Dental Hygienists · New Mexico · Continuing education
New Mexico Dental Hygienist CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- RDH45 hours every 3 years; 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 RDH CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 45hours
- 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 15 hours per year for those licensed less than 3 years; an initial license issued for less than a full year needs 15 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 |
| 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 hygiene 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%.
Source: prod-rf-lambda.rtssaas.com · 16.5.23 NMAC (Dental Hygienists, Continuing Education Requirements); 16.5.1.15 NMAC; 16.5.24 NMAC · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in New Mexico?
45 hours every 3 years.
Which CE courses count for dental hygienists 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.
Is CPR/BLS required for dental hygienists in New Mexico?
Yes — current CPR/BLS certification is part of renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for dental hygienists in New Mexico?
Licenses renew on the anniversary of your license date (3 years cycle).