Answers to your questions
As a dentist, what cosmetic procedures can I offer patients?
A general dentist may not use a drug or device solely for cosmetic purposes. The dental board has advised that cosmetic procedures, and the use of appropriate products for those procedures, that are performed for one of the purposes laid out in the California dental scope of practice (Section 1625) and are part of a dental treatment plan fall within the definition of the practice of dentistry.
Sign in to read CDA’s summary of the board’s position in the Compliance Guide to the Dental Practice Act
Do I need to take the board-required opioid course if I don’t prescribe controlled substances?
Yes. Every license renewal period, all active licensed dentists must complete a board-approved course on Responsibilities and Requirements for Prescribing Controlled Substances. The board requirement applies to all active licensed dentists, including those who do not have a DEA registration.
Sign in to access the California dental board-approved course at a member-exclusive discount through CDA’s on-demand learning platform.
What are the courses an unlicensed DA is required to complete and by when?
An unlicensed individual who performs disinfection, sterilization or other tasks in the back office must complete the following courses:
- an 8-hr board approved infection control course prior to being exposed to blood or saliva;
- a board-approved California Dental Practice Act course before or within one year of hire; and
- a basic life support course offered by one of three board-approved programs. The Basic Life Support certificate must remain current at all times.
To take radiographs or perform coronal polishing, the unlicensed DA must also complete specified board-approved courses.
What are the courses are required to renew my dental license?
Where can I obtain the newly updated HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices?
Sign in to cda.org view and download an updated Sample Notice of Privacy Practices.
Resources for members
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Regulatory Compliance Manual
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Teresa Pichay, CHPC
Regulatory Compliance Analyst
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