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2025 California Code
Business and Professions Code - BPC
DIVISION 2 - HEALING ARTS
CHAPTER 4 - Dentistry
ARTICLE 2 - Admission and Practice
Section 1632.

Universal Citation:
CA Bus & Prof Code § 1632 (2025)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.
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1632. (a) The board shall require each applicant to successfully complete the written examination of the National Board Dental Examination of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.

(b) The board shall require each applicant to successfully complete an examination in California law and ethics developed and administered by the board. The board shall provide a separate application for this examination. The board shall ensure that the law and ethics examination reflects current law and regulations, and ensure that the examinations are randomized. Applicants shall submit this application and required fee to the board in order to take this examination. In addition to the aforementioned application, the only other requirement for taking this examination shall be certification from the dean of the qualifying dental school or the dean’s delegate attended by the applicant that the applicant has graduated, or will graduate, or is expected to graduate. Applicants who submit completed applications and certification from the dean at least 15 days prior to a scheduled examination shall be scheduled to take the examination. Successful results of the examination shall, as established by board regulation, remain valid for two years from the date that the applicant is notified of having passed the examination.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in Section 1632.5, the board shall require each applicant to have taken and received a passing score on one of the following:

(1) A clinical and written examination administered by the Western Regional Examining Board within five years prior to the date of their application for a license under this section.

(2) The clinical and written examination developed by the American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc., within five years prior to the date of their application for a license under this section.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 1628, the board is authorized to do either of the following:

(1) Approve an application for examination from, and to examine an applicant who is enrolled in, but has not yet graduated from, a reputable dental school approved by the board.

(2) Accept the results of an examination described in subdivision (c) submitted by an applicant who was enrolled in, but had not graduated from, a reputable dental school approved by the board at the time the examination was administered.

In either case, the board shall require the dean of that school or the dean’s delegate to furnish satisfactory proof that the applicant will graduate within one year of the date the examination was administered.

(e) The board may determine the testing format, as related to patients, for the examination provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 483, Sec. 4. (SB 1453) Effective January 1, 2025.)

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