Dental Hygienists · Tennessee · Continuing education
Tennessee Dental Hygienist CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- RDH30 hours every 2 years, including 2 h substance use disorders (DEA MATE Act); renewal by December 31 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Tennessee RDH CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Dec 31, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By December 31 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- ADA, Academy of General Dentistry, ADHA, NDA, NDHA, ADAA and their affiliates; Tennessee Dental Hygienists Academy of Advance Study; TN Department of Health, TEMA, FEMA; accredited dental/hygiene/assisting schools; dental meetings max 10 h
- Online limit
- 50% of hours
- Audits & records
- Random monthly CE and CPR audits; send documents only if audited. Keep certificates 3 years after the calendar year of completion.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Substance use disorders (DEA MATE Act)Chemical dependency education | 2 | every renewal |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)Online Jurisprudence Exam each renewal cycle | — | every renewal |
| CPR / Basic Life Support certificationCurrent in-person CPR card; hours may count | — | every renewal |
Good to know. Two-year CE cycle (Jan 1 odd year - Dec 31 even year); license expires end of birth month. Max 50% online; live interactive webinars count as in-person since July 1, 2022. Current in-person CPR card required; CPR hours may count.
Source: www.tn.gov · Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0460-01-.05 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Tennessee
05 Questions
How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Tennessee?
30 hours every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for dental hygienists in Tennessee?
ADA, Academy of General Dentistry, ADHA, NDA, NDHA, ADAA and their affiliates; Tennessee Dental Hygienists Academy of Advance Study; TN Department of Health, TEMA, FEMA; accredited dental/hygiene/assisting schools; dental meetings max 10 h.
Is CPR/BLS required for dental hygienists in Tennessee?
Yes — current CPR/BLS certification is part of renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for dental hygienists in Tennessee?
Licenses renew by December 31 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).