Here are new laws and policies changing the dental industry in California that went into effect Jan. 1, 2025, as reported by Becker's.
1. The minimum wage in California increased Jan. 1, impacting dental practices. The new statewide minimum wage in 2025 is $16.50.
2. There are nearly a dozen new and amended employment laws that went into effect in California that dentists and dental practices need to know, including changes to the California Labor Code.
3. Major updates to dental licensure, anesthesia permits and required infection control courses to modernize care went into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
4. The California legislature passed Senate Bill 1453 to expand licensure pathways for dental assistants and update the scope of practice for dental assistants.