Dental Hygienists · Iowa · Continuing education
Iowa Dental Hygienist CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- RDH30 hours every 2 years, including 2 h child abuse recognition & reporting, 1 h infection control, 1 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence), 2 h mandated reporter training; renewal by August 31 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Iowa RDH CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Aug 31, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By August 31 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Organized programs relevant to dentistry/oral health/patient care; activities developed or approved by nationally recognized organizations such as the ADA, AGD or dental specialty organizations qualify. No credit for business, marketing, finance, personal development, insurance topics.
- Renewal fee
- $150
- Carryover
- Up to 15 excess hours may be applied to the next renewal period; not for CPR, infection control, jurisprudence, radiography or opioid hours.
- New licensees
- Exempt for the first renewal period (or portion) after the license is first issued.
- Audits & records
- Number of CE hours is reported at renewal; keep evidence 4 years after renewal; Board may audit and request certificates.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Child abuse recognition & reportingThose who regularly provide dental services to children: mandatory reporter training (Iowa Code ch. 232), within 6 months of employment, then before the certificate expires | 2 | every renewal |
| Infection control | 1 | every renewal |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)Iowa jurisprudence related to dentistry, dental hygiene and dental assisting | 1 | every renewal |
| Mandated reporter trainingThose who regularly provide dental services to adults: dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training (Iowa Code ch. 235B) | 2 | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent hands-on CPR; max 3 h credit | — | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Exempt during honorable active military duty, practice in another state whose CE rules are met, government duty abroad; extensions/exemptions for disability or illness.
Good to know. Dental hygiene licenses expire August 31 of odd years; CE period Sept 1 - Aug 31. Current hands-on CPR required (max 3 h credit). Self-study max 12 h. Local anesthesia permit expires August 31 of odd years.
Source: www.legis.iowa.gov · 481 Iowa Administrative Code chapter 573 (Dental Continuing Education); 481 IAC 572.17; Iowa Code ch. 153, 272C · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Iowa
05 Questions
How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Iowa?
30 hours every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for dental hygienists in Iowa?
Organized programs relevant to dentistry/oral health/patient care; activities developed or approved by nationally recognized organizations such as the ADA, AGD or dental specialty organizations qualify. No credit for business, marketing, finance, personal development, insurance topics.
Is CPR/BLS required for dental hygienists in Iowa?
Yes — current CPR/BLS certification is part of renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for dental hygienists in Iowa?
Licenses renew by August 31 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).