Dental Hygienists · Rhode Island · Continuing education
Rhode Island Dental Hygienist CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- RDH20 continuing education credits every 2 years, including 1 h infection control (every year); renewal by May 1 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Rhode Island RDH CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20continuing 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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). Public health dental hygienists need 12 extra hours before practicing in that role.
Source: rules.sos.ri.gov · 216-RICR-40-05-2, §§2.7.5 and 2.16 (R.I. Gen. Laws §5-31.1-7) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Rhode Island?
20 continuing education credits every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for dental hygienists 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.
Is CPR/BLS required for dental hygienists in Rhode Island?
Yes — current CPR/BLS certification is part of renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for dental hygienists in Rhode Island?
Licenses renew by May 1 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).