Dentists · Maine · Continuing education
Maine Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD40 credit hours every 2 years, including 3 h opioid prescribing & pain management; renewal by December 31 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Maine DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40credit hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Dec 31, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By December 31 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Providers such as accredited colleges, CODA programs, ADA/NDA, ADHA/NDHA and their societies, Board-recognized academies, VA/armed forces, American Academy of Dental Hygiene, ADA CERP, AGD PACE, agencies recognized by the AMA Council on Medical Education, ACCME. No limit on live lectures/seminars, study clubs, academic courses, online courses with exit exam; max 10 h combined for teaching, writing, independent study, distance learning without exam, in-service, etc.
- New licensees
- First renewal: half of the required hours, current BLS, plus the 3 opioid hours to prescribe opioids and 6 sedation hours for sedation permit holders.
- Audits & records
- Certify compliance on the renewal form; keep documentation two years post-renewal; random audits.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementDentists who prescribe opioid medication (condition of prescribing) | 3 | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent BLS, also at first renewal; online only with hands-on component; max 3 BLS h count | — | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Waiver/extension on written request before expiration for prolonged illness or other extenuating circumstances (e.g. military deployment). Inactive licensees need no CE.
Good to know. Biennial term Jan 1 of even years to Dec 31 of odd years; current BLS required (max 3 BLS h, max 6 ACLS/PALS h count; online only with hands-on component). Sedation permit holders: 6 of the 40 h in sedation/anesthesia.
Source: www.maine.gov · 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13 (Board of Dental Practice, Continuing Education); 32 M.R.S. §§ 18308(4), 18324, 18350, 18351 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in Maine?
Providers such as accredited colleges, CODA programs, ADA/NDA, ADHA/NDHA and their societies, Board-recognized academies, VA/armed forces, American Academy of Dental Hygiene, ADA CERP, AGD PACE, agencies recognized by the AMA Council on Medical Education, ACCME. No limit on live lectures/seminars, study clubs, academic courses, online courses with exit exam; max 10 h combined for teaching, writing, independent study, distance learning without exam, in-service, etc.
How many CE hours do dentists need in Maine?
40 credit hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in Maine?
Use the license lookup of the Maine Board of Dental Practice (maine.gov/dental); 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 Maine?
Opioid prescribing & pain management — 3 h (every renewal); CPR / Basic Life Support certification (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in Maine?
Licenses renew by December 31 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).