Final answer:
Dentists may be required to complete CE on controlled substances depending on the state they practice in. State dental boards often mandate CE on safe prescribing practices and opioid abuse prevention. Dentists should verify specific requirements with their state dental board.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether dentists are required to complete continuing education (CE) on controlled substances can vary depending on the state in which they are licensed to practice. In many areas, dental boards mandate that practitioners take CE courses on prescribing controlled substances and pain management to remain up-to-date with safe prescribing practices and legal regulations. This generally includes understanding the potential for abuse, proper storage and disposal of medications, as well as recognition and prevention of prescription drug misuse.
For instance, some states may have specific CE requirements as part of the efforts to combat opioid abuse. In these cases, dentists would likely have to complete a certain number of hours of training related to opioids and other controlled substances as a condition of license renewal. Dentists need to check with their state dental board for the exact requirements pertinent to their practice.