Dental CE Requirements for Virginia Dental Professionals

Dentists

Total hours required: 15 hours every year

Mandatory Hours

• Must stay current with laws and regulations governing dentistry in Virginia.
• Maintain current training certification in basic life support, unless advanced life support is required.
• Four hours every two years on anesthesia and sedation, if administering or monitoring under such conditions.

Elective Hours

Elective hours: Remaining hours after mandatory requirements. Up to two hours may be earned through volunteer dental services.

Dental Hygienists

Total hours required: Typically, the requirements would align with those of dentists unless specified otherwise. Assume 15 hours annually unless stated otherwise.

Mandatory Hours

• Stay current with laws and regulations, including specific hygiene practices if stipulated.
• Maintain current certification in basic life support.

Elective Hours

Elective hours: Hours after mandatory requirements can include a variety of clinical and nonclinical subjects supportive of clinical services.

Dental Assistants

Total hours required: If regulated similarly, assume similar hours unless specified. Specific requirements for continuing education may be less common but include basic support and understanding of dental practices.

Mandatory Hours

• Appropriate training and certification updates as required by the state or employing dental practice.

Elective Hours

Elective hours: Potentially include training that enhances the assistant's capability to support dental operations.

Additional Notes

• Excess continuing education hours can be carried forward for one year for a total of not more than 15 hours.
• Continuing education must be relevant to patient treatment and care, provided by approved sponsors.
• Licensees must verify compliance with CE requirements during annual license renewal and may be audited by the board.