California Law Allows Online Infection Control Training for Unlicensed Dental Assistants

California dental practices now have more flexibility in meeting infection control training requirements for unlicensed dental assistants. Senate Bill (SB) 1311 was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 14, 2026, and took effect immediately. The new law addresses challenges created by SB 1453, which took effect in January 2025 and required unlicensed dental assistants to complete an approved eight-hour, in-person infection control course before being exposed to potentially infectious materials. Finding available in-person courses proved difficult for some practices, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, creating additional hiring delays.

Three Options for Meeting the Training Requirement

Under SB 1311, unlicensed dental assistants may satisfy the required infection control training through any one of the following options:

• Dental Assisting National Board (DANB): Successfully pass the DANB Infection Control examination.
• Six-hour virtual course: Successfully complete a virtual infection control course offered by the California Dental Association or a provider accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (ADA CERP) or the Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education (AGD PACE).
• Eight-hour in-person course: Successfully complete an infection control course approved by the Dental Board of California.

Dental assistants must successfully complete one of these options before performing duties that expose them to blood, saliva or other potentially infectious materials, including sterilization and chairside assisting.

What Dental Practice Owners Need to Know

• The eight-hour in-person course remains required for RDA licensure: The new six-hour virtual course option satisfies the infection control training requirement for entry-level, unlicensed dental assistants, but it does not replace the eight-hour in-person course required for those pursuing RDA licensure.
• Cal/OSHA bloodborne pathogens training is still required: The separate infection control course requirement is in addition to the bloodborne pathogens training required under Cal/OSHA regulations. Practices must continue to meet their applicable workplace safety and infection prevention obligations.

What Should Your Practice Do Now?

Review your onboarding procedures to ensure unlicensed dental assistants complete one of the approved training options before performing duties that could expose them to infectious materials. Keep documentation of completed training with your practice’s compliance records.

Related OSHA Review Resources

• California: Statutory Amendments to 8-Hour IC Course Requirements for DAs
• DBC and Cal/OSHA Training Requirements for Newly Hired Unlicensed Dental Assistants in California
• Infection Control: A Daily Commitment to Safe Dental Care
• OSHA Review Compliance Program

About OSHA Review, Inc.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has supported dental professionals with regulatory compliance resources, infection control guidance, continuing education, sterilizer monitoring, surface disinfectant products, and dosimetry monitoring services. For more information, visit oshareview.com or call 800-555-6248.