The California Dental Association highlighted updates and changes to the Dental Practice Act, affecting dental permits, dental practice staffing and dental assistant scope of practice, according to a Feb. 19 news release from the organization.
Here are six things for dentists to know:
1. Legislation that creates three new pathways to registered dental assistant licensure was passed and takes effect July 1.
2. The three new pathways are RDA preceptorship, alternative educational programs and DANB certified dental assistant.
3. The CDA said that the expanded paths to licensure will help alleviate staffing shortages at dental practices.
4. Dental assistants are now approved to perform coronal polishing duties after completion of a board-approved course.
5. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, dental assistants who are board-certified for expanded functions and have completed board-approved courses may perform enhanced tasks and duties under the direction of a supervising dentist.
6. There are two additional categories on education that are acceptable toward continuing education credits for dentists: The impact of the licensee’s mental health and wellness on the delivery of dental services as well as diversity, equity and inclusion and its impact on the delivery of dental services.
Source: 6 changes to know about California’s Dental Practice Act / Becker’s Dental + DSO Review