Massachusetts Dental CE

Massachusetts Dental CE Requirements: Read Regulations

In order to meet the requirements for biennial license renewal, dentists must maintain proof of completion of a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education, and dental hygienists must have proof of a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education that has significant intellectual or practical content which deals primarily with matters directly related to the practice of dentistry or dental auxiliary functions or with the professional or ethical responsibilities and obligations of licensees (234 CMR 8.04). This requirement must be completed during the 24 months immediately preceding March 31st of the year of renewal (even years for dentists, odd years for dental hygienists).

• A dentist licensed to practice dentistry in the Commonwealth pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 45 must complete a minimum of 40 CEUs per renewal cycle. This requirement must be fulfilled during the 24 months immediately preceding the March 31st renewal date in even numbered years.
• A limited license dental intern or limited license faculty licensed to practice dentistry in the Commonwealth pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 45A must complete a minimum of 20 CEUs during the 12 months preceding the submission of an application for annual renewal of his or her limited license.
• A dental hygienist licensed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 51 seeking renewal of his or her license to practice in the Commonwealth must complete a minimum of 20 CEUs per renewal cycle. This requirement must be fulfilled during the 24 months immediately preceding the March 31st renewal date in odd numbered years.
• A dental assistant licensed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 51½, seeking renewal of his or her license to practice in the Commonwealth, must complete a minimum of 12 CEUs per renewal cycle. This requirement must be fulfilled during the 24 months immediately preceding the October 31st renewal date in odd numbered years. A dental assistant seeking to renew his or her license to practice dental assisting shall complete 12 CEUs for the first renewal cycle no later than October 31, 2015.
• A dental student licensed as a dental hygienist pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 51 is exempt from Massachusetts Dental CE requirements while he or she is enrolled in a CODA accredited dental school.
• New Graduates. A new graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school, dental hygiene program, or dental assisting program is exempt from the requirements of 234 CMR 8.00 for the licensing period in which he or she graduates.
• No licensee shall be eligible for renewal of a license without completion of the requisite number of CEUs for renewal.
• A licensee seeking renewal of his or her license shall submit to the Board with a renewal application a statement, signed under pains and penalties of perjury, that the applicant has satisfactorily completed the requisite number of CEUs required for such renewal.
• Self-Study/Online Courses: A dentist may earn a maximum of 20 CEUs, a dental hygienist may earn a maximum of ten CEUs, and a dental assistant may earn a maximum of six CEU’s per renewal cycle by the completion of an individual study course (home study, on-line, correspondence, audio or video). Such courses must include a test, which the licensee must pass to obtain credit.
• CEUs may not be carried over from one renewal cycle to the next.
• A licensee seeking to renew his or her license must complete continuing education as a condition precedent to the biennial renewal of his or her license in the following areas:
  • Certification in CPR/AED, or BLS, or, if the licensee has an anesthesia permit issued pursuant to 234 CMR 6.00: Administration of Anesthesia and Sedation, then the licensee must maintain certification in ACLS or PALS in accordance with requirements for the level of anesthesia permit issued to the licensee.

For complete information about the responsibilities of licensees and providers of continuing education, go to 234 CMR 8: Continuing Education.

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry accepts continuing educational and scientific courses sponsored or approved by professional associations (e.g., AGD PACE) and societies. Massachusetts licensees desiring additional information should refer to the Regulations at 234 CMR 5.00: Continuing Education – 5.05: Categories of Credit – Click Here