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Board moves to change accreditation language so more institutionally accredited schools can apply
Summary
The board directed staff to complete draft statutory language amending BPC §19‑41 to recognize institutionally recognized accreditors, saying the change would align state code with U.S. Department of Education policy and expand pathways for new dental hygiene programs.
The Dental Hygiene Board of California voted Nov. 16 to direct staff to finalize statutory draft language that would amend Business and Professions Code §19‑41 so the board’s program-approval criteria reference institutionally recognized accreditors rather than the historical “regional”/“national” distinction.
Rebecca Bewsaka of the National Accreditation Commission told the board that federal changes removed the regional/national distinction and that California institutions and accreditation practice have adapted. Bewsaka said federal law and CODA standards require accreditors to meet the same recognition criteria and presented pass-rate examples for programs accredited by ABHES/APHES. Edward Cramp, counsel for a prospective applicant, described a current application held up by existing language that references “regional” accreditation and urged the board to read the statute to permit institutionally recognized accreditors while the formal legislative change is pursued.
After discussion, the board voted to complete the statutory draft and seek sponsored legislation for 2025. Justin Matthews recorded a Nay; the motion otherwise carried.
Why it matters: changing statutory language would allow more institutions accredited by Department of Education–recognized institutional accreditors to apply for program approval and may hasten new RDH program approvals. The board asked staff to prepare statutory text and seek a legislative sponsor for the 2025 cycle.
Next steps: staff will complete the draft statutory language and seek a sponsor; the board will receive updates on sponsor status and return to vote on any final statutory language and implementation details.
