1. Requirements:
The minimum number of hours required for each biennial cycle:
A. Dentists, Full Faculty, Speciality Dentists and Guest Dentists = 50 credit hours
- minimum of 30 fundamental hours
- maximum of 20 elective hours
B. Dental Hygienists, Guest Hygienists = 25 credit hours
- minimum of 15 fundamental hours
- maximum of 10 elective hours
C. Dental Assistants and Guest Dental Assistants = 25 credit hours
- minimum of 15 fundamental hours
- maximum of 10 elective hours
You may acquire ALL of your credits in the fundamental category
2. Credits:
Credit will be granted on an hour per hour basis. One (1) clock hour = one (1) credit hour.
General attendance at a state or national convention will be granted three (3) elective credits. Additional hour for hour credit may be granted for attending lectures, courses or table clinics held in conjunction with the meeting.
- Allowable courses: (activities that include, but are not limited to)
A. Lectures/ Symposiums/ Seminars
B. Study Clubs
C. Advanced Education/College courses
D. Volunteerism/Community Service
E. Distance Learning
F. Self-Study
G. Scholarly Activities
- Courses not allowed:
Examples of subjects that are NOT eligible for credit are estate planning, financial planning, marketing, investments, personal health and growth.
- Core subjects:
A minimum of two (2) courses must be completed in two of the core subject areas per biennial cycle.
- Infection control
- Record Keeping
- Ethics
- Management of Medical Emergencies
- Patient communications
- Diagnosis & treatment
- CPR:
All dental professionals must be certified through a course equivalent to the American Heart Association healthcare provider course or the American Red Cross professional rescuer course.
- Self Assessment:
The self-assessment is a compilation of questions based on the core subject areas, with the answersand references provided. Completion of one self-assessment is required per biennial cycle and will be granted one (1) fundamental credit.
- Acceptable Documentation:
It is the responsibility of the dental professional to obtain and retain complete and accurate documentation for your portfolio. Every form should include: name and location of organization/presenter, contact information and credentials or training that qualifies presenter to teach course, course title, date, hours and subject matter.
Documentation must be retained for 24 months after each biennial renewal period for the purpose of an audit.
- Audits:
The Board will randomly select individuals for an audit. If you are chosen for an audit, you will be notified by letter and have 60 days to submit your portfolio to the Board.
10. Definitions:
Fundamental: Activities directly related to the provision of clinical dental services.
Elective: Activities directly related to, or supportive of the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental assisting.
Clinical subject: Subjects directly related to the provision of dental care and treatment to patients.
Core subject: Areas of knowledge that relate to public safety and professionalism.
Portfolio: An accumulation of written documentation of professional development activities.
Self-assessment: An ungraded examination provided by the Board intended to help determine strengths/weaknesses in specific areas of dental practice.
Professional Development: Activities that include, but are not limited to, continuing education, community services, publications and career accomplishments throughout a professionals life.
CPR: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate obtained through a course equivalent to the American Heart Association healthcare provider course or the American Red Cross professional rescuer course.