Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Healthcare
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for oral and maxillofacial surgeon in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in California
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Refer to the LFS General Fee Information Page for a full list of fees associated with licensing.
- 3
Exams: Applicants must refer to the LFS Website for the list of approved certifying organization examinations for each license category.
- 4
Academic and Experience Requirements: Licensed doctor of dental surgery (DDS) to practice in California plus advanced training in a program approved by the ADA Committee on Accreditation of Dental and Dental Auxiliary Education programs in an educational institution and full time experience in oral pathology in the subspeciality of oral pathology within the specialty of pathology or other specialty or subspecialty specified by regulations.
- 5
Renewal Period: Every two years.
Continuing education and program notes
- certifying organization examinations for each license category
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Every two years
- Salary Position
$282,890 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 6 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Academic and Experience Requirements: Licensed doctor of dental surgery (DDS) to practice in California plus advanced training in a progr...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Academic and Experience Requirements: Licensed doctor of dental surgery (DDS) to practice in California plus advanced training in a progr...).
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Laboratory Field Services~Personnel Licensing Section and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: Every two years).
Salary Insights in California
The median salary for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in California is $282,890. California ranks #4 among 6 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$282,890Hourly estimate
$136.00National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary Ranking
#4 of 6 statesfor Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | North Carolina | $400,440 |
| #2 | Alabama | $393,490 |
| #3 | Pennsylvania | $325,160 |
| #4 | California | $282,890 |
| #5 | Michigan | $278,310 |
Nearby States Comparison
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $282,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | N/A | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | N/A | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | N/A | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section
850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA, 94804-6403
Phone: 5106203800
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon salary in California?
The median annual salary for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in California is $282,890.
How many Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons work in California?
California employs approximately 930 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field Services / Personnel Licensing Section. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: Every two years.