last week. 
California dentists are required to have a DEA registration if they prescribe, administer or dispense any controlled substances.

The Dental Board of California has not altered the requirements related to how the required basic life support course is to be conducted and completed. A portion of the course may be completed online, but licensees must still complete a live, in-person skills practice session. 

The July issue of Journal of the California Dental Association focuses on dental licensure. Articles highlight the history of dental licensure in California, clinical competency assessments and more.