Guidelines for New Dentists

For more information about the legal necessities, contact the following offices:

Business License:

Most cities require a business license. Contact the City Hall or seat of government in the jurisdiction in which you intend to practice. The Treasurer, City Clerk or Business License Department are examples of the entities that may be responsible for administering such a license; for example, contact:

City Clerk
Tax & Permit Division
Treasury Division
Finance Dept
City of San Jose
801 No. 1st St. Room 217
San Jose 95110
(408) 277-5051

If you subsequently move your practice location, you will usually be required to notify the same agency of your address change.

Controlled Substances Registration Certificate (Narcotics License; DEA Number):

As a healthcare professional, you will undoubtedly need to write prescriptions for your patients. To do so, you must have a DEA number. The Department of Justice issues the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) numbers. Apply to:

Drug Enforcement Administration
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 556-3325
L.A. Regional Office DEA
350 South Figuroa Street, Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 894-2650

Triplicate/Prescription Forms may be ordered from:

Department of Justice
Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement
P.O. Box 160447
Sacramento, CA 95816-0447
(916) 739-5451

Dental License:

The Application of Licensure form received with your license notification from the Board of Dental Examiners must be completed and returned within thirty days of receipt to:

California Board of Dental Examiners
1430 Howe Avenue, Suite 85-B
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 920-7451

The current fee is $240 per two-year renewal period. You should notify the board office within ten days if you move your practice location. Changes should be sent by certified or registered mail.

CA Dept of Health Services X-Ray Equipment Registration:

State law requires that all possessors of x-ray machines register with the State Department of Public Health and comply with state radiation protection standards. For registration forms and information regarding the standards, contact:

Department of Public Health
Radiologic Health Section
PO 997414
Sacramento, CA 95899-7414
(916) 327-5106
www.dhs.ca.gov/rhb

Radiation Safety License:

All office staff who take x-rays must have radiation safety certificates. Examinations are given periodically by various agencies and academic institutions around the state. Contact the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries, at the following address, for examination schedules and information.

Committee on Dental Auxiliaries
1428 Howe Avenue, Suite 58
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 920-7637

Tax and Payroll Information:

As an employer/businessperson, you will need a federal tax identification number. This is not the same as your social security number. To obtain a federal tax ID number, you must register with a local office of the Internal Revenue Service. Forms and information regarding federal FICA (Social Security) quarterly tax returns can also be obtained at your local IRS office.

Enrollment forms for state tax deductions are available from the local State of California Department of Benefits Payment, Employment Tax District Office, Auditing Section. This enrollment is mandatory if you have employees. Information regarding State Disability Insurance (SDI) also is available through this office, as is an explanation of mandatory payroll reports.

Professional Liability Insurance:

Although California law does not require licensed dentists to carry professional liability insurance, you are legally liable for your actions under the Dental Practice Act. This makes professional liability insurance a necessity to protect your professional and personal assets. Information about this insurance is available through The Dentists Insurance Company at the address listed below. TDIC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the California Dental Association and provides professional and premises liability coverage as well as risk management services to dentists and their employees.

The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC)
P.O. Box 1582
Sacramento, CA 95812
(800) 726-5022, extension 7640

Miscellaneous Employer Responsibilities:

California state law requires that employees be covered under Workers' Compensation Insurance. Information is available through:

1201 Financial & Insurance Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1582
Sacramento, CA 95812-1582
(800) 622-5022

Regulations of the State of California, Industrial Relations Department, Division of Industrial Welfare, require employers to comply with provisions governing working conditions, including wages paid to employees. Again, contact a local district office of this state department.

Pursuant to California law, passed as SB 198, each employer must establish an office Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. For information regarding these requirements and other assistance pertaining to workplace health and safety, contact the offices listed below, or a regional office in your area.

California Occupational
Health & Safety Administration
Consultation Offices:
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 5246
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-4050
8535 E. Florence Avenue, Suite 200
Downey, CA 90240
213-861-9993

State and other laws also require employers to post a number of informational posters relating to OSHA regulations, job discrimination, wages and other employee concerns. CDA has compiled these into three large posters, available through Santa Clara County Dental Society.

Other Resources:

Your local Chamber of Commerce, office of The Small Business Administration, CPA or attorney's organization, or even your bank loan officer can be excellent sources of small business start-up information. Many of these groups offer courses for people just like you, so don't hesitate to call and ask.

Santa Clara County Dental Society (SCCDS):

Contact SCCDS regarding the benefits designed to support you. Services include Professional Placement, continuing education classes, peer review, OSHA compliance manuals and patient referrals. Call (408) 289-1480 for details today!