Dental CE Requirements for Washington DC Professionals

In Washington, D.C., dental professionals must complete continuing education (CE) credits every two years to maintain active licensure. Below are the specific CE requirements for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.

Dentists

Total CE Hours: 30 hours every two years.

Required Topics:

2 hours in Infection Control
1 hour in Ethics
2 hours in LGBTQ Cultural Competency or clinical training for LGBTQ patients
2 hours on Abuse and Misuse of Prescription Drugs/Opioids (if permitted to prescribe controlled substances)
Current CPR certification (basic life support)
At least 3 hours (10%) on public health priority topics designated by the DC Department of Health

Dental Hygienists

Total CE Hours: 15 hours every two years.

Required Topics:

2 hours in Infection Control
1 hour in Ethics
2 hours in LGBTQ Cultural Competency or clinical training for LGBTQ patients
Current CPR certification (basic life support)
At least 1.5 hours (10%) on public health priority topics designated by the DC Department of Health

Dental Assistants

Total CE Hours: 10 hours every two years.

Required Topics:

2 hours in Infection Control
1 hour in Ethics
2 hours in LGBTQ Cultural Competency or clinical training for LGBTQ patients
Current CPR certification (basic life support)
At least 1 hour (10%) on public health priority topics designated by the DC Department of Health

Additional Notes:

All required CE credits may be completed through approved online courses.
Dentists authorized to prescribe controlled substances must complete CE on opioid use and abuse.
The current renewal cycle ends on December 31, 2025.