{"application_form_url":"https://www.dbc.ca.gov/formspubs/index.shtml","application_portal_url":"https://www.breeze.ca.gov","board_contact_url":"https://www.dbc.ca.gov/about_us/contact_us.shtml","board_email":"dentalboard@dca.ca.gov","board_fax":null,"board_mailing_address":null,"board_name":"Dental Board of California","board_parent_org":null,"board_phone":"(916) 263-2300","board_physical_address":null,"board_source_url":null,"board_url":null,"canonical_url":null,"ce_requirements_url":null,"common_delays":[{"description":"Missing course certificates or unsigned work experience forms are the most common reasons for delays. Ensure all attachments are uploaded to BreEZe.","title":"Incomplete Applications"},{"description":"Hard cards often have higher rejection rates due to poor print quality. Using Live Scan in California is highly recommended for faster processing.","title":"Fingerprint Rejections"},{"description":"Some course certificates, like the Dental Practice Act, must be completed within two years of the application date. Check expiration dates before submitting.","title":"Expired Certificates"}],"compact_member":null,"compact_name":null,"compact_privilege_fee":null,"created_at":"2026-04-11T20:10:33.923197+00:00","credential_type":null,"description":null,"endorsement_application_url":null,"endorsement_fees":null,"endorsement_steps":[{"description":"California does not offer direct reciprocity for out-of-state dental assistants. You must meet the same education or work experience requirements as in-state applicants.","title":"Verify Eligibility","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Even if licensed elsewhere, you must complete California Board-approved courses in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, and Pit and Fissure Sealants.","title":"Complete California-Specific Courses","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Request fingerprint hard cards from the Board if you cannot visit a Live Scan location in California.","title":"Submit Out-of-State Fingerprints","url":null,"url_label":null}],"exam_registration_url":"https://www.psiexams.com/","faqs":[{"answer":"No, a basic Dental Assistant (DA) is unlicensed but must complete 8 hours of Infection Control, 2 hours of Dental Practice Act, and BLS within a specific timeframe of employment.","question":"Do I need a license to work as a basic Dental Assistant?"},{"answer":"Processing times vary, but it typically takes 4-8 weeks for the Board to review an application and authorize the exam.","question":"How long does the application process take?"},{"answer":"Written exam results are provided immediately at the PSI testing center upon completion of the test.","question":"When will I receive my exam results?"},{"answer":"Initial licenses are pro-rated based on your birth month and year; subsequent renewals will occur every two years.","question":"Why does my license expire in less than two years?"}],"fee_payment_url":null,"fingerprint_delay_weeks":null,"fingerprint_fee":null,"fingerprint_method_in_state":null,"fingerprint_method_out_of_state":null,"fingerprint_required":true,"fingerprint_url":null,"fingerprint_vendor":null,"fingerprint_vendor_url":null,"initial_fee_amount":120.0,"initial_fee_breakdown":null,"last_updated":null,"last_verified":null,"license_duration":null,"licensing_pathway":null,"payload_url":null,"processing_time":"8 to 9 Weeks","profession":"Dental Assistant","provisional_info":null,"reciprocity_info":null,"renewal_cycle":"Every 2 years","renewal_fee_amount":null,"renewal_portal_url":"https://www.breeze.ca.gov","required_documents":[{"description":"The primary application for licensure, typically submitted online via BreEZe.","name":"RDA Application Form","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Form signed by the supervising dentist to verify 15 months of work experience (if not using the education pathway).","name":"Work Experience Certification (RDA1)","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Official certificates for Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Infection Control, and Dental Practice Act.","name":"Course Completion Certificates","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Copy of a current Basic Life Support card from an approved provider (AHA or ARC).","name":"BLS/CPR Card","url":null,"url_label":null}],"slug":"california-da","state_name":"California","state_slug":"california","statutes_url":null,"steps":[{"description":"Graduate from a Board-approved RDA educational program or complete at least 15 months (1,280 hours) of satisfactory work experience as a dental assistant in the U.S.","title":"Complete Required Education or Work Experience","url":"https://www.dbc.ca.gov/applicants/become_licensed_rda.shtml","url_label":"View RDA Requirements"},{"description":"Complete courses in Radiation Safety (32 hrs), Coronal Polishing (12 hrs), Pit and Fissure Sealants (16 hrs), Infection Control (8 hrs), and the California Dental Practice Act (2 hrs).","title":"Complete Mandatory Board-Approved Courses","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Obtain a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.","title":"Obtain BLS Certification","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Create an account on the BreEZe portal and submit the 'Application for Registered Dental Assistant Examination and Licensure' along with the $120 fee.","title":"Submit Application via BreEZe","url":"https://www.breeze.ca.gov","url_label":"Apply Online"},{"description":"Submit fingerprints via Live Scan (if in California) or hard cards (if out-of-state) for a criminal history background check.","title":"Complete Fingerprinting","url":null,"url_label":null},{"description":"Once the Board approves your application, schedule and pass the RDA Combined Written and Law and Ethics Examination through PSI.","title":"Pass the RDA Written Examination","url":"https://www.psiexams.com/","url_label":"Schedule Exam"}],"temp_license_available":false,"temp_license_duration":null,"temp_license_fee":null,"temp_license_processing_time":null,"updated_at":"2026-05-03T08:28:55.097317+00:00","verify_license_url":"https://search.dca.ca.gov/"}