Dentists · Illinois · Continuing education
Illinois Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD48 hours every 3 years, including 1 h implicit bias & cultural competency, 1 h mandated reporter training (every 6 years), 1 h cultural competency (every 6 years), 1 h sexual harassment prevention; renewal by September 30.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Illinois DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 48hours
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- Sep 30
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By September 30
- Accepted credit
- Clinical or supportive nonclinical courses from approved sponsors: ADA/NDA and ADA CERP, ADHA/NDHA, approved dental/dental hygiene programs, ADA-recognized specialty organizations, AGD and its approved sponsors, ADSA, accredited colleges, JCAHO hospitals, AHA/ACS, LCME medical schools, AMA/ACCME, government agencies, NBC-approved courses, Division-approved sponsors; correspondence/teaching each max 50%
- Online limit
- 50% of hours
- New licensees
- No CE for the first renewal after original issuance.
- Audits & records
- Certify on the renewal application; keep evidence 5 years after the renewal period; random audits.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Implicit bias & cultural competencyFrom the first renewal requiring CE | 1 | every renewal |
| Mandated reporter trainingThose working with children: mandated reporter training at least every six years; others attest at each renewal (325 ILCS 5/4) | 1 | every 6 years |
| Cultural competencyRenewals on/after Jan 1, 2025: before the first renewal requiring CE, then every six years | 1 | every 6 years |
| Sexual harassment preventionAll individual licensees | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Waiver for good cause (armed forces service, temporary incapacitating illness, temporary undue hardship) requested with the renewal.
Good to know. Dental licenses expire Sept 30 every 3 years (cycle since the Sept 30, 2006 renewal); prerenewal period = 36 months before Sept 30. Dental specialty licenses need no separate CE. Opioid CE for dentists was not confirmed on the pages read.
Source: www.ilga.gov · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1220.440 and renewal sections of Part 1220; 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.5, 2105-15.7, 2105-370 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Illinois
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in Illinois?
Clinical or supportive nonclinical courses from approved sponsors: ADA/NDA and ADA CERP, ADHA/NDHA, approved dental/dental hygiene programs, ADA-recognized specialty organizations, AGD and its approved sponsors, ADSA, accredited colleges, JCAHO hospitals, AHA/ACS, LCME medical schools, AMA/ACCME, government agencies, NBC-approved courses, Division-approved sponsors; correspondence/teaching each max 50%.
How many CE hours do dentists need in Illinois?
48 hours every 3 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in Illinois?
Use the license lookup of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Board of Dentistry (idfpr.illinois.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
Which CE topics are mandatory for dentists in Illinois?
Implicit bias & cultural competency — 1 h (every renewal); Mandated reporter training — 1 h (every 6 years); Cultural competency — 1 h (every 6 years); Sexual harassment prevention — 1 h (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in Illinois?
Licenses renew by September 30 (3 years cycle).