How to Verify a License for a California Dentist

• Search Instructions
• Definitions of License Status
• Definitions of License Types
• Go to License Verification
• Enforcement Terminology

SEARCH INSTRUCTIONS FOR LICENSE LOOKUP

You can look up the current status of California-licensed Dentist, Registered Dental Assistant or Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions. When you locate the name you are searching for, double-click on the name for more complete information. If there have been any final disciplinary actions against a licensee, that will be noted, and you will find a link to additional information about the enforcement action(s).

How to complete the search form:

• Name
  • Last Name ONLY or Last AND First Name. Partial last names OR complete last names and partial first names may be used for a search. For example: A search on “jons” will result in a list that includes Jons, Jonson, and Jonsen. This is helpful if you are not sure of the exact spelling of a name. If you know the city or county, adding that information will narrow the search.
• Match any part of name
  • Click this radio button to look up a licensee using any part of his or her name.
• License Number
  • Use numbers only, no alphabetical characters. Searching by license number will locate results for that license number only.
• City
  • You may search for all licenses in a city, OR you may narrow your search by entering a name or license number AND a city.
• County
  • You may search for all licenses in a county, OR you may narrow your search by entering a name or license number AND a county.
• New Search
  • Before starting a new search, use the CLEAR button before entering new information.

For lists of licensees, including lists by branch of licensure and location (such as county), contact the following office:

Department of Consumer Affairs
Public Information Unit
Public_Sales@dca.ca.gov
(916) 574-8150

Definitions of License Status

Clear: The license is current and valid.

Cancelled: The license has been delinquent for more than five years. The right to practice has expired.

Deceased: The licensee is deceased. This status is only assigned when a copy of the licensee’s death certificate has been sent to the Board.

Delinquent: The expiration date has passed, and the license has not been renewed. Delinquent licenses may be renewed within five years. Delinquent licensees do not have the right to practice.

Denied: The license has been denied pursuant to Section 17520 of the Family Code. The licensee does not have the right to practice.

150 Day Temp Lic: The licensee has been issued a temporary 150-day license pursuant to Section 17520 of the Family Code. The licensee may still practice.

Retired: The licensee has been issued a retired license by the Board. The licensee may no longer practice.

Revoked: The license is terminated, and the right to practice is ended. Revocation is the result of a disciplinary action.

Suspended: The licensee is prohibited from practicing for a specific period of time. Suspension is the result of a disciplinary action.

Voluntary Surrender/Surrender of License: The license has been voluntarily returned to the Board, and the right to practice is ended. Voluntary surrender is usually as the result of a disciplinary action.

definitions of license types

• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
  • C = they are only allowed to perform coronal polishing
  • X = they are allowed to expose radiographs
  • S = they are allowed to apply pit and fissure sealants
  • U = they are allowed to perform ultrasonic scaling for orthodontic procedures
  • All = they are allowed to perform all five duties (If a person is allowed to perform more than one duty, “COR” will become “C” and “ULT” will become “U”).
• Registered Dental Assistant Extended Functions (RDAEF)
  • S = they are allowed to apply pit and fissure sealants
  • U = they are allowed to perform ultrasonic scaling for orthodontic procedures