Dentists · Iowa · Continuing education
Iowa Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD30 hours every 2 years, including 1 h opioid prescribing & pain management, 2 h child abuse recognition & reporting, 1 h infection control, 1 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence); renewal by August 31 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Iowa DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Aug 31, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By August 31 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Organized programs relevant to dentistry/oral health/patient care; activities developed or approved by nationally recognized organizations such as the ADA, AGD or dental specialty organizations qualify. No credit for business, marketing, finance, personal development, insurance topics.
- Renewal fee
- $315
- Carryover
- Up to 15 excess hours may be applied to the next renewal period; not for CPR, infection control, jurisprudence, radiography or opioid hours.
- New licensees
- Exempt for the first renewal period (or portion) after the license is first issued.
- Audits & records
- Number of CE hours is reported at renewal; keep evidence 4 years after renewal; Board may audit and request certificates.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementDentists who prescribed opioids to a patient during the biennium (others attest); must also read CDC opioid guideline if not covered | 1 | every renewal |
| Child abuse recognition & reportingThose who regularly provide dental services to children: mandatory reporter training (Iowa Code ch. 232), within 6 months of employment, then before the certificate expires | 2 | every renewal |
| Infection control | 1 | every renewal |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)Iowa jurisprudence related to dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting | 1 | every renewal |
| Mandated reporter trainingThose who regularly provide dental services to adults: dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training (Iowa Code ch. 235B) | 2 | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent hands-on CPR; max 3 h credit (ACLS/PALS hour-for-hour) | — | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Exempt during honorable active military duty, practice in another state whose CE rules are met, government duty abroad; extensions/exemptions for disability or illness.
Good to know. Dental licenses expire August 31 of even years; CE period Sept 1 - Aug 31. Current hands-on CPR required (max 3 h credit; ACLS/PALS hour-for-hour). Self-study max 12 h. Sedation/GA permit renewal: ACLS or PALS + 6 h sedation CE (counts toward license).
Source: www.legis.iowa.gov · 481 Iowa Administrative Code chapter 573 (Dental Continuing Education); 481 IAC 572.17; Iowa Code ch. 153, 272C · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Iowa
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in Iowa?
Organized programs relevant to dentistry/oral health/patient care; activities developed or approved by nationally recognized organizations such as the ADA, AGD or dental specialty organizations qualify. No credit for business, marketing, finance, personal development, insurance topics.
How many CE hours do dentists need in Iowa?
30 hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in Iowa?
Use the license lookup of the Iowa Dental Board (dial.iowa.gov/dental-board); 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 Iowa?
Opioid prescribing & pain management — 1 h (every renewal); Child abuse recognition & reporting — 2 h (every renewal); Infection control — 1 h (every renewal); State laws & rules (jurisprudence) — 1 h (every renewal); Mandated reporter training — 2 h (every renewal); CPR / Basic Life Support certification (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in Iowa?
Licenses renew by August 31 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).