Nebraska

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.