Dental CE Requirements for Virginia Dental Professionals

Dentists

Total hours required: 15 hours every year

Mandatory Hours

Must stay current with laws and regulations governing dentistry in Virginia.
Maintain current training certification in basic life support, unless advanced life support is required.
Four hours every two years on anesthesia and sedation, if administering or monitoring under such conditions.

Elective Hours

Elective hours: Remaining hours after mandatory requirements. Up to two hours may be earned through volunteer dental services.

Dental Hygienists

Total hours required: Typically, the requirements would align with those of dentists unless specified otherwise. Assume 15 hours annually unless stated otherwise.

Mandatory Hours

Stay current with laws and regulations, including specific hygiene practices if stipulated.
Maintain current certification in basic life support.

Elective Hours

Elective hours: Hours after mandatory requirements can include a variety of clinical and nonclinical subjects supportive of clinical services.

Dental Assistants

Total hours required: If regulated similarly, assume similar hours unless specified. Specific requirements for continuing education may be less common but include basic support and understanding of dental practices.

Mandatory Hours

Appropriate training and certification updates as required by the state or employing dental practice.

Elective Hours

Elective hours: Potentially include training that enhances the assistant's capability to support dental operations.

Additional Notes

Excess continuing education hours can be carried forward for one year for a total of not more than 15 hours.
Continuing education must be relevant to patient treatment and care, provided by approved sponsors.
Licensees must verify compliance with CE requirements during annual license renewal and may be audited by the board.