Before your next dental appointment in California, it's worth spending a few minutes confirming that your dentist is properly licensed. California makes this simple through a free, state-run search tool that covers every licensed profession in the state, including dentistry. This guide walks you through exactly how to use it.
Why Checking a Dentist's License Matters
Verifying a license before your visit can help you:
Confirm your dentist is currently authorized to practice in California
Catch an expired, delinquent, or disciplined license before you book
Review any final disciplinary actions on record
Avoid unlicensed or fraudulent practitioners
Make a more informed decision, especially with a provider you found through an ad, insurance directory, or online search
California's Official Dental Licensing Board
Dentists and dental assistants in California are licensed by the Dental Board of California (DBC), part of the state's Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Dental hygienists are licensed separately by the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC).
Dental Board of California website: dbc.ca.gov
Dental Hygiene Board of California website: dhbc.ca.gov
Official license lookup tool (DCA License Search): search.dca.ca.gov
Dental Board phone: (877) 729-7789 (toll-free) or (916) 263-2300
Dental Hygiene Board phone: (916) 263-1978
Both boards use the same underlying DCA License Search portal, so one tool covers dentists (DDS/DMD), dental assistants (RDA, RDAEF, OA, DSA), and dental hygienists (RDH, RDHAP, RDHEF).
Step-by-Step: How to Look Up a Dentist's License in California
Go to the DCA License Search page at search.dca.ca.gov.
Select the license type. Choose "Dentist" (or the relevant dental license category) from the list of professions.
Enter your search criteria. You can search by:
Last name only, or last and first name (partial names work — e.g., searching "jons" will surface Jons, Jonson, and Jonsen)
License number (numbers only, no letters)
City or county, to narrow results or browse all licensees in an area
Run the search and review the list of matches.
Open the full record — many search interfaces require you to double-click or click into a name to see complete details, including license status, issue date, and expiration date.
Look for a disciplinary flag. If there has been a final disciplinary action against a licensee, it will be noted on their record along with a link to more information about the enforcement action.
What Do the Different License Statuses Mean?
California's dental license statuses generally include:
Current/Active: The license is valid, has not expired, and the dentist is authorized to practice.
Current/Inactive: The license itself is still valid (not expired) but the practitioner isn't currently practicing under it. In some categories, "Current" covers both Active and Inactive sub-statuses.
Delinquent: The license expiration date has passed without renewal. A delinquent license generally cannot be used to practice, though it can typically be renewed within a set window (commonly up to five years) before being permanently cancelled.
Suspended: The Board has temporarily removed the dentist's right to practice, usually as the result of a disciplinary action.
Revoked: The Board has permanently terminated the license, typically after a serious violation of the Dental Practice Act.
Probation: The dentist may continue practicing but under specific conditions imposed by the Board following a disciplinary case.
Retired: The licensee has voluntarily retired their license. In some categories, a retired license can be reactivated only once, within a limited number of years.
Denied: The license application was denied and the individual does not have the right to practice.
Because rules differ slightly between the Dental Board (dentists/assistants) and the Dental Hygiene Board (hygienists), pay attention to which board's status definitions apply to the license type you're checking.
How to Interpret Disciplinary Actions or Public Complaints
The Dental Board of California's Enforcement Program investigates complaints alleging violations of the Dental Practice Act and can take disciplinary action when there's clear and convincing evidence of a violation. Importantly, the Board notes that many complaints it receives allege conduct that, while concerning, doesn't actually fall within its jurisdiction or violate the Dental Practice Act.
If a dentist's record in the DCA License Search shows a disciplinary action:
Click the linked enforcement information to review the details of the action
Note that these records typically reflect final disciplinary decisions, not pending investigations
If the information is unclear, contact the Dental Board directly at (877) 729-7789 or through its online contact form for clarification
What to Do If a Dentist's Status Looks Inactive, Suspended, or Concerning
Re-verify your search terms to make sure you're looking at the right person, especially with common names.
Read the full record, including any linked disciplinary information, rather than relying on the status label alone.
Call the appropriate board — (877) 729-7789 for dentists and dental assistants, or (916) 263-1978 for dental hygienists — if anything is unclear.
Ask the dental practice directly about any licensing questions; a legitimate office should be transparent.
Choose another provider if the license is confirmed delinquent, suspended, revoked, or denied, since your care shouldn't depend on someone who isn't currently authorized to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California's dental license lookup tool free?
Yes, the DCA License Search at search.dca.ca.gov is a free public service.
Do I need a license number to search?
No. You can search using just a last name; a license number, city, or county can help narrow the results.
What's the difference between the Dental Board of California and the Dental Hygiene Board of California?
The Dental Board of California licenses dentists and dental assistants, while the separate Dental Hygiene Board of California licenses dental hygienists. Both use the same DCA License Search tool, but each maintains its own status definitions and enforcement processes.
Can I see pending complaints against a dentist?
The public search tool generally reflects final disciplinary actions rather than pending investigations. For more detail on an open matter, contact the relevant board directly.
What does "delinquent" mean, and is it the same as suspended?
No. Delinquent means the license expired without renewal — an administrative lapse, not necessarily a disciplinary matter. Suspended means the Board has actively removed the dentist's right to practice, typically due to misconduct.
Closing Summary
Checking a dentist's license in California takes just a few minutes through the state's DCA License Search tool at search.dca.ca.gov. Confirm the license is current and active, review any noted disciplinary actions, and reach out to the Dental Board of California at (877) 729-7789 or the Dental Hygiene Board of California at (916) 263-1978 if you have questions. A little diligence up front can help you choose your dental care with confidence.