Categories of Continuing Education Programs and CEUs Allowed in Each Category

(1) Educational and Scientific Courses, Examinations, and Specialty Boards. A licensee may obtain CEUs in these categories: (a) Educational and scientific courses sponsored or approved by any of the following: 1. Accredited educational or service institutions; 2. Professional associations and societies; 3. Accredited postdoctoral programs; 4. Local, state and federal governmental health agencies and health institutions; and 5. Accredited community and teaching hospitals. 8.05: continued (b) Completion of Part II of the National Board Examination for dentists or the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination for dental hygienists. (c) Completion of the CDCA Diagnosis, Oral Medicine, Radiology and Comprehensive Treatment Planning examination for dentists or the CDCA Dental Hygiene Comprehensive examination for dental hygienists, or other Board approved clinical competency examination. (d) Completion of continuing education requirements for maintaining certification of ADA-recognized board specialties. (2) Self-instruction. A dentist may earn a maximum of 20 CEUs, a dental hygienist may earn a maximum of ten CEUs and a dental assistant may earn a maximum of six CEUs per renewal cycle by completing an individual study course (home study, on-line, correspondence, audio or video). All such courses must include a test, which the licensee shall pass to obtain credit. (3) Teaching and Research. (a) Continuing Education Instructor. A dentist may earn a maximum of 20 CEUs, a dental hygienist may earn a maximum of ten CEUs and a dental assistant may earn a maximum of six CEUs per renewal cycle as an instructor of continuing education courses that satisfy criteria in 234 CMR 8.04. Two CEUs may be earned for every hour taught and only for the first presentation of the program. The Board will not accept CEUs for repeat presentations. (b) Academic Participation. A dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant who conducts research or who is an appointed member of the faculty at a CODA-accredited dental school, dental hygiene program or dental assisting program may receive three CEUs for the following: 1. Faculty Appointments. A dentist may receive a maximum of ten CEUs, a dental hygienist may receive a maximum of five CEUs and a dental assistant may receive a maximum of three CEUs per renewal cycle through a faculty appointment for teaching at a CODA-accredited dental school, a dental hygiene program or dental assisting program. 2. Research Appointments. A dentist may receive a maximum of ten CEUs, a dental hygienist may receive a maximum of five CEUs and a dental assistant may receive a maximum of three CEUs through a research appointment at a CODA-accredited dental school, dental hygiene program or dental assistant program or other research institution. Documentation of the research conducted by the licensee shall be provided, upon request, to the Board and may include: a. Results of research conducted; b. Publications authored by the licensee and published in a professional scientific journal; c. Presentation of research studies at professional conferences; or d. A written statement by the licensee's supervisor of the research, estimated number of hours and a description of the licensee's role in research. (4) Papers, Publications and Scientific Presentations. A dentist may receive a maximum of 20 CEUs, a dental hygienist may receive a maximum of ten CEUs and a dental assistant may receive a maximum of six CEUs per renewal cycle in the following categories: (a) A maximum of ten CEUs for a dentist, five CEUs for a dental hygienist and three CEUs for a dental assistant will be given for each original scientific paper authored by the licensee and published in a scientific professional journal. (b) For each original presentation of a paper, essay or formal lecture to a recognized group of fellow professionals, the presenter shall receive two hours of CEUs for every hour of presentation. (5) Table Clinics and Scientific Exhibits. A maximum of eight CEUs may be obtained in this category. The original presentation of a table clinic or scientific exhibit at a professional meeting will provide a maximum of two hours of CEUs per clinic or exhibit. (6) General Attendance at Conferences. A dentist may receive a maximum of five CEUs, a dental hygienist may receive a maximum of four CEUs and a dental assistant may receive a maximum of three CEUs per renewal cycle for general attendance at a multi-day professional conference. 8.05: continued (7) Pro Bono Service. A dentist may earn a maximum of five CEUs, a dental hygienist may earn a maximum of three CEUs and a dental assistant may earn a maximum of two CEUs per renewal cycle for pro bono services provided in public health settings as defined in 234 CMR 2.00: Purpose And Definitions. (a) A CEU may be earned for each hour of service, and may include, but not be limited to, direct patient care and oral health education programs. (b) A licensee seeking to earn CEU credit for pro bono service must submit, upon request of the Board, documentation from the dental facility director or person responsible for the program or institution attesting to the licensee's participation, including the date(s), location(s), and number of hours of service. (8) Non-clinical Practice-related Courses. A dentist may earn a maximum of five CEUs and a dental hygienist or dental assistant may earn a maximum of two CEUs per renewal cycle for non-clinical practice-related courses.