Navigating Continuing Education for Dental Professionals: A Comprehensive Guide

The journey of becoming a dentist or dental hygienist is one of continuous learning. The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, and state dental boards mandate continuing education (CE) for license renewal. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of continuing education resources and strategies for dental professionals, focusing on accessible and cost-effective options.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Dentistry

Dentistry is a dynamic field characterized by rapid advancements in technology, techniques, and materials. To provide the best possible care to patients, dental professionals must stay abreast of these changes through ongoing education. Moreover, state dental boards require a specific number of continuing education units (CEUs) for license renewal, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning in maintaining professional competence.

Free and Low-Cost Continuing Education Resources

The cost of continuing education can be a significant concern for dental professionals. Fortunately, numerous organizations offer free or low-cost CE options:

DentalCare.com (Procter & Gamble): This platform provides access to over 150 free dental CE courses. Procter & Gamble is an ADA CERP provider and an approved PACE program provider by the AGD. To access these courses, visit DentalCare.com, click “Continuing Education”, and then select "View All Courses" from the dropdown menu.
Colgate Oral Health Network: This network offers over 200 hours of free CE credits through webinars and articles. Registration is free, making it an accessible option for dental professionals seeking to expand their knowledge.
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD): The AGD, a professional association exclusively for general dentists, hosts several webinars each month on various topics. Some of these webinars are free, regardless of AGD membership status.
American Dental Association (ADA): The ADA offers a variety of free CE options at ADA.org. These resources cover essential topics like clinical dentistry, practice management, and patient safety. The courses are developed and taught by industry-leading professionals and provide ADA CERP-recognized credits.
Viva Learning: Viva Learning is an ADA CERP-recognized provider of CE and PACE approved for the AGD, offering live, interactive, and self-study dental continuing education on their online dental CE site.
Dental CE Academy: This academy provides evidence-based continuing education to improve patient outcomes. Many of their webinars are free. Dental CE Academy offers live and recorded CE, and virtual symposiums, and is an AGD PACE-recognized provider.
Hu-Friedy: This dental instrument and product company offers free continuing education courses to dentists through live hands-on programs and both live and on-demand webinars. Hu-Friedy is a PACE program provider.
Weave: Weave, a remote business toolbox and communication platform, provides free dental continuing education through videos and panel interviews.
Tribune Group GmbH: This site is hosted by Tribune Group GmbH and is an ADA CERP-recognized provider as well as an approved PACE program provider by the AGD.
Glidewell: This dental lab, a leader in restorative services, provides numerous ADA-CERP-approved and PACE-approved continuing education courses on various dental topics.
Dentsply Sirona: This company is a dental equipment and supplies provider.

Types of Continuing Education

Dental professionals can fulfill their CE requirements through various formats:

Live Courses: These courses offer direct interaction with instructors and fellow participants, allowing for immediate clarification and networking opportunities.
Webinars: Live and archived CE webinars provide flexibility and convenience, allowing professionals to learn from their homes or offices.
Self-Study: This includes reading articles, watching recorded lectures, and completing online modules at one's own pace.
Conferences: Annual dental conferences across the country offer a wide range of CE opportunities and networking possibilities.

Strategies for Choosing the Right CE Courses

Selecting relevant and valuable CE courses is crucial for professional development. Consider the following strategies:

Identify Areas of Interest and Weakness: Reflect on your practice and identify areas where you would like to improve or expand your knowledge.
Stay Updated on New Technologies: Explore courses that cover advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Consider Patient Needs: Think about the questions and concerns your patients frequently raise and seek out courses that address those topics.
Check State Requirements: Ensure that the courses you choose meet the specific CE requirements of your state dental board.

State-Specific CE Requirements: Examples

CE requirements vary by state. Here are a few examples:

Texas: Dental hygienists need 12 hours of training annually, with eight hours being technical or scientific and a maximum of six hours from self-study.
Iowa: Dentists and dental hygienists must complete 30 hours of CE every two years, including one hour each in infection control, Iowa jurisprudence, and opioids (for dentists who prescribe opioids). Dentists holding moderate sedation or general anesthesia permits must complete six hours in sedation. Dental assistants must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including one hour each in infection control, Iowa jurisprudence, and dental radiography (for those holding a qualification in dental radiography).

Specific CE Requirements in Iowa

To renew on active status, dentists and dental hygienists must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years or qualify for an exemption. Licensees are also required to complete a minimum of one hour each in the following areas:

Infection control
Iowa jurisprudence
Opioids*
Sedation**

*Only required for dentists who prescribe opioids within the current renewal period (Sept. 2024 - Aug. 2026).

**Only required for dentists who hold a moderate sedation or general anesthesia permit. This requirement does not apply to dental hygienists.

Requirement TypeOverviewCPRRequired for renewal - can claim up to three hours for completing course. To be eligible, CPR certification courses must be from nationally-recognized sponsor, and include a "hands-on", clinical component. A CPR course may include an online component provided there is an in-person portion prior to the certification being issued. Infection ControlMust complete a minimum of one hour every two years in the area of infection control standards as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Iowa JurisprudenceMust complete a minimum of one hour every two years in the area of Iowa jurisprudence. Abuse Identification and Reporting TrainingEffective July 1, 2019, licensees and registrants who practice in Iowa, must complete training through the Department of Human Services and renew the training every three years thereafter. Credit can be claimed for completing courses. Mandatory reporter training is available here. Mandatory report training FAQs. Note: The DHS core training is awarded two hours for each section completed, for a possible total of four hours. OpioidsDentists who prescribe opioids to patients must complete a minimum of one hour of continuing education in the area of opioids. SedationSix hours for dentists who hold a current moderate sedation or general anesthesia or permit. To renew on active status, dental assistants must complete 20 hours of hours of continuing education every two years or qualify for an exemption. Registrants are also required to complete a minimum of one hour each in the following areas:

Infection control
Iowa jurisprudence
Dental radiographyOnly required of dental assistants who hold a qualification in dental radiography.

Requirement TypeOverviewCPRRequired for renewal - can claim up to three hours for completing course. To be eligible, CPR certification courses must be from nationally-recognized sponsor, and include a "hands-on", clinical component. The following are lists of continuing education providers that offer courses in the areas of continuing education specifically required for renewal.

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Additional Certifications

Consider pursuing certifications in specialized treatment techniques to enhance your skills and patient care. Examples include:

Laser certification
Nitrous oxide monitoring/administration
Local anesthesia delivery (where permitted by state regulations)

Benefits of Continuing Education

Beyond fulfilling licensing requirements, continuing education offers numerous benefits:

Improved Patient Care: Staying updated on the latest advancements allows you to provide the best possible care to your patients.
Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: CE courses expand your knowledge base and refine your clinical skills.
Increased Confidence: Continuing education boosts your confidence in your ability to handle complex cases and answer patient questions.
Professional Growth: Lifelong learning fosters professional growth and opens doors to new opportunities.
Personal Satisfaction: The feeling of continuous improvement in the profession

ADA CERP and PACE Accreditation

When selecting CE courses, look for providers accredited by the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) or the Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). These accreditations ensure that the courses meet high standards of quality and relevance.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Procter & Gamble is an approved dental CE provider for several state boards, including Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

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Overcoming Challenges

It's easy for dental hygienists to fall into a slump where they dread logging the required CEUs each year. To avoid this, try to make the process more engaging by:

Planning Ahead: Schedule CE courses in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure you meet your state's requirements.
Choosing Engaging Topics: Select courses that genuinely interest you and align with your professional goals.
Networking: Attend conferences and webinars to connect with colleagues and learn from their experiences.
Finding a Mentor: Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can provide insights and support.

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