Do online CE courses for dental hygienists count towards licensure renewal

Okay, so I’m a registered dental hygienist in California, and my license is up for renewal in six months. I’m trying to get all my CE credits knocked out, and honestly, taking them in person is a HUGE pain. Trying to find a course that fits my schedule and then driving there… it’s just rough.

I’ve seen tons of online CE courses advertised, and they seem way more convenient. But my big concern is, will the California Board of Dental Hygiene actually accept those credits? I’ve heard some states are really picky about what counts.

So, specifically, I’m wondering if courses from places like Dental CE Masters or Premier Dental CE would be acceptable. Or are there any specific requirements I need to look for to make sure the online courses are legit and will fulfill my California requirements? I need to get like, 25 credits or something, I can’t remember the exact number. Also, what kind of proof do I need to keep after I complete an online course? Do I just print out a certificate, or do I need something else?

Answer

Online continuing education (CE) courses for dental hygienists typically do count towards licensure renewal, but there are several crucial factors and nuances that determine whether a specific online course will be accepted. These factors relate to state regulations, course accreditation, subject matter relevance, and documentation requirements.

General Acceptance and State Regulations:

• Most States Accept Online CE: The vast majority of states recognize online CE as a valid method for dental hygienists to meet their continuing education requirements. This is due to the increasing accessibility and quality of online learning platforms, as well as the need to provide flexible options for busy professionals.
• State-Specific Requirements are Key: However, it is absolutely essential to verify the specific regulations of the state where the dental hygienist is licensed. Each state’s dental board or licensing agency sets its own rules regarding CE, including:
  • Maximum Number of Online CE Credits: Some states limit the percentage or the total number of CE credits that can be obtained online. For example, a state might allow up to 50% of the required CE hours to be completed online, or it might set a maximum cap (e.g., no more than 12 online CE credits per renewal period). Other states may have no limits on the amount of online CE accepted.
  • Live vs. Self-Paced Online Courses: Some states differentiate between "live" (synchronous) online courses, where the hygienist interacts with the instructor in real-time (e.g., via webinar), and self-paced (asynchronous) online courses, where the hygienist completes the material independently. A few states may require a certain number of live CE credits per renewal period.
  • Specific Subject Matter Requirements: Many states mandate that a certain number of CE credits be earned in specific subjects, such as infection control, CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS), medical emergencies, ethics, or jurisprudence (state dental law). These required subjects must be completed through approved methods, which may or may not include online options. It is important to ensure that any online course intended to fulfill these requirements is explicitly approved by the state board.
  • Acceptance of Specific Providers: Some states maintain a list of pre-approved CE providers. If a state has such a list, it is crucial to choose online courses from providers that are recognized by that state’s dental board.
  • Verification Methods: States may have specific requirements for how online CE course completion is verified. This might involve a certificate of completion, a transcript, or direct reporting from the CE provider to the state board.

Accreditation and Provider Approval:

• ADA CERP Recognition: Look for online CE courses that are recognized by the American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP). ADA CERP recognition signifies that the course and provider meet rigorous standards for quality and relevance. While ADA CERP recognition is widely accepted, it does not guarantee automatic acceptance by every state dental board. Check your specific state requirements.
• AGD PACE Program Approval: The Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education (AGD PACE) is another respected accreditation. Like ADA CERP, AGD PACE approval indicates a commitment to quality CE, but again, state-specific rules always prevail.
• Direct State Board Approval: As mentioned earlier, some states directly approve CE providers. Check with your state board to see if they maintain a list of approved providers or have other specific accreditation requirements.

Course Content and Relevance:

• Directly Related to Dental Hygiene Practice: The online CE course must be directly related to the practice of dental hygiene. This typically includes topics such as:
  • Clinical skills and techniques
  • Patient care and management
  • Infection control and safety
  • Dental materials and pharmacology
  • Periodontology and oral pathology
  • Medical emergencies in the dental office
  • Ethics and jurisprudence
• Not Related to Business or Personal Development (Usually): Courses focused solely on business management, personal finance, or general wellness are generally not accepted for CE credit unless they are specifically approved by the state board as relevant to dental hygiene practice (e.g., a course on stress management for dental professionals).

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Certificate of Completion: Upon completing an online CE course, obtain a certificate of completion that includes the following information:
  • Hygienist’s name
  • Course title
  • Course provider’s name
  • Date of completion
  • Number of CE credits awarded
  • Accreditation information (e.g., ADA CERP or AGD PACE logo/statement)
  • Provider’s contact information
• Retain Records: Keep all CE certificates of completion for at least the duration specified by your state’s dental board (typically 2-4 years). You may be required to submit copies of these certificates when you renew your license or if you are audited by the board.
• Digital Storage: Consider storing electronic copies of your CE certificates in a secure, cloud-based storage service or on a hard drive that is regularly backed up.

Steps to Ensure Online CE Course Acceptance:

1. Consult Your State Dental Board: This is the most important step. Visit the website of your state’s dental board or licensing agency and carefully review the regulations regarding continuing education for dental hygienists. Look for specific information about online CE, acceptable providers, subject matter requirements, and documentation procedures. Contact the board directly if you have any questions or need clarification.
2. Choose Accredited Providers: Select online CE courses from providers that are recognized by ADA CERP, AGD PACE, or your state’s dental board (if applicable).
3. Verify Course Content: Ensure that the course content is directly related to the practice of dental hygiene and meets any specific subject matter requirements of your state.
4. Obtain and Retain Documentation: Obtain a certificate of completion for each online CE course you complete and keep it in a safe place for the required retention period.
5. Track Your CE Credits: Maintain a personal record of all CE credits earned, including the course title, provider, date of completion, and number of credits. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you meet your state’s requirements.
6. Submit Required Documentation: Follow your state board’s instructions for submitting CE documentation when you renew your license.

By carefully following these steps, dental hygienists can confidently choose online CE courses that will count towards their licensure renewal and help them stay current with the latest advances in dental hygiene practice. Failure to comply with state-specific regulations can result in the denial of license renewal.