What are the basic CE requirements for dentists in Missouri?

Dentists in Missouri need 50 hours of approved CE every 2 years, including CPR certification.

Are there any unique CE requirements for dentists in Missouri?

Yes, dentists must complete a one-time opioid management training and the board offers diverse CE workshops.

What are the CE requirements for dental hygienists in Missouri?

Dental hygienists need 30 hours of CE every 2 years, including CPR certification and an infection control course.

Are there any unique CE requirements for dental hygienists in Missouri?

Yes, expanded duty hygienists have higher renewal requirements and the board hosts specific CE events for them.

What are the CE requirements for dental assistants in Missouri?

Dental assistants need 16 hours of CE every 5 years, including CPR certification.

Are there any unique CE requirements for dental assistants in Missouri?

Yes, there are additional requirements for certain categories like expanded function dental assistants.

Dental CE Requirements for Missouri Dental Professionals

Detailed Breakdown

Dentists (Renewal Cycle: 2 years, 50 hours required)

Basic Requirements:
- Complete 50 hours of approved continuing education (CE); no minimum classroom hours required.
- Maintain active CPR/BLS certification with a practical skills component.
- Mandatory Topics: None specifically required.
Unique Details:
- Opioid Management Training: One-time requirement for all dentists, regardless of prescribing status. The Board provides resources and approved course links.
- Diverse CE workshops and events offered by the Missouri Dental Board for dentists.
- Online courses accepted with specific interaction and assessment requirements.
- Board actively reviews course quality and approves CE providers.

Dental Hygienists (Renewal Cycle: 2 years, 30 hours required)

Basic Requirements:
- Complete 30 hours of approved CE; no minimum classroom hours required.
- Maintain current CPR/BLS certification with practical skills training.
- Mandatory Topics: An infection control course must be completed every renewal cycle.
Unique Details:
- Dedicated CE resources for hygienists are available through the Board website.
- Expanded duty hygienists must complete 40 hours of CE every two years.
- Annual CE symposium hosted specifically for hygienists.
- Online courses accepted with specific criteria for participation and evaluation.

Dental Assistants (Renewal Cycle: 5 years, 16 hours required)

Basic Requirements:
- Complete 16 hours of approved CE; no minimum classroom hours required.
- CPR/BLS certification with hands-on components must be maintained throughout the cycle.
- Mandatory Topics: None specified.
Unique Details:
- Expanded function dental assistants have additional CE requirements depending on certification.
- A dedicated FAQ section for assistants is available on the Missouri Dental Board website.
- Online CE courses accepted under specified interaction guidelines.

Important Update: Missouri Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) Pilot Program

In early 2024, Missouri launched a pilot program to introduce the role of Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs). This new category allows qualified dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling procedures under a highly regulated framework.

Key details about the OPA pilot program include:

Didactic training began in early 2024, followed by clinical training starting December 2024.
OPAs may remove plaque and calculus above the gumline under strict supervision by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist.
The program is experimental — its continuation will depend on outcome data evaluating patient safety and clinical effectiveness.

Additional Notes:

All CE certificates and documentation must be retained for six years after submission.
Continuing education must be “directly related to the practice of dentistry” to be counted.
The reporting deadline is December 31st of the renewal year.
An easy-to-use online CE reporting system is available through the Missouri Dental Board portal.