1110 Department of Consumer Affairs, Boards
Program Descriptions

36 - DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

The Dental Board of California establishes minimal standards of competency for those individuals seeking to practice as a dentist, registered dental hygienist, registered dental assistant, dental auxiliary in extended function, or dental hygienist in alternative practice. The Board enforces standards to protect California dental consumers from incompetent dental practitioners, and the utilization of dental auxiliaries contributes to providing quality dental services to Californians.

Between July 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, the Dental Board operated as a bureau under the Department of Consumer Affairs pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 101.1(b). Effective January 1, 2009, the Dental Board's sunset date was extended pursuant to Chapter 35, Statutes of 2008 (AB 1545). Therefore, it became a board again effective January 1, 2009.

The Committee on Dental Auxiliaries managed the licensing and examination processes for dental auxiliary professions, coordinated the approval process (including curriculum and site evaluation) of postsecondary dental assisting vocational education programs, and made recommendations to the Dental Board on all aspects of the dental auxiliary professions. This included making recommendations regarding legislation and regulations that affected dental auxiliaries.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries was replaced by two separate committees, the State Dental Assistant Committee, and the Dental Hygiene Committee pursuant to Chapter 31, Statutes of 2008 (SB 853).

The State Dental Assistant Committee manages the licensing and examination processes for dental assistants, coordinates the approval process (including curriculum and site evaluation) of postsecondary dental assisting vocational education programs, and makes recommendations to the Dental Board on all aspects of the dental assisting profession. This includes making recommendations regarding legislation and regulations that affect dental assistants.