Moderate Sedation Permit License in California
Quick Answer
To become a licensed dentist in California, graduate from a CODA-accredited dental school, pass the INBDE, a clinical examination accepted by the Dental Board, and the California law and ethics exam. Biennial renewal required. California is the largest dental market in the US.
- Exam
- INBDE + regional clinical exam + California law exam
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Moderate Sedation Permit permit in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $524
- Renewal Fee
- $325
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Moderate Sedation Permit license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.
Moderate Sedation Permit Salary in California
Entry Level
$97,280
Median
$178,540
Experienced
$239,200
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Moderate Sedation Permit in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$524.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing).
Moderate Sedation Permit Licensing in California: What to Know
California's COS entry primarily describes the General Anesthesia Permit for dentists ($524 application, $2,000 on-site inspection, $325 renewal) rather than the base dental license. The Dental Board of California requires graduation from a CODA-accredited school, passage of the INBDE, a clinical examination, and a California law and ethics examination. California is the largest dental market in the US with over 35,000 active dentists. The state's high cost of living is reflected in typically higher licensing fees. California has its own clinical examination requirements and does not simply accept all regional board exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Moderate Sedation Permit license in California?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Moderate Sedation Permit license in California?
- You need to pass the INBDE + regional clinical exam + California law exam. N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Moderate Sedation Permit requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.