Tables of Permitted Duties

Dental practices utilizing dental auxiliaries must post a notice that describes their allowable duties and functions within stipulated settings and/or circumstances.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Appendix A - Laws and Regulations Impacting Dentistry in California

Lists and summarizes the laws and regulations applicable to California dental practices.

Leaves of Absence Laws that Apply to Employers in California

This resource list provides information about varied state and federal leaves of absence laws that may pertain to a covered employer. Leaves of absence laws cover a variety of specifically defined reasons. Covered employer, employee eligibility, job and benefits-protections and any pay requirements (if any) can vary by leave.

In some instances, several leaves of absence can apply to one employee for the same reason.

Any corresponding required notices can be found in the CDA Required Poster Set or in Required Postings in a Dental Office.

Buyer Due Diligence: Equipment Audit

Inspecting the office’s equipment is an essential part of the due diligence process before buying a dental practice. Use this list to conduct a thorough equipment inspection.

Regulatory Compliance Tips and Legal Considerations for New Dentists

Actions a new dentist should take once they have obtained their California dental license, and regulatory and legal considerations of which every dentist must be aware.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Chapter 7 - Regulatory Compliance

Answers to questions about complying with Cal/OSHA regulations, HIPAA, regulated waste management and radiation safety.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Chapter 6 - Collections and Dental Benefit Plans

Answers to frequently asked questions on patient payments, collections and dental benefit plans.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Chapter 5 - Patient Considerations

Answers to questions on a dentist’s obligation to patients with regard to examination, diagnosis and treatment; communication; access to records; their unique concerns and more.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Chapter 4 - Employment Law

Provides answers to a series of questions related to employment laws or requirements. Employers are obligated to understand and comply with these laws.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Chapter 3 - Dental Practice Act

Contains answers to frequently asked questions about the CDPA and compliance.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Chapter 2 - Practice Considerations

This Chapter addresses Practice Considerations including but not limited to: Business Structures, Licences & Permits, Contracts, Antitrust, Malpractice, Tax Issues, Office Design and Marketing.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Chapter 1 - Introduction

An overview of how to use the complete guide, what laws apply to dentistry and how they work, and what CDA's attorneys can do for you.

Legal Reference Guide for California Dentists: Appendix D - Dental Provider Contracts Terms

Term and termination; liability; referrals; utilization review; grievance system

Buyer Due Diligence: Patient Chart Audit

When buying a dental practice, the patient chart audit is a critical part of both the due diligence process and your potential for long-term success. The audit allows you to visually validate the reports presented by the seller and should be conducted in collaboration with a dental CPA, dental attorney or consultant. This resource provides a list of essential elements to review when auditing patient charts.

Flu Information for Health Professionals

Key information for health care professionals on vaccination and prevention of the flu.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Communication Resources

Links to external resources.

Regulatory Compliance Manual: Table of Contents and Use Instructions

Review the instructions for recommendations on how to best implement this program in your practice. Also download a table of contents for your binder.

Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Due to ongoing concern with transmission of airborne illnesses, a dental practice should review updated CDPH and CDC guidance on facility ventilation and air quality.

Reporting Symptoms, Exposure or Positive Test for COVID-19: Employee Tracking Form

Use this form when an employee reports symptoms, exposure, or a positive test for COVID-19 to help track the incident. This continues to be required until Feb. 3, 2026.

Best Defense Against Disability Lawsuits

An overview of dental practice responsibilities under Americans with Disabilities Act and state disability laws. 

FAQs for Scheduling and Paying Employees in the Event of an Emergency

Unexpected emergencies can affect your practice and your employees. Below are a few common scenarios employers should know about paying and scheduling their California employees.

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)

Establishing a team of strong performers plan takes a lot of effort and communication and gives employees a chance to learn and grow. If an employee has recurring performance issues, work with them on a performance improvement plan (PIP). Using a PIP instead of terminating an employee can lead to better practice harmony and employee morale.

 

California Dental Practice Act Compliance Guide

Summarizes portions of the Dental Practice Act in effect as of Jan. 1, 2025 and organizes information in alphabetical order by subject. Citations are provided to appropriate California laws and regulations.

California Dental Licensure Options

A summary of the pathways to obtain a California dental license, the first of many licenses, permits, certificates and registrations necessary to practice dentistry, as well as to own and operate a dental practice, in the state.

Dental Office Waste Management and Disposal Options

Information and options for managing medical, hazardous, and universal wastes. Includes a list of mail-back vendors.

Associate Legal Relationships

As an associate, there are several ways to structure the relationship between you and the employer. In this resource, we review different options.

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