Dental CE Requirements for Ohio Dental Professionals

Dentists

Total Hours Required: 30 hours every two years

Mandatory Opioid Prescribing Education: 2 hours (requirement ends January 1, 2024)

Categories and Maximum Hours

Dental Education and Scientific Courses: No maximum
Non-clinical Dental Practice Related: Maximum 6 hours
Papers, Publications, and Scientific Presentations: Maximum 4 hours
Teaching and Research Appointments: Maximum 4 hours
Volunteer Service as a Clinician: Maximum 10 hours
Table Clinics: Maximum 2 hours

Dental Hygienists

Total Hours Required: 20 hours every two years

Categories and Maximum Hours

Dental Education and Scientific Courses: Up to 100%
Non-clinical Dental Practice Related: Maximum 6 hours
Papers, Publications, and Scientific Presentations: Maximum 4 hours
Teaching and Research Appointments: Maximum 4 hours
Volunteer Service as a Clinician: Maximum 6.5 hours
Table Clinics: Maximum 2 hours

Additional Points

Both dentists and hygienists can fulfill their CE requirements through various formats, including in-person lectures, online courses, and self-study materials. Documentation of completed CE should be retained for at least 3-4 years. The Ohio State Dental Board may excuse individuals from all or part of the CE requirements due to special circumstances.

Dental Assistants

Renewal: Every 2 years

CE Required: 12 hours

Specific Topics

Courses must be directly related to the practice of dental assisting or dentistry.
Examples include dental materials and equipment, infection control, sterilization, dental procedures, dental office emergencies, dental ethics and jurisprudence, CPR and first aid.

Format

Courses can be taken in various formats, including in-person, online, or self-study. All providers must be board-approved.

Unique Aspects of Ohio Compared to Other States

Dentists in Ohio require 32 hours, which is on the higher end compared to the national average.
Ohio's requirement for mandatory opioid prescribing education is not common in all states and is now sunsetting (ending January 1, 2024).

Dental Assistant Radiographers

CE Required: 2 hours every two years in dental radiation technology

Program Providers

National, state, district, or local dental associations affiliated with the ADA or NDA
National, state, district, or local dental hygienists' associations affiliated with the ADHA
National, state, district, or local dental assistants associations affiliated with the ADAA
Accredited dental colleges or schools
Accredited dental hygiene colleges or schools
Other approved organizations, schools, or agencies