Dental Hygienists · Pennsylvania · Continuing education
Pennsylvania Dental Hygienist CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- RDH20 hours every 2 years, including 2 h child abuse recognition & reporting; renewal by March 31 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Pennsylvania RDH CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20hours
- 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
- $59
- New licensees
- Exempt from the 20 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.
- Renew online
- www.pals.pa.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Local anesthesia permit: 3 h on local anesthesia incl. pharmacology. PHDHP: 5 h public health.
Source: www.pa.gov · 49 Pa. Code §33.401 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Pennsylvania?
20 hours every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for dental hygienists in Pennsylvania?
Approved providers under 49 Pa. Code §33.403; live interactive webinars count as lecture.
Is CPR/BLS required for dental hygienists in Pennsylvania?
Yes — current CPR/BLS certification is part of renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for dental hygienists in Pennsylvania?
Licenses renew by March 31 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).