Rhode Island Dental CE

Rhode Island Dental CE Requirements: click here

A. Continuing education for dentists requires those professionals to maintain a systematic course of continual learning as a condition to maintain their professional license. In addition, continuing education is an effective way for dental professionals to sustain knowledge of current and evolving tools, techniques, technology, innovative medications and in-depth information on emerging topics that will enhance their professional skills and abilities.

B. Pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-31.1-7, all dentists licensed to practice in Rhode Island under the provisions of the Act and this Part, on or before the first (1st) day of May of each even-numbered year shall maintain evidence that in the preceding two (2) years he or she has satisfactorily completed at least forty (40) hours of continuing dental education courses, according to the criteria established by the Rhode Island Dental Association and approved by the Board. Continuing education requirements cited in this Part shall be prorated for a licensee whose license is in effect for a period of less than two (2) years (i.e., an average of twenty (20) hours of continuing education shall be required each year the license is in effect).

C. It shall be the sole responsibility of the individual dentist to obtain documentation from the approved sponsoring or co-sponsoring organization, agency or other, of his or her participation in a learning experience, including the date, and number of hours earned.

D. At the time of license renewal, each licensee shall be required to attest to the fact that he or she has complied with the continuing education requirements established by this Part. Course descriptions, proof of attendance, or other documentation of completion shall be retained by the licensee for a minimum of five (5) years and is subject to random audit by the Board. Failure to produce satisfactory documentation of completion of requirements upon request of the Board may constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

E. All dentists practicing in a dental setting shall receive a minimum of one (1) hour per year of training on the CDC Infection Control Guidelines.

F. All dentists practicing in a dental setting shall hold a current certificate of completion from an approved course in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers that includes a hands-on skill component and conforms to the current American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC), and is offered by any accredited agency approved by the Board.

G. If the applicant attests to completion of the prescribed course(s) of continuing dental education as set forth in § 2.16 of this Part, as approved by the Board, and is in compliance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-31.1-7, the Board shall issue the applicant a license registration for a two (2) year period in accordance with the requirements of § 2.6.1 of this Part.

H. Licensure renewal shall be denied to any applicant who fails to attest to the completion of continuing dental education as required by § 2.6(D) of this Part.

I. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.4.6(A) of this Part, no license to practice dentistry in Rhode Island shall be refused, nor shall any license be suspended or revoked except as:

1. Provided in the Act; and

2. For failure to attest to completion of continuing dental education as required by this Part.

J. The Board may, however, extend for only one (1) six (6) month period such educational requirements, if the Board is satisfied that the applicant has suffered hardship which prevented him/her from meeting the requirements of this Part.