How many CE hours does a California Dental Hygienist need?

25 CE contact hours every 2 years, per the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC). 25 CE units every 2 years, including the Dental Practice Act and infection control. Always confirm with the board.

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CE requirements › California Dental Hygienist

California Dental Hygienist: CE & renewal requirements

25 CE contact hours every 2 years

Biennial — a 2-year renewal cycle.

Source: Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) · confirmed 2026-06. Requirements change — always verify with the board.

Required topics

2 hrs California Dental Practice Act
2 hrs Infection Control
Basic Life Support (hands-on)

First renewal & exemptions

No CE required for the first renewal period after initial licensure.

If your license lapses

You must renew with CE complete; practicing on an expired license is prohibited (late renewal needs a delinquency fee).

How CE is tracked

Self-attest; random DHBC audits — keep proof. Providers must be DHBC / ADA CERP / AGD PACE approved.

Watch out: Max 50% (12.5 units) may be self-study, max 8 units per day, and BLS must be hands-on (not online-only).

Are you on track? Check free

Enter your license expiration and CE hours completed — see what you still owe, the pace to finish, and your reminder schedule. No signup.

Informational only, based on the numbers you enter — not legal or licensing advice, and not an official record. Confirm your exact requirement and current status with the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC).