Dental Hygiene License & Practice

The practice of dental hygiene in California is regulated by the Dental Hygiene Committee of California. Out of state hygienists interested in sitting for the dental hygiene licensure examination must complete the requirements established by DHCC. Licensure by credential is also available to for qualified applicants. The clinical examination schedule is available on the DHCC web site.

Dental hygienists in California are required to take 25 hours of continuing education every two years for licensure renewal including certification in basic life support, 2 units of infection control and 2 units of California law and the dental practice act. Specific continuing education course requirements are available on the DHCC web site.

For specific questions regarding the licensure process, licensure by credential and any inquires relating to regulations on the practice of dental hygiene in California, please contact the Committee of Dental Hygiene of California at: www.dhcc.ca.gov.

The Government Relations Council
The Government Relations Council of CDHA represents the interests of all registered dental hygienists in legislative matters affecting licensure and practice of dental hygiene in the state of California.
Click here to read the legislative updates from the CDHA Government Relations Council.