Dental CE Requirements for Texas Dental Professionals

Dentists

Total hours required: 24 hours every two years. Online Dental CE is available.

Specific Requirements

• At least 16 hours must be technical or scientific courses related to clinical care.
• Up to 8 hours can be in risk management (e.g., ethics, record-keeping, HIPAA).
• At least 2 hours must be in record-keeping.
• 4 hours on safe and effective pain management if prescribing opioids.
• Jurisprudence Assessment required every 4 years.
• One course on Human Trafficking Prevention approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Dental Hygienists

Total hours required: 24 hours every two years.

Specific Requirements

• No hours in practice finance can count toward the 24-hour requirement.
• If using lasers: At least 12 hours of in-person CE on laser utilization, including 3 hours of clinical simulation laser training.
• Jurisprudence Assessment required every 4 years.
• One course on Human Trafficking Prevention approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Dental Assistants (Registered Dental Assistants – RDAs)

Total hours required: 12 hours every two years.

Specific Requirements

• Jurisprudence Assessment required every 4 years.
• One course on Human Trafficking Prevention approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Additional Notes

• First Renewal: The first renewal after initial licensure may have different requirements.
• CPR: While not mandated by the state, CPR certification is strongly recommended and may be required by employers.
• Record Keeping: Maintain CE records for at least 3 years after the renewal date.
• Approved Providers: CE courses must be from providers approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).

Additional Continuing Education Details

• Live Interactive Webinars count as in-classroom hours.
• Random audits are conducted to verify CPR certification and CE hours.
• All CE hours must be from a board-approved provider (Rule §104.2).

CE Renewal Chart for Dental Assistants