Navigating ADA CERP: A Comprehensive Guide to Continuing Education Requirements for Dental Professionals

Maintaining licensure in the field of dentistry requires ongoing commitment to professional development. Continuing education (CE) ensures that dentists and dental hygienists remain current with the latest advancements, techniques, and best practices. The American Dental Association (ADA) plays a crucial role in this process through its Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP). This article provides a detailed overview of ADA CERP and its significance for dental professionals seeking quality continuing education opportunities.

The Importance of Continuing Education in Dentistry

Continuing education consists of educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a dentist uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession. The objective is to enhance and update the knowledge base of dentists, strengthen critical thinking skills and support an evidence-based, ethical practice of dentistry. In essence, CE helps dental professionals:

Stay updated: From laser dentistry to Artificial Intelligence, stay up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry.
Improve skills: Continuing education strengthens critical thinking skills.
Maintain licensure: To keep licensing current, Dentists are required to have 40 Continuing Education credits every two years and Dental Hygienists need 20 credits every two years. Infection Control is needed yearly and your CPR certification needs to be up to date.
Enhance patient care: The ultimate goal of CE is to improve the quality of care provided to patients.

Understanding ADA CERP

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP is a program for reviewing providers of continuing dental education and recognizing those that demonstrate that they routinely meet certain basic standards of educational quality. It does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ADA.org/goto/cerp.

ADA CERP Recognition: What It Means

Providers approved by the Commission shall be designated "ADA CERP recognized providers" for the length of their period of recognition which shall be two, three or four years. ADA CERP recognition is based on a provider’s demonstration of compliance with ADA CERP standards and criteria.

The ADA CERP Application Process

All providers interested in obtaining ADA CERP recognition must first complete a pre-application form. Providers in the United States and Canada must complete the ADA CERP Pre-application: Determination of Eligibility form. International providers, defined by ADA CERP as providers based outside the United States or Canada, must complete the Pre-application Process for International Providers (PPIP). The pre-application forms include questions related to the ADA CERP eligibility criteria. Pre-applications may be submitted at any time.

Read also: About Continuing Education Credits

Steps to Recognition

Pre-application: Providers must complete a pre-application to determine eligibility.
Application: Eligible providers will be requested to complete an ADA CERP Application for Recognition within a specified time frame, usually within 18 months of notification of eligibility, and in accordance with published application deadlines.
Review: After receipt of the ADA CERP Application for Recognition, the application will be reviewed to determine completeness of information submitted. The application will be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission. The CCEPR reserves the right to seek additional information from the provider, including but not limited to course evaluation forms completed by participants and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all course participants.
Recognition: Recognition is effective the first day of the month of May or November after action is taken by the CCEPR. In no case will recognition be granted retroactively or prior to action taken by the Commission.
Maintenance: Recognized providers have an obligation to ensure that major changes or additions to the program such as a change of ownership, implementing courses in which treatment is provided to human subjects or adding a new educational method must conform with ADA CERP standards and criteria.

Types of Recognition

Initial Recognition: New applicants (providers that are not currently ADA CERP recognized) may be eligible for an Initial Recognition period of two years.
Full Recognition: Granted to providers who fully meet the ADA CERP standards and criteria, typically for a period of two, three, or four years.
Contingent Recognition: If the Commission determines that more information is required to make a decision regarding recognition status, or that the provider only minimally meets the standards and criteria, the Commission may (1) postpone for a specified period of time, action to determine recognition status pending submission of additional information or a new application, or, (2) grant recognition contingent upon the provider's submission of a progress report within six months to one year.

Maintaining ADA CERP Recognition

The re-recognition process begins about twelve months prior to the designated recognition expiration date. The Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CCEPR) notifies recognized providers and sends them information about the re-recognition procedures, including a specific schedule. Recognized providers must complete and submit an ADA CERP Application for Recognition by the specified deadline prior to the date when the provider's recognition will expire. In addition to the Application form, the provider must submit any other specifically identified materials documenting its continued compliance with the CERP standards and criteria for recognition, as well as improvements in any previously-identified areas of deficiency or weakness.

