Dentists · New Mexico · Continuing education
New Mexico Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD60 hours every 3 years, including 3 h controlled substances prescribing; renewal on the anniversary of your license date.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
New Mexico DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 60hours
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- License anniversary
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the anniversary of your license date
- Accepted credit
- Local/state/regional/national/international dental, dental hygiene, dental assisting or medical professional associations (using their approved CE program designations), US Dept. of Education-accredited institutions, federal/state agencies (e.g. military, VA), hospitals and clinics, Board-approved study clubs; other courses by Board approval. Live webinars count fully; ACCME courses max 8 h per triennium.
- Online limit
- 50% of hours
- Carryover
- CE earned after submitting renewal but before the license expires may be used for the next cycle; otherwise not stated.
- New licensees
- Pro-rated at 20 hours per year for those licensed less than 3 years; an initial license issued for less than a full year needs 20 hours for the first renewal.
- Audits & records
- Selected renewal applications are audited (request comes with the renewal notice). Keep CE records 4 years.
- Renew online
- www.rld.nm.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawCourse in ethics or jurisprudence incl. the NM Dental Health Care Act and Board rules | — | every renewal |
| Infection control | — | every renewal |
| Controlled substances prescribingDentists holding a federal DEA registration: pain management with controlled substances; new DEA-registered licensees within the first year of licensure | 3 | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent hands-on BLS/CPR (AHA, ARC, ASHI/HSI); max 3 h credit | — | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Emergency deferral up to 4 months for extenuating circumstances; licensees practicing/residing outside the US are exempt for the period of absence (notify the Board before expiration).
Good to know. Dental licenses expire every 3 years on June 30 (renewal postmarked by July 1). Current hands-on BLS/CPR (AHA, ARC, ASHI/HSI) required, max 3 h credit. Self-study (pre-recorded, with post-test) max 50%. Sedation/GA permit holders follow 16.5.15.20 NMAC CE.
Source: prod-rf-lambda.rtssaas.com · 16.5.10 NMAC (Dentists, Continuing Education Requirements); 16.5.1.15 NMAC; 16.5.57.11 NMAC; 16.5.11 NMAC · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in New Mexico?
Local/state/regional/national/international dental, dental hygiene, dental assisting or medical professional associations (using their approved CE program designations), US Dept. of Education-accredited institutions, federal/state agencies (e.g. military, VA), hospitals and clinics, Board-approved study clubs; other courses by Board approval. Live webinars count fully; ACCME courses max 8 h per triennium.
How many CE hours do dentists need in New Mexico?
60 hours every 3 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in New Mexico?
Use the license lookup of the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care (rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/dental-health-care); 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 New Mexico?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law (every renewal); Infection control (every renewal); Controlled substances prescribing — 3 h (every renewal); CPR / Basic Life Support certification (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in New Mexico?
Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (3 years cycle).