CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Per the California Dental Board all California licensed dentists must complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education course credit every two year renewal period – renewal expiration dependent upon birth month.

All California licensed RDHs (and all sub-categories) and RDAs (and all subcategories) must complete a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education course credit every two year renewal period – renewal expiration dependent upon birth month.

Mandatory courses within each two year renewal cycle period for licensees include: Health care professional CPR basic life support (eligible for 4 units Category I credit) A minimum of 2 units Infection Control A minimum of 2 units CA Dental Practice Act.

In addition Cal-OSHA requires all employees who are exposed to bloodborne pathogens, whether licensed or unlicensed, be trained in infection control and OSHA compliance ANNUALLY. OSHA is unconcerned whether an individual obtains CE credit for the training – just that all be trained.

RDHs and RDAs with expanded functions must obtain additional course credit. Regulations regarding those designations can be found on the Dental Board website at The Dental Board of California.

As of January 1, 2010 – the Dental Board of California has instituted additional training regulations for all unlicensed dental assistants, which includes any employee who has clinical contact with patients, or who is required to don personal protective equipment in the course of their duties.

Within 120 days of employment, these unlicensed employees must complete: Basic life support CPR (this must be maintained current during course of employment); CA Dental Practice Act Seminar (minimum 2 hours – this is a one-time requirement) 8 hour seminar in Infection Control, 4 hours of which must be didactic (also a one-time requirement).

The employer dentist is responsible for ensuring that all employees who fall into this category obtain and maintain the required education and certification.