Virginia Law

A. A dentist shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education that meets the requirements for content, sponsorship, and documentation set out in this section, for each annual renewal of licensure, except for the first renewal following initial licensure and for any renewal of a restricted volunteer license.

1. A dentist shall maintain current training certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with hands-on airway training for health care providers or basic life support unless the dentist is required by 18VAC60-21-290 or 18VAC60-21-300 to hold current certification in advanced life support with hands-on simulated airway and megacode training for health care providers.

2. A dentist who administers or monitors patients under general anesthesia, deep sedation, or moderate sedation shall complete four hours every two years of approved continuing education directly related to administration and monitoring of such anesthesia or sedation as part of the hours required for licensure renewal.

3. Continuing education hours in excess of the number required for renewal may be transferred or credited to the next renewal year for a total of not more than 15 hours.

4. Up to three hours of the 15 hours required for annual renewal may be satisfied through delivery of dental services, without compensation, to low-income individuals receiving health services through a local health department or a free clinic organized in whole or primarily for the delivery of those services.

B. To be accepted for license renewal, continuing education programs shall be directly relevant to the treatment and care of patients and shall be:

1. Clinical courses in dentistry and dental hygiene; or

2. Nonclinical subjects that relate to the skills necessary to provide dental or dental hygiene services and are supportive of clinical services (i.e., patient management, legal and ethical responsibilities, and stress management). Courses not acceptable for the purpose of this subsection include estate planning, financial planning, investments, business management, marketing, and personal health.

C. Continuing education credit may be earned for verifiable attendance at or participation in any course, to include audio and video presentations, that meets the requirements in subsection B of this section and is given by a sponsor approved by the board.

D. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the continuing education requirements due to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee, such as temporary disability, mandatory military service, or officially declared disasters. A written request with supporting documents must be submitted prior to renewal of the license.

E. The board may grant an extension for up to one year for completion of continuing education upon written request with an explanation to the board prior to the renewal date.

F. A licensee is required to verify compliance with the continuing education requirements in the licensee's annual license renewal. Following the renewal period, the board may conduct an audit of licensees to verify compliance. Any licensee selected for audit must provide original documents certifying that the licensee has fulfilled the continuing education requirements by the deadline date as specified by the board.

G. All licensees are required to maintain original documents verifying the date and subject of the program or activity, the sponsor, and the amount of time earned. Documentation shall be maintained for a period of four years following renewal.

H. Continuing education hours required by board order shall not be used to satisfy the continuing education requirement for license renewal or reinstatement.

I. Failure to comply with continuing education requirements may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.