Dentists · Massachusetts · Continuing education
Massachusetts Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD40 CEUs every 2 years; renewal by March 31 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Massachusetts DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40CEUs
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Mar 31, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By March 31 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Educational/scientific courses sponsored or approved by accredited educational or service institutions, professional associations and societies, accredited postdoctoral programs, government health agencies, accredited hospitals; National Board/CDCA exams; ADA-recognized specialty board maintenance; self-study with test, teaching, faculty/research, publications and table clinics within caps
- Online limit
- 50% of hours
- Carryover
- Not allowed.
- New licensees
- New graduates of CODA-accredited/Board-approved programs are exempt for the licensing period in which they graduate.
- Audits & records
- Signed statement under pains and penalties of perjury at renewal; sponsors keep attendance records 5 years.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementDentists with a Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration or DEA registration or who otherwise prescribe: training under M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 18(e) (hours not stated in 234 CMR 8) | — | every renewal |
| Infection controlCDC Guidelines course each biennial renewal (hours not stated) | — | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationContinuous CPR/AED or BLS (ACLS/PALS for anesthesia permit holders) | — | every renewal |
Good to know. 40 CEUs in the 24 months before March 31 of even-numbered years. Continuous CPR/AED or BLS certification (ACLS/PALS for anesthesia permit holders). Max 20 CEUs self-study with test; other category caps apply.
Source: www.mass.gov · 234 CMR 8.00 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Massachusetts
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in Massachusetts?
Educational/scientific courses sponsored or approved by accredited educational or service institutions, professional associations and societies, accredited postdoctoral programs, government health agencies, accredited hospitals; National Board/CDCA exams; ADA-recognized specialty board maintenance; self-study with test, teaching, faculty/research, publications and table clinics within caps.
How many CE hours do dentists need in Massachusetts?
40 CEUs every 2 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in Massachusetts?
Use the license lookup of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry (mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-dentistry); 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 Massachusetts?
Opioid prescribing & pain management (every renewal); Infection control (every renewal); CPR / Basic Life Support certification (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in Massachusetts?
Licenses renew by March 31 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).