Connecticut Dental CE Requirements for License Renewal: Complete 2026 Guide

Staying compliant with Connecticut dental license renewal requirements is essential for protecting your license and providing safe, high-quality patient care. The Connecticut State Dental Commission / Department of Public Health (DPH) requires dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to complete continuing education (CE) every renewal cycle.

This guide explains the Connecticut dental CE requirements for license renewal—including required hours, mandatory topics, deadlines, and best practices—so you can renew with confidence.

CE Hour Requirements for Connecticut Dentists

• 25 hours of CE every year

• At least 12.5 hours must be live, interactive, or clinical participation

• Remaining hours may be completed online or self-study from approved providers

• CE must directly support the practice of dentistry, patient care, or public health

CE Hour Requirements for Connecticut Dental Hygienists

• 16 hours of CE every two years

• At least 8 hours must be live or interactive

• CE must support clinical dental hygiene, prevention, and patient safety

CE Hour Requirements for Connecticut Dental Assistants

• No general CE requirement for basic dental assistants

• Dental Assistants performing radiographic procedures must complete CE as required to maintain their certifications

• Must maintain current CPR certification at all times

Mandatory CE Topics for Connecticut License Renewal

Connecticut requires or strongly encourages the following CE topics during each renewal cycle:

• Infection Control – Must be current and regularly updated

• CPR/BLS Certification – Must be current at all times

• Connecticut Jurisprudence (Laws & Ethics) – Recommended periodically

• Opioid Prescribing and Pain Management – 1 hour every renewal period for DEA-registered dentists

• Mental Health Conditions, Suicide Prevention, and Cultural Competency – 1 hour every renewal period

CE Reporting, Deadlines, and Audits

• Connecticut dental licenses renew every year (by the licensee’s birth month)

• CE completion is attested during license renewal

• Licensees must retain CE documentation for at least three years

• The Connecticut DPH conducts random CE audits, so accurate recordkeeping is essential

CE Courses and Certificate Tracking

You can complete Connecticut-compliant CE courses at ToothNerd.com, including Infection Control, OSHA, Ethics, and Opioid CE.

While CE providers issue completion certificates, practices also need centralized documentation for compliance. Done Desk allows dental organizations to track CE completions, license renewals, and documentation for the entire team in one platform—helping practices stay audit-ready and compliant.

Best Practices for Connecticut CE Compliance

• Plan ahead: Spread CE hours across your annual renewal cycle

• Prioritize required topics: Complete opioid, infection control, and mental health CE early

• Verify providers: Choose only DPH-approved, ADA CERP, or AGD PACE CE

• Keep detailed records: Maintain both digital and physical proof of CE completion

Accreditation Statement

Tooth Nerd LLC is an approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit and AGD Approved Courses. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. Provider ID# 389654.

Bottom Line

Meeting Connecticut dental continuing education requirements is essential for keeping your license active and your patients safe. By completing the required hours, covering all mandated topics, and tracking documentation through Done Desk, you can renew on time and with confidence.