General Licensee/Applicant FAQs

Can I request a paper application for my RDH, RDHAP, RDHEF or Fictitious Name Permit renewal?

Although licensees are highly encouraged to use the BreEZe online system, you can request a paper application.

The request can be made by email, fax, mail or phone, be sure to include your full name, license number and address of record.

  • Email: dhbcapplicantsinfo@dca.ca.gov
  • Fax: (916) 623-4093
  • Phone: (916) 263-1978
  • Mail: Dental Hygiene Board of California 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350 Sacramento, CA 95815

How do I submit a Name Change request?

Log into your BreEZe Account and under the Manage Your License tab, click the drop-down menu and select Change of Name and follow the prompts. If you do not have an existing account with BreEZe, you will need to register a New User.

Or submit the Licensees Request for Name or Address Change form by email, fax, or mail.

  • Email: dhbcinfo@dca.ca.gov
  • Fax: (916) 623-4093
  • Mail: Dental Hygiene Board of California 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350 Sacramento, CA 95815

How do I update my address?

Log into your BreEZe Account and under the Manage Your License tab, click the drop-down menu and select Change of Name and follow the prompts. If you do not have an existing account with BreEZe, you will need to register a New User.

Or submit the Licensees Request for Name or Address Change form by email, fax, or mail.

  • Email: dhbinfo@dca.ca.gov
  • Fax: (916) 623-4093
  • Mail: Dental Hygiene Board of California 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350 Sacramento, CA 95815

If I pass the Law and Ethics Examination for licensure to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) do I have to wait for the physical license to work in California?

Yes, pursuant to Business and Professions Code § 1958, subdivision (c), it is a misdemeanor to engage “in the practice of dental hygiene without causing to be displayed in a conspicuous place in the person’s office the person’s license under the article to practice dental hygiene.”

You can verify your license status online at: www.breeze.ca.gov click on the License Search button and enter the requested information to find the license(s) of record in your name.

How long does it take to receive an initial or renewed pocket license?

Typically, it can take 2-3 weeks from the time the initial or renewal application is approved to receive your license. To determine if your application has been renewed, use the DCA License Search. If you confirm your expiration date has been extended and it has been more than 3 weeks, then email the Board at dhbcapplicantsinfo@dca.ca.gov to follow up on the pocket license.

How do I change my license status from Active to Inactive or Inactive to Active?

Note: The renewal fee for an Active or Inactive license is the same fee.

Log into your BreEZe Account and under the Manage Your License tab, click the drop-down menu and select Active/Inactive Application and follow the prompts. If you do not have an existing account with BreEZe, you will need to register a New User.

Or submit the Application to Activate/Inactivate License form by email, fax, or mail.

  • Email: dhbinfo@dca.ca.gov
  • Fax: (916) 623-4093
  • Mail: Dental Hygiene Board of California 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350 Sacramento, CA 95815

Can I perform whitening or bleaching services?

Registered Dental Hygienists are allowed to apply bleaching agents under general supervision pursuant to Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 1910 subdivision (c-d) which states:

1910.
A registered dental hygienist is authorized to perform the following procedures under general supervision:

  • The taking of impressions for bleaching trays and application and activation of agents with nonlaser, light-curing devices.
  • The taking of impressions for bleaching trays and placements of in-office, tooth-whitening devices.

Any whitening/bleaching procedures, when done as a sole practitioner and not under general supervision when using your RDH license is prohibited by law.

Pursuant to BPC § 1926, Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice are only authorized to perform the duties of BPC § 1907(a), 1908(a), and 1910(a) and (b). Bleaching, however, is found in BPC § 1910(c) and (d) and therefore is not authorized.

Is there a difference between the words whitening and bleaching?

No, they are interchangeable.

Can a dental hygienist use a laser to provide dental hygiene care?

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code § 1914, a registered dental hygienist may use any material or device approved for use in the performance of a service or procedure within his or her scope of practice under the appropriate level of supervision, if he or she has the appropriate education and training required to use the material or device. As such, if you have been educated and trained appropriately and are confident in the use of a laser for dental hygiene services and your supervising dentist is aware and has approved its use for practice, then you may use a laser for your dental hygiene treatments. This may include certification or simply adequate training in the use of a laser with all of the safety precautions.

How can I prove the required 2,000 work hours as an RDH when a DDS has passed away and the business is closed?

For licensure, an RDHAP must provide documentation of 2,000 work hours as an RDH. If a DDS has passed away and/or the business is closed, a Custodian of Records may sign off on the hours worked by completing the Certification of Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice form. The Custodian of Records will sign and certify the contents of the form under Penalty of Perjury under the laws of the State of California.

If a Custodian of Records is not available, then new hours will need to be accumulated to meet the requirements of licensure.