Dental CE Requirements for Maryland Dental Professionals

Continuing Education Requirements for Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Assistants in Maryland:

• Dentists:
  • Renewal Cycle: Biennial (even-numbered years)
  • Required Hours: 30 hours, including at least 2 hours in infection control.
  • CPR Certification: Required, must be continuously maintained.
  • Additional Requirements:
    • 2-hour Abuse and Neglect course every other renewal cycle.
    • 2-hour Proper Prescribing and Disposal of Prescription Drugs course every other renewal cycle for those who prescribe.
  • Opioid Management Training:
    • One-time requirement.
    • 3 x 1-hour courses provided by the Board.
    • Exemption possible for non-prescribers.
  • Sedation Permit:
    • Additional CE hours required in sedation & anesthesia, physical diagnosis, complications, techniques.
• Dental Hygienists:
  • Renewal Cycle: Biennial (odd-numbered years)
  • Required Hours: 30 hours
  • CPR Certification: Required, must be continuously maintained.
  • Additional Requirements:
    • 2-hour Abuse and Neglect course every other renewal cycle.
    • No longer required to complete the Proper Prescribing and Disposal of Prescription Drugs course.
• Dental Assistants:
  • Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs):
    • Renewal Cycle: Five-year term
    • Required Hours: 50 hours
    • CPR Certification: Required, must be continuously maintained.
  • Other Dental Assistants:
    • No specific CE requirements.

Unique and Detailed Information about Maryland Dental CE Requirements:

• Dentists:
  • Opioid Management Training: While the one-time requirement is not unique, Maryland provides specific resources and links to Board-approved courses within their regulations. This makes compliance easier and ensures training quality.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Competency: Dentists can earn up to 4 CE hours for approved courses, exceeding some state offerings.
  • Maryland Law Requirement: Specific CE courses must include a Maryland law component, promoting understanding of local regulations.
• Dental Hygienists:
  • Local Anesthesia: Although not mandatory, completing a Board-approved course allows hygienists to administer local anesthesia by infiltration, potentially expanding their practice scope.
• Dental Assistants:
  • EFDAs vs. Other: The distinction between EFDA and other dental assistants' requirements is noteworthy, as it clarifies expectations for each group.

Additional Points:

• Online courses are accepted with specific interaction and assessment criteria, offering flexibility.
• Board website provides CE course listings and resources, simplifying compliance.
• Specific rules define “directly related to dental practice” for clarity.
• CPR courses must meet specific American Heart Association or Red Cross standards.

Beyond the Requirements:

• The Board promotes continuing education beyond the minimum, emphasizing professional development and patient safety.
• They offer guidance on selecting quality CE courses and maintaining documentation.