What is continuing education?
Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants must renew their licenses every 2 years. Before renewing your license, you must complete a certain number of continuing education units, or CEUs.
- Dentists must complete a minimum of 40 CEUs each 2-year renewal cycle
- Dental hygienists must complete a minimum of 20 CEUs each 2-year renewal cycle
- Dental assistants must complete a minimum of 12 CEUs each 2-year renewal cycle
Exemptions from continuing education requirements
Dental students licensed as dental hygienists
You are exempt while you are enrolled in a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
New graduates
If you are a new graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school, dental hygiene school, or dental assisting program, then you are exempt for the licensing period in which you graduate.
Due dates for your CEUs
Only CEUs that you earn during each renewal cycle are acceptable. Renewal cycles are the 2 years leading up to your renewal date. You can't carryover CEUs from one renewal cycle to the next.
- Dentists must have their CEUs completed by March 31st in even-numbered years
- Dental hygienists must have their CEUs completed by March 31st in odd-numbered years
- Dental assistants must have their CEUs completed by October 31st in odd-numbered years
How to earn your CEUs
For details on how to earn CEUs for each licensure cycle, including mandatory CEUs, please refer 234 CMR 8.00.
Dentists and Limited Licensees
You are also required to complete mandatory CEUs on safe and effective opioid prescribing/pain management each licensure cycle if you hold a current MCSR and/or DEA registration.