Dentists · Pennsylvania · Continuing education
Pennsylvania Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD30 hours every 2 years, including 2 h opioid prescribing & pain management, 2 h child abuse recognition & reporting; renewal by March 31 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Pennsylvania DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Mar 31, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By March 31 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Approved providers under 49 Pa. Code §33.403; live interactive webinars count as lecture
- Online limit
- 50% of hours
- Renewal fee
- $366
- New licensees
- Exempt from the 30 hours for the biennial period of initial licensure (e.g. licensed 4/1/23-3/31/25); child abuse training still required.
- Audits & records
- Child abuse course completion must be reported electronically by the approved provider; do not upload certificates.
- Renew online
- www.pals.pa.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementAct 124 opioid education; not needed without a DEA registration or use of another's DEA number | 2 | every renewal |
| Child abuse recognition & reportingAct 31 mandated child abuse recognition and reporting, from an approved provider | 2 | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent infant, child and adult CPR; hands-on CPR courses do not count as CE | — | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Written waiver request for illness, emergency or hardship, decided case by case.
Good to know. At least 50% lecture/clinical; max 50% online/individual study. Current infant, child and adult CPR required; hands-on CPR courses do not count as CE. Anesthesia permit holders: 15 h in GA/deep sedation (unrestricted) or conscious sedation (restricted I), plus ACLS/PALS.
Source: www.pa.gov · 49 Pa. Code §33.401 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in Pennsylvania?
Approved providers under 49 Pa. Code §33.403; live interactive webinars count as lecture.
How many CE hours do dentists need in Pennsylvania?
30 hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in Pennsylvania?
Use the license lookup of the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry (pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/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 Pennsylvania?
Opioid prescribing & pain management — 2 h (every renewal); Child abuse recognition & reporting — 2 h (every renewal); CPR / Basic Life Support certification (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in Pennsylvania?
Licenses renew by March 31 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).