Dentistry: licensure and certification requirements: military experience.

Existing law establishes the Dental Board of California within the Department of Consumer Affairs and sets forth its powers and duties relating to the licensing, certification, and regulation of the dental profession. This bill would require the board, upon the presentation of evidence by an applicant for licensure or certification, to accept education, training, and practical experience completed by an applicant in military service toward the qualifications and requirements to receive a license or certificate if that education, training, or experience is equivalent to the standards of the board. If a board accredits or otherwise approves schools offering educational course credit for meeting licensing and certification qualifications and requirements, the bill would, not later than July 1, 2014, require those schools seeking accreditation or approval to have procedures in place to evaluate an applicant's military education, training, and practical experience toward the completion of an educational program that would qualify a person to apply for licensure or certification, as specified. Under existing law, the Department of Veterans Affairs has specified powers and duties relating to various programs serving veterans. This bill would, require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide technical assistance to the board and to the director of consumer affairs with respect to complying with the bill's requirements and obtaining specified funds to support compliance with these provisions.