CA AB1524

Abolishes the clinical and written examination administered by the Dental Board of California and replaces it with a portfolio examination conducted while applicants are enrolled in board-approved dental schools.

Portfolio examination must utilize uniform standards of clinical experiences and competencies approved by the board, with applicants required to pass a final assessment at the end of their dental school program upon payment of a $350 fee.

Board must oversee the portfolio examination process, conduct biennial audits of dental schools for standardization, and approve required competency examinations in six clinical areas including oral diagnosis, periodontics, restorations, prosthodontics, and endodontics.

Portfolio examination cannot be conducted until the board adopts implementing regulations and posts notice on its website and provides written notice to the Legislature and Legislative Counsel.

Board must review the portfolio examination by December 1, 2016, to ensure compliance with department examination requirements, with the option ceasing if the examination fails to meet those requirements.