Welcome to the Dental Board of California

Clinical Examination - General Information and Updates

Introduction to the Clinical Examination

The Dental Board gives the Clinical Examination two to five times a year. To qualify for the Clinical Examination, you must meet the following criteria:
  • Submit a completed application, received by the Board by posted filing periods
  • Pay all Fees
  • Proof of successfully completing Parts I and II of National Boards
  • Satisfactory evidence of liability insurance
  • Provide a classifiable set of fingerprints. (A dental license will not be issued until clearance has been received by the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.)
  • Provide proof of graduation from a dental school approved by the Commission of Dental Accreditation, or approved by the Dental Board.

graduates of Non-Accredited Dental Schools

In order to be eligible to take the California licensing examination, you will need to successfully complete an approved International Dental Studies Program. Approved programs are those accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or approved by the Board. A list of approved programs is available through the American Dental Association's web site at www.ada.org. A post-graduate speciality or advanced program does not meet this requirement.

Clinical Examination-Specific information

Handbook - California Dental Licensure Examination 2009
Currently, licensure candidates are tested on the following subjects:
  • Endodontics
  • Removable Prosthodontics Evaluation
  • Periodontics
  • Class II Amalgam Restoration
  • Class III or IV Composite Resin Restoration
  • Simulated Fixed Prosthetics
  • California Law and Ethics (included)

Licensure candidates must also successfully complete a written examination in California Dental Laws and Ethics prior to becoming licensed.


For more information about the Clinical Examination, call Eric Rivera at (916) 263-2510 or e-mail him at Eric_Rivera@dca.ca.gov.