Dental CE Requirements for Georgia Dentists

Georgia dentists must fulfill specific continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licenses. This article provides a detailed guide on these requirements, ensuring dentists in Georgia can effectively meet their professional obligations.

Detailed CE Requirements for Georgia Dentists

• Total Hours: 40 hours every two years.
• In-Person Courses: 20 hours must be obtained through on-site courses or seminars. Note: Live virtual CE was allowed for the 2022-2023 period due to the pandemic, but future applicability is uncertain.
• Clinical Courses: At least 30 hours must be clinical.
• Specialized CE Requirements:
  • 1 hour on the impact of opioid abuse and opioid prescription in dental practice.
  • 1 hour in legal, ethics, and professionalism.

Compliance and Credit Validation

• CE credits must be from Georgia Board of Dentistry-approved providers and relevant to dentistry.
• Proof of current CPR certification is required, and CE obtained for this certification may count towards the 40-hour requirement.
• Dentists must keep records of their CE completions for five years.

Methods for Obtaining CE Credits

• Live courses, online courses, reading dental journals, and self-study programs.
• Consider attending dental conferences and meetings for additional CE opportunities.

Exemptions and Temporary Policies

• Active military duty dentists (more than six months in a renewal period) are exempt from CE for that cycle.
• Retired or out-of-state practicing dentists may qualify for exemptions.
• Temporary policy due to COVID-19 allows live, instructor-led virtual courses to count as in-person CE for the 2022-2023 period.

Specific Regulations and Resources

• Familiarize with Rule 150-3-.09 of the Georgia Board of Dentistry for detailed CE regulations.
• Utilize resources like the Georgia Board of Dentistry website and the list of approved CE providers.
• Use the CE tracking tool available on the Board's website for managing CE records.

Tips for Successful CE Completion

• Plan and schedule CE courses in advance.
• Leverage online courses for flexibility.
• Prioritize courses in your area of specialization.
• Maintain an organized system for tracking CE completions.
• Stay updated with any changes in CE requirements by regularly checking the Georgia Board of Dentistry website.

For any queries or additional information, dentists can contact the Georgia Board of Dentistry. This guide aims to simplify the CE process, helping Georgia dentists stay compliant and informed.