Application for Licensure Based on Passing the WREB Examination - Licensure by WREB

Applicants can obtain licensure based on completion of a clinical examination and graduation from a dental school that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or approved by the Dental Board of California (Board). Authority: Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 1632 and California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 16, section 1028.

Updates: Dental Board of California Acceptance of WREB and ADEX Manikin-Based Examinations

Application Requirements

Before applying to the Board for a dentist license, all applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Submit a completed application online through BreEZe or by mail using a paper application. The paper application can be found at the following link: Application for Licensure to Practice Dentistry (WREB). It should be mailed to the following address:

    Dental Board of California
    2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550
    Sacramento, CA 95815

  • Pay a non-refundable application fee of $400.00.
  • Provide a color passport-style photo. Please ensure the photo is clear with a plain background and the applicant’s entire profile is visible. The photo should be included with the initial application, or it can be emailed to the Board for processing.
  • Provide satisfactory evidence of having graduated from a dental school approved by the Board or CODA. One of the following documents must be submitted either electronically directly from the school or by mail with an original signature and university seal:
    • A letter signed by the Dean of the dental school certifying that the applicant has graduated, completed all clinical and didactic requirements, and been awarded the degree; or
    • A completed Certification of Dean of Dental College Granting Degree form, which can also be found on page 6 of the application.
  • Provide satisfactory evidence of having passed the National Board Written Examination.

    NOTE: Applicants can contact the American Dental Association (ADA) and have them make their scores available to the Board.

  • Provide satisfactory evidence of having passed the following sections of the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) examination within the five years (5) preceding the date of this application:
    • Comprehensive Treatment Planning (CTP), a written, computer-based authentic simulated clinical examination (ASCE).
    • Operative, a clinical section.
    • Endodontics, also a clinical section.

    *The WREB examination is no longer offered as of December 31, 2022. All required sections of the WREB examination must have been taken prior to this date for licensure eligibility in California.

    NOTE: Applicants can contact the CDCA-WREB-CITA to have their scores made electronically available to the Board.

  • Provide classifiable sets of fingerprints either by Live Scan service (only available in California) or on hard fingerprint cards. Applicants must use hard cards provided by the Board or Standard FBI fingerprint cards. If submitting hard cards, the applicant must pay a processing fee of $49.
  • Submit a completed Out of State/Country Licensure Certification form (only for those who are licensed in another state or country). The Board will accept an electronic copy only if emailed directly from the licensing agency.
  • Submit a completed application for the Law and Ethics Examination with the required processing fee of $125, and then provide satisfactory evidence of having passed the Law and Ethics Examination.

    NOTE: This examination can be taken up to one year prior to graduation from dental school.

The Board permits candidates to take the Law and Ethics Examination pending fingerprint clearance; however, a dental license will not be issued until the clearance has been received from the appropriate agencies.