To retain recognition, continuing dental education providers must comply with ADA CERP standards and criteria as modified. CCEPR will notify recognized providers of any program updates and changes to the ADA CERP standards and criteria. The most current version of the ADA CERP Recognition Standards and Procedures is always available at CCEPR.ADA.org. If a recognized provider is unable to meet its reapplication deadline, the provider may request a one-time extension of its recognition term. In order to do so, the provider must notify Commission staff of its intent to extend and submit payment of the appropriate extension fee (see Fee Schedule). If the Commission grants the extension, the provider’s recognition term will be extended six months, pending submission and approval of a reapplication to be reviewed during the next application cycle.

Substantive Changes and Joint Providership

A substantive change to a provider’s continuing education (CE) program is one that may impact the degree to which the recognized provider complies with the ADA CERP Recognition Standards and Procedures. The Commission must be made aware of substantive changes as soon as possible. All recognized providers are expected to report substantive changes in writing to the Commission within 30 days of the change. If a provider is uncertain whether a change is substantive, the provider should contact CCEPR staff for clarification and guidance.

Joint providership is when an ADA CERP recognized provider shares responsibility with another provider of continuing dental education for implementing, evaluating, and keeping records for a continuing dental education activity. Responsibility for continuing education activities must rest with the ADA CERP recognized provider whenever the provider acts in cooperation with providers that are not recognized. When two or more ADA CERP recognized providers act in cooperation to plan and implement an activity, one must take responsibility for ensuring compliance with CERP Standards. Letters of agreement between the joint providers must be developed to outline each party’s responsibilities for the CE activity.

Adverse Actions and Appeals

Recognition will be denied or withdrawn if there is non-compliance with the ADA CERP standards and criteria for recognition. The Commission sends notice that it is initiating an adverse action in a transmittal letter to the provider no later than fourteen (14) days after the Commission’s meeting in which it determined to take this action.

Reconsideration

If a provider wishes to request that the Commission reconsider an adverse action that has been initiated, the provider must notify the Commission in writing within thirty (30) days of notification of the Commission’s intent to withdraw or deny recognition. If a provider properly notifies the Commission that it wishes to request reconsideration, it will be asked to submit a report or revised application, describing and documenting its compliance with the ADA CERP Standards cited in writing the Commission’s Decision Report, and include any reasons why the provider believes the withdrawal or denial is unjustified. The report and documentation are due by the date specified by the Commission (generally the next published ADA CERP application due date). After considering the information supplied by the provider in its request for reconsideration, the Commission will notify the provider of its decision in writing.

Appeals

If, after considering a provider’s request for reconsideration and supporting documentation, the Commission takes action to withdraw or deny recognition, the provider may appeal to the Commission’s Appeal Board. The purpose of an appeal is to determine if, based on the information and documentation previously submitted to the Commission, the decision to deny or withdraw recognition was in accordance with ADA CERP Standards. An appellant may not present to the Appeal Board any information that had not previously been presented to the Commission, such as information regarding corrections to deficiencies cited by the Commission. It is not proper for the Appeal Board to either receive or consider facts not previously presented to the Commission since it does not sit as an initial reviewing body. Similarly, it is not the function of the Hearing Panel to determine whether the facts, singularly or cumulatively, justify the decision of the Commission unless it can be shown that the Commission’s decision was clearly against the manifest weight of the evidence. Further, the Hearing Panel will not hear testimony relative to the reasonableness of previously determined requirements for recognition since this is outside the scope of authority of this reviewing body. An appeal may not be based on the length of the recognition period or disagreement with the ADA CERP Standards.

The Appeal Board and Hearing Panel

The Appeal Board consists of one representative selected by each of the organizations represented on the Board of Commissioners, and shall include one member each from: the national organizations of the recognized dental specialties, the American Dental Education Association, the American Society of Constituent Dental Executives, and the American Dental Association. Members of the Appeal Board must have previously served on the Board of Commissioners or its predecessor, the ADA CERP Committee. The term of office of members on the Appeal Board shall be one four (4) year term.

