Navigating Continuing Education for Dental Hygienists

Dental hygiene is a dynamic field that demands continuous learning and adaptation. To ensure that dental hygienists remain competent and provide the best possible care to their patients, most jurisdictions require them to participate in continuing education. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of continuing education requirements for dental hygienists, with a particular focus on the regulations in Florida.

The Importance of Continuing Education

Continuing education (CE) plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the skills and knowledge of dental hygienists. It allows them to stay abreast of the latest advancements in dental hygiene practices, technologies, and research. By participating in CE courses, dental hygienists can improve their clinical skills, expand their understanding of oral health issues, and provide more effective patient care. Furthermore, CE helps dental hygienists to meet the evolving needs of their patients and adapt to changes in the healthcare landscape.

General Requirements for Licensure and Renewal

Before delving into the specifics of continuing education, it's important to understand the general requirements for dental hygiene licensure. To become a licensed dental hygienist, candidates must typically graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and pass both national and regional examinations.

In Florida, the process includes:

Submitting final official transcripts to the Board office by the registrar’s office with appropriate stamps, seals, degree and signatures. All final transcripts must indicate the matriculation date, graduation date, degree earned, and be embossed with the school seal.
Providing current proof of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the basic support level, including one - rescuer and two rescuer CPR for adults, children, and infants; the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and the use of ambu-bags.
Proof of completion of dental degree in accordance with s. 466.007(3), Florida Statutes and Rule 64B5-2.0144, Florida Administrative Code (transcripts and copies of dental diploma; all documents must be translated).
Proof of successful completion of the National Board Dental Examination (Part I and II) or the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
If applicable, a certification of licensure from each state in which applicant currently holds or has held a dental or dental hygiene license.

Florida does not have reciprocity with any state and does not issue licenses by endorsement or credentials.

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Criminal History Considerations

Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed.

Additional Requirements

Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting. Your application cannot be approved until this requirement, along with all other licensure criteria, has been met.

Important Resources

Note: Before practicing dentistry in Florida, read Chapter 456 and Chapter 466, Florida Statutes (F. S.) and Rule Chapter 64B5, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C). You must know and comply with the laws and rules as they pertain to your professional practice. Laws and rules are subject to change at any time.

Continuing Education Requirements in Florida

In Florida, continuing education requirements for dental hygienists are outlined in F.S. 466.014. The board requires each licensed dental hygienist to complete at least 24 hours but not more than 36 hours of continuing professional education in dental subjects, biennially, in programs prescribed or approved by the board or in equivalent programs of continuing education. Programs of continuing education approved by the board shall be programs of learning which, in the opinion of the board, contribute directly to the dental education of the dental hygienist. The board shall adopt rules and guidelines to administer and enforce this section.

Compliance with the continuing education requirements is mandatory for issuance of the renewal certificate. The board may excuse licensees, as a group or as individuals, from all or part of the continuing education requirements if an unusual circumstance, emergency, or hardship has prevented compliance with this section.

Approved Providers

Procter & Gamble is an approved dental CE provider for the Florida Board of Dentistry.

License Renewal

Current licenses expire February 28, 2026. Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements.

Required by section 456.0135(6)(1), Florida Statutes, a $43.25 fee is required for FDLE to retain your fingerprint for background screening during this licensure cycle. This fee is collected at the time of license renewal if your fingerprint retention is expiring this licensure period.

The process to renew a license can take up to three weeks. Note: Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. If you are renewing your license after the expiration date and your status still indicates ‘Clear/Active’ or ‘Clear/Inactive’, you will be assessed a delinquency fee. Licenses that expired February 28, 2024, will become Null & Void1 on March 1, 2026.

Specific Areas of Focus in Continuing Education

While the specific topics covered in continuing education courses may vary, some common areas of focus include:

Infection Control: Staying up-to-date on the latest protocols for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in the dental setting.
Periodontology: Enhancing knowledge of periodontal diseases, their prevention, and treatment.
Pharmacology: Understanding the uses, effects, and interactions of drugs commonly prescribed in dentistry.
Oral Cancer Detection: Improving skills in identifying and managing oral cancer.
New Technologies: Learning about the latest advancements in dental equipment and techniques.
CPR Certification: Maintaining current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the basic support level, including one - rescuer and two rescuer CPR for adults, children, and infants; the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and the use of ambu-bags.

Maintaining Records of Continuing Education

Dental hygienists are responsible for maintaining accurate records of their continuing education activities. This typically includes keeping copies of certificates of completion, transcripts, and other documentation that verifies their participation in CE courses. In Florida, The dental hygienist shall retain in her or his records any receipts, vouchers, or certificates necessary to document completion of such continuing education. These records may be required during license renewal or in the event of an audit by the state board.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with continuing education requirements can have serious consequences for dental hygienists. In most jurisdictions, including Florida, it can result in the suspension or revocation of their license to practice. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to fines, penalties, or other disciplinary actions.

Resources for Finding Continuing Education Courses

Numerous resources are available to help dental hygienists find continuing education courses that meet their needs. These include:

Dental Hygiene Associations: National and state dental hygiene associations often offer CE courses or maintain directories of approved providers.
Dental Schools: Many dental schools offer continuing education programs for dental professionals.
Online CE Providers: A growing number of online platforms offer CE courses that can be completed from the comfort of one's home or office.
Dental Product Manufacturers: Some dental product manufacturers offer CE courses related to their products.

Special Considerations

Applicants with Medical Conditions or Criminal History

Self-Explanation - Applicants must submit a letter in your own words explaining the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s). Include a description of all treatments and diagnoses you have received for any condition(s)/impairment(s) you are/have been treated for. Physician(s) Letter - Applicants must submit a statement from your treating physician(s)/counselor(s) for each condition you are/were being treated for and whether or not you are currently able to safely practice Dentistry. Agency Records - All relevant documentation regarding the action should be sent to the board office by the licensing agency.

Any applicant who has ever been found guilty of or pled guilty or no contest/nolo contendere to any charge other than a minor traffic offense must list each offense on the application. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial of your application. The Board of Dentistry has created guidelines for specific offenses to be cleared in the board office; however, staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Violent crimes and repeat offenders are required to be presented to the Board of Dentistry for review. Final Dispositions/Arrest Records - Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions - Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction.

Limited Licensees

A limited licensee may provide services only to the indigent, or critical need populations within the state.

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