Dentists · Rhode Island · Continuing education
Rhode Island Dental CE Requirements for Dentists (2026)
01 In short
- DDS/DMD40 continuing education credits every 2 years, including 8 h opioid prescribing & pain management (once), 1 h infection control (every year); renewal by May 1 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
How many hours do I still need?
Find conferences in Rhode Island →
Calculated in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
03 Requirements
Rhode Island DDS/DMD CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40continuing education credits
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- May 1, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By May 1 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Courses sponsored or approved by accredited educational institutions, Board-recognized professional associations and societies, accredited post-doctoral programs, federal/state/local government health agencies and institutions, accredited community and teaching hospitals (criteria developed by the Rhode Island Dental Association, approved by the Board). Self-instructed courses incl. Internet courses need a post-test; they may cover the full requirement.
- New licensees
- Pro-rated for licenses in effect less than 2 years.
- Audits & records
- Attestation at renewal; keep course descriptions and proof of attendance at least 5 years for random audit.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid prescribing & pain managementPractitioners who prescribe Schedule II opioids: 8 hours once, before renewal of controlled substance registration or within 2 years (DATA 2000 waiver training qualifies) | 8 | once |
| Infection controlLicensees practicing in a dental setting: at least 1 hour per year on the CDC infection control guidelines | 1 | every year |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent hands-on BLS for Healthcare Providers; max 3 credits | — | every renewal |
Good to know. Renewal by May 1 of even years. Current hands-on BLS for Healthcare Providers required (CPR course max 3 credits). Clinical/lab participation courses earn 2 credits per hour.
Source: rules.sos.ri.gov · 216-RICR-40-05-2, §§2.6 and 2.16 (R.I. Gen. Laws §5-31.1-7); 216-RICR-20-20-4 (opioid prescriber training) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for dentists in Rhode Island?
Courses sponsored or approved by accredited educational institutions, Board-recognized professional associations and societies, accredited post-doctoral programs, federal/state/local government health agencies and institutions, accredited community and teaching hospitals (criteria developed by the Rhode Island Dental Association, approved by the Board). Self-instructed courses incl. Internet courses need a post-test; they may cover the full requirement.
How many CE hours do dentists need in Rhode Island?
40 continuing education credits every 2 years.
How do I verify a dentist license in Rhode Island?
Use the license lookup of the Rhode Island Board of Dentistry (RI Department of Health) (health.ri.gov); 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 Rhode Island?
Opioid prescribing & pain management — 8 h (once); Infection control — 1 h (every year); CPR / Basic Life Support certification (every renewal).
When is the renewal deadline for dentists in Rhode Island?
Licenses renew by May 1 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).