When an appeal of an adverse action is initiated by a provider, the director of the Commission shall select a Hearing Panel consisting of three (3) members of the Appeal Board to hear and decide the appeal. The Hearing Panel shall meet at the call of the director of the Commission provided at least ten (10) days’ notice is given to each member of the Hearing Panel in advance of the meeting. The Hearing Panel shall elect one member of the panel to chair the hearing.

Appeal Process Steps

Notification: If the Commission denies or withdraws recognition, the Commission will send notice of its decision in a written transmittal to the provider no later than fourteen (14) days following the Commission meeting. The transmittal will be sent by tracked electronic communication.
Request for Appeal: If the provider wishes to appeal the adverse action, the provider must file a written request for an appeal with the director of the Commission within twenty-one (21) days of notification of the Commission’s decision.
Hearing Panel Selection: The director of the Commission shall provide the names of the three members of the Hearing Panel to the appellant within thirty (30) days of receipt of the appeal.
Panelist Replacement Request: In the event that the appellant believes that a member of the Hearing Panel has a conflict of interest that may preclude a balanced hearing, the appellant may request that panelist be replaced. The appellant may request replacement of up to two members of the Hearing Panel. A request for appointment of a new panelist must be submitted to the Appeal Board within ten (10) days of receipt of the original slate of Hearing Panel members.
Submission of Evidence: The provider must submit four copies of evidence or argument in writing to refute the decision of the Commission.
Hearing Date: A hearing date will be scheduled by the director of the Commission within 60 days of receipt of the appeal. The Hearing Panel shall meet virtually unless the appellant requests to meet with the Hearing Panel in person. In the event that the appellant requests an in person meeting, such meeting shall take place in Chicago, at a location determined.

Finding ADA CERP Recognized Providers and Courses

ADA Website: The ADA website provides a searchable database of ADA CERP recognized providers.
Provider Websites: Look for the ADA CERP logo on the websites of continuing education providers.
Dental Schools and Associations: Many dental schools and professional associations are ADA CERP recognized providers. Examples include Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

Specific State Requirements

It's essential to be aware of specific CE requirements mandated by the licensing board in your state. For example, as of February 2017, dentists with a Schedule II DEA license are required by the state of Rhode Island to have eight (8) hours of continuing education on topics such as appropriate prescribing for pain; pharmacology; potential for dependence; and alternatives to opioids for pain management.

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Types of Continuing Education Activities

Live Courses: These can be hands-on workshops, lectures, or seminars. Spring courses are up! Experience TUSDM Continuing Education courses across the globe!
Online Courses: Many providers offer online CE courses, providing flexibility and convenience. The following free, self-study sessions focus on Controlled Substance Risk Mitigation in the dental practice.
Self-Study: This can include reading journals, completing online modules, or attending webinars.
Conferences and Meetings: National and regional dental conferences often offer a wide range of CE opportunities. Join us for an ongoing series of continuing education on orofacial pain, headache, and related pain topics focusing on case studies.

Topics Covered in Continuing Education

CE topics can vary widely, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of dental practice. Some common areas include:

Infection Control: Infection Control is needed yearly.
CPR Certification: Your CPR certification needs to be up to date.
New Technologies: From laser dentistry to Artificial Intelligence, stay up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry. Has the excitement surrounding the introduction of lasers to dentistry been more smoke than substance? Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of TWELVE different wavelengths for dental use. These different wavelengths create a world of difference in how the lasers operate, and their usefulness in the oral cavity.
Pain Management: As of February 2017, dentists with a Schedule II DEA license are required by the state of Rhode Island to have eight (8) hours of continuing education on topics such as appropriate prescribing for pain; pharmacology; potential for dependence; and alternatives to opioids for pain management.
Specific Dental Specialties: Courses may focus on areas like periodontics, orthodontics, or oral surgery.

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