Pennsylvania Dental CE Requirements
Pennsylvania Dental CE Requirements 2026: Complete Guide for License Compliance
Last reviewed: June 2026. Updated for 2025–2026 renewal cycle requirements.
CE HOURS REQUIRED
30
Per renewal cycle
RENEWAL CYCLE
2 Years
Biennial
RENEWAL DEADLINE
Mar 31
Of odd-numbered years
RENEWAL SYSTEM
PALS
PA Licensing System
Pennsylvania Dental CE Requirements for Dentists
The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry accepts courses from any provider who is ADA or AGD approved.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry accepts NetCE courses.
Mandatory CE Topics
The following must be completed every renewal cycle for Pennsylvania:
Mandatory Topic |
Hours Required |
|
Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting |
2 hours |
|
Opioid/Pain Management |
2 hours (DEA registrants) |
|
CPR/BLS |
Current certification required |
Important notes on mandatory courses:
- Pennsylvania dental licenses renew April 1 of each odd-numbered year. Licensees have the two-year period prior to renewal (period is April 1 of the odd-numbered year to March 31 of the next odd-numbered year) to earn the required continuing education (CE) credits. CE credit hours must be completed in subject areas directly related to the maintenance of the clinical competence of a dentist, dental hygienist or expanded function dental assistant (EFDA).
- In June of each odd-numbered year, PDA distributes a CE tracking folder to all active PDA member dentists. This folder helps members track the CE credits they have earned toward re-licensure.
Who Qualifies as an Approved CE Provider
The provider offering the courses must be a CE Registered Provider licensed by the Board, or a provider approved by the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) or the Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE).
Spear Education is an ADA CERP-recognized provider, meaning your CE hours earned through Spear count toward your Pennsylvania license renewal.
Don’t Let Compliance Sneak Up on You
Maintaining your continuing education records is an important part of renewing your Pennsylvania dental license. Courses that are outdated, incorrectly categorized, or obtained through non-approved sources may not satisfy the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry’s continuing education requirements..
The smartest approach:
- start early
- choose approved providers
- keep meticulous records
Licensees must retain certificates of CE course completion for a period of three renewal periods.
Meet Your Pennsylvania CE Requirements with Spear
Spear Education offers hundreds of clinically relevant, ADA CERP-recognized courses, so you can fulfill your Pennsylvania requirements while actually growing as a clinician. Whether you’re brushing up on infection control compliance or diving deep into occlusion, restorative, or practice management, Spear has content that makes your 30 hours count.
Try Spear Discover Free
When you’re ready to go all-in, a Spear membership gives you unlimited access to premium CE, live webinars, and a community of top dental educators.
FAQ
Pennsylvania Dental CE FAQ
How many CE hours do Pennsylvania dentists need to renew their license?
Pennsylvania dentists must complete 30 CE hours every two-year renewal cycle. Licenses renew on March 31 of odd-numbered years, covering the two-year period prior. All CE must be in subject areas directly related to clinical competence. Mandatory topics include child abuse recognition and reporting, and opioid/pain management for DEA registrants, plus current CPR/BLS certification.
Pennsylvania Dental CE FAQ
Is Spear Education an approved CE provider in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry accepts CE from ADA CERP-recognized and AGD PACE-approved providers, and Spear Education is ADA CERP recognized. Hours earned through Spear count toward your Pennsylvania license renewal. Keep your certificates of completion on file, as the Board conducts random audits and may request proof of completed coursework.
Pennsylvania Dental CE FAQ
What mandatory CE topics are required for Pennsylvania dental license renewal?
Pennsylvania dentists must complete 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting each renewal cycle. DEA registrants are also required to complete 2 hours of opioid and pain management CE. Current CPR/BLS certification is required as well. All CE must be clinically relevant and sourced from ADA CERP-approved or AGD PACE-approved providers to count toward renewal.
Pennsylvania Dental CE FAQ
When should I start completing my Pennsylvania dental CE credits?
Start as early as possible within your two-year renewal period, which runs from April 1 of one odd-numbered year through March 31 of the next. The Pennsylvania Dental Association distributes CE tracking folders to active members each June of odd-numbered years to help organize credits. The Board audits monthly, so documenting hours as you go avoids last-minute compliance issues.
This page is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements directly with the Dental Board of Pennsylvania before renewing your license.
