Final answer:
Continuing education requirements for dentists and dental hygienists vary by state, but generally involve completing a certain number of hours every one to three years. Some CE can be completed through self-study, and documented evidence of completed CE is typically required for license renewal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of continuing education (CE) hours that a dentist and a dental hygienist must complete each year to maintain their license varies depending on the state in which they practice. Generally, most states require between 20 to 40 hours of CE every one to three years. For example, the dental board in California requires licensed dentists to complete a minimum of 50 units of approved CE over two years, while registered dental hygienists are required to complete 25 units in the same timeframe. It is important to check with the specific state's dental board for exact requirements.
Regarding the amount of self-study or correspondence work that can be counted towards CE hours, this also varies by state. Some states may allow a portion or even all of the CE requirements to be completed via self-study, whereas others may have stricter regulations. Generally, a proportion of the total required CE can be completed through self-study, but it is critical for practitioners to verify the amount with their state dental board.
Types of courses required to be taken for CE typically include a range on subjects related to clinical practice, such as new technology, procedures, patient safety, infection control, and sometimes ethics or law as it pertains to dental practice. States may require specific courses; for instance, some mandate a course on opioids or pain management.
When it comes to registration renewal and re-licensure, documented evidence of completed CE hours is usually necessary. Dentists and hygienists should be prepared to submit documentation to their state's dental board to demonstrate that they have met the continuing education requirements.