Dental CE Requirements for Nebraska Dental Professionals
Here's a detailed breakdown of Nebraska's dental CE requirements for dentists, hygienists, and assistants, highlighting both basic and unique aspects:
Dentists:
- Renewal Cycle: Biennial (every 2 years)
- Required Hours: 30 hours
- CPR Certification: Required, must be continuously maintained.
- Minimum Classroom Hours: No specific requirement.
- Specific Required Topics:
- 3 hours in prescribing opiates (mandatory since 2018).
- Remaining hours can be in diverse approved topics.
Unique Details:
- Opioid Management Training: One-time requirement regardless of prescribing habits. Board provides resources and links to approved courses.
- DEA Registrants: 8-hour one-time training covering treatment & management of patients with opioid use disorders or safe pharmacological management of dental pain & screening/brief intervention/referral to treatment, starting with DEA registrations on June 27, 2023.
- Board-Approved Courses: Diverse options available, including online options with specific interaction and assessment criteria.
- Focus on Pain Management: Board encourages courses related to pain management beyond the 3-hour mandate.
Dental Hygienists:
- Renewal Cycle: Biennial (every 2 years)
- Required Hours: 20 hours
- CPR Certification: Required, must be continuously maintained.
- Minimum Classroom Hours: No specific requirement.
- Specific Required Topics: None.
Unique Details:
- Flexibility in Choosing CE: Licensees can select courses most relevant to their practice.
- Board Resources: Website offers CE listings, FAQs, and other helpful information.
Dental Assistants:
- Renewal Cycle: Varies depending on category (Registered – 2 years, Certified – 5 years)
- Required Hours:
- Registered Dental Assistants: 10 hours per renewal cycle.
- Certified Dental Assistants: 20 hours per renewal cycle.
- CPR Certification: Required, must be continuously maintained.
- Minimum Classroom Hours: No specific requirement.
- Specific Required Topics: None.
Unique Details:
- Expanded Function Dental Assistants: Have additional requirements specific to their practice scope.
- No CE Requirements for Other Dental Assistants: Categories like Office Assistants are exempt.
Additional Notes:
- All licensees must report CE completion through the Board's online system.
- CE courses must be approved by the Board or meet specific criteria.
- Documentation of CE completion must be retained for 4 years.
- Board conducts audits to ensure compliance with CE requirements.