Alabama Dentist CE

How many CE hours do Alabama dentists need?

Alabama dentist CE totals 20 CEUs of continuing education for each 12-month period of your renewal cycle ( Ala. Admin. Code r. 270-X-4-.04 ; Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama ). The current rule took effect October 15, 2026 and applies to the renewal cycle that began October 1, 2026. Alabama dental licenses renew on September 30. Start with the Alabama dentist CE package , and read the plain-English guide to the change in Alabama Rule 270-X-4-.04 explained . The rule caps some categories within your 20: up to 3 CEUs for insurance, governmental regulations, risk management, tort liability or practice management, up to 4 CEUs for pro bono dental service (1 CEU per 2 hours), up to 6 CEUs for teaching approved CE, and up to 2 CEUs for attending a Board meeting in person. You can earn at most 8 CEUs per calendar day.

Which CE topics are required for Alabama dentists?

Each renewal cycle you need at least 1 CEU in each of three subjects, all counted within the 20: prescribing controlled substances , ethics and infectious disease control ( r. 270-X-4-.04 ). You must also maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross or an equivalent program with a hands-on portion, and completing BLS every 2 years earns 2 CEUs. A dentist with an active sedation permit also keeps ACLS current (PALS for a declared pediatric specialty), which earns up to 4 CEUs every 2 years, and completes at least 1 CEU in sedation or anesthesia each cycle. A dentist with a DEA registration completes the federal DEA MATE training once ( DEA MATE Act FAQ ). The other 17 CEUs are general CE.

Can Alabama dentists complete all CE online?

Yes. The rule that took effect October 15, 2026 sets no in-person minimum for dentists, so all 20 CEUs can be earned online. Training in an entirely self-study format must include a post-course assessment or competency evaluation ( r. 270-X-4-.04 ), and AchieveCE courses end with a post-test with unlimited attempts. The hands-on items are your BLS and, if you hold a sedation permit, ACLS certifications.

Does Alabama accept AGD PACE credit?

Alabama approves training from national, state, district and local dental associations, accredited dental schools and Board-approved sponsors, and courses outside those categories can be submitted to the Board for approval ( r. 270-X-4-.04 ). The rule does not name AGD PACE. AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503). AGD PACE approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. Your completions are reported to CE Broker, where the Board tracks your CE.

Does Alabama use CE Broker?

Yes. The Board requires every licensee to have an account on its approved online CE platform and to upload proof of completion there ( r. 270-X-4-.04 ; Board CE page ), and Alabama is one of the boards that works with CE Broker . AchieveCE reports your completions to CE Broker within 24 business hours, and your certificate is available the moment you finish a course. Our support team is on live chat, email, and phone, 7 days a week.

What records does Alabama require, and what happens in an audit?

Keep your CE records for your current renewal cycle and the previous 5 years, and produce any documentation the Board requests within 14 days of a written request or audit. The Board may randomly audit licensees for the immediately preceding cycle and sends written results within 30 days of completing the audit. A licensee who does not comply may face disciplinary action or a non-disciplinary administrative penalty under Rule 270-X-5-.09 ( r. 270-X-4-.04 ). Each AchieveCE certificate includes your name, completion date, course title, number of credits and provider details for your records.

Who is exempt from Alabama dentist CE?

A dentist enrolled full time in a CODA-accredited post-graduate specialty or residency program for at least 6 months of the cycle is exempt, with enrollment documentation uploaded to the Board's online CE platform. The Board can also approve a written waiver or extension, but the request must reach the Board before the end of the renewal cycle ( r. 270-X-4-.04 ). Reinstating an expired or suspended license requires showing CE for up to the last 5 years.

Other Alabama dental licenses: Alabama dental hygienist CE . Try Free dental CE before you buy, and browse every state and license in our CE course finder .

Last verified: October 21, 2026

Sources

• Ala. Admin. Code r. 270-X-4-.04, Mandatory Continuing Education For Dentists And Dental Hygienists

• Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, Continuing Education

• DEA Diversion Control Division, MATE Act Training FAQ

• CE Broker, Boards and Regulating Entities