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 new process took effect Jan. 1 through legislation introduced by Assemblymember Evan
Low (D-Campbell). The Legislature passed AB 2113 with bipartisan support, and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law last September.
The new law allows the following individuals to apply for expedited licensure:
- Refugees pursuant to section 1157 of title 8 of the United States Code.
- Individuals granted asylum by the secretary of Homeland Security or the U.S. attorney general pursuant to section 1158 of title 8 of the United States Code.
- Individuals with a special immigrant visa who were granted a status pursuant to section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, Public Law 109-163, or section 602(b) of title VI of division F of Public Law 111-8.
Individuals will need to provide documentation of their refugee, asylee or special immigrant visa status when submitting their application package. For example, a Form I-94 with an admission code of “RE” or “AY” or other information designating the individual is a refugee or asylee could be used.
The Department of Consumer Affairs’ webpage on the expedited licensure review process provides other examples of acceptable documentation plus contact information for those who have questions or need language assistance.
The expedited process does not guarantee that the dental board will issue a license. Individuals applying through this process are still required to meet all licensure requirements.