Business and Professions Code section 1625

Dentistry is the diagnosis or treatment, by surgery or other method, of diseases and lesions and the correction of malpositions of the human teeth, alveolar process, gums, jaws, or associated structures; and such diagnosis or treatment may include all necessary related procedures as well as the use of drugs, anesthetic agents, and physical evaluation. Without limiting the foregoing, a person practices dentistry within the meaning of this chapter who does any one or more of the following:

(a)

By card, circular, pamphlet, newspaper, internet website, social media, or in any other way advertises themselves or represents themselves to be a dentist.

(b)

Performs, or offers to perform, an operation or diagnosis of any kind, or treats diseases or lesions of the human teeth, alveolar process, gums, jaws, or associated structures, or corrects malposed positions thereof.

(c)

In any way indicates that the person will perform by themselves or their agents or servants any operation upon the human teeth, alveolar process, gums, jaws, or associated structures, or in any way indicates that the person will construct, alter, repair, or sell any bridge, crown, denture, or other prosthetic appliance or orthodontic appliance.

(d)

Makes, or offers to make, an examination of, with the intent to perform or cause to be performed any operation on the human teeth, alveolar process, gums, jaws, or associated structures.

(e)

Manages or conducts as manager, proprietor, conductor, lessor, or otherwise, a place where dental operations are performed.

Source: Section 1625, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=1625.­ (accessed Apr. 24, 2025).

Last Updated

Apr. 24, 2025

§ 1625’s source at ca​.gov