Kentucky Dental Hygienist CE

How many CE hours do Kentucky dental hygienists need?

Kentucky dental hygienist CE totals 30 hours every 2 years ( 201 KAR 8:563, Section 5 ). Every hygiene license expires on December 31 of even-numbered years, the opposite year from the Kentucky dentist license, so your next renewal is December 31, 2026 ( 201 KAR 8:563, Section 6 ). At least 10 of the 30 hours must be in a live, interactive format. No more than 10 hours may come from a capped elective category covering charitable or volunteer dentistry, business operations and dental association meetings. Start with the Kentucky dentist and dental hygienist CE package for the self-study portion, then add live webinars . Looking for a different license? See Kentucky dentist CE .

Which CE topics are required for Kentucky dental hygienists?

Every Kentucky hygienist includes at least 0.5 hour of training on pediatric abusive head trauma or child abuse and neglect within the 30 hours, and our pediatric abusive head trauma course is 3 hours and covers it ( 201 KAR 8:563 ). You must also keep current CPR certification that meets American Heart Association guidelines, a standing condition of renewal rather than an hour-based item ( Section 6(1)(c) ).

A hygienist with a General Supervision Registration completes 3 hours of live CE on identifying and preventing medical emergencies each 2 year period, counted within the 30 ( Section 11(8) ). A hygienist with a Public Health Registration completes 9 hours each period, 6 on public health and 3 on medical emergencies, also counted within the 30 ( Section 14(9)(a) ). Our medical emergencies course covers the topic, but because Kentucky asks for live hours here, pair it with a live webinar. A hygienist who has not actively practiced in the past 2 years completes a Board-approved CE plan before returning to practice, and the rule sets no fixed number of hours for it ( Section 6(2) ). Kentucky hygienists hold no independent controlled substance prescribing authority, so KASPER, pain management and DEA MATE Act requirements do not apply to this role.

Does Kentucky accept AGD PACE credit?

The rule sets its own CE categories and we found no approved-sponsor roster for hygienist CE in the sources we reviewed ( 201 KAR 8:563 ). AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503). Every AchieveCE course ends with a certificate of completion that lists the course, date, hours and sponsor.

Does Kentucky audit dental hygienist CE?

Yes. Kentucky hygienists self-attest to CE compliance at renewal and the Board may audit to verify it, so keep proof of completion. CE Broker is free to every licensee and is the Board's endorsed tracking tool, but registering is optional ( Kentucky Board of Dentistry, Continuing Education ). AchieveCE reports your completions to AGD PACE 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.

Do Kentucky dental hygienists need live CE?

Yes. At least 10 of your 30 hours must be in a live, interactive presentation format ( 201 KAR 8:563 ). Our online package covers the self-study portion. Add live CE through our live webinars and the Dentistry Advanced membership .

Do newly licensed Kentucky dental hygienists need CE for their first renewal?

Usually, but the amount depends on timing. A hygienist who graduated in the first year of the 2 year period owes 15 hours at the first renewal, and one who graduated in the second year owes none. A new or reinstated license issued in the second year of the period also owes 15 hours, while one issued in the first year owes the full 30 ( 201 KAR 8:563, Section 5 ). A charitable limited license holder owes no CE, and any licensee may ask the Board for a hardship waiver or deferment.

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

Last verified: October 25, 2026

Sources

• 201 KAR 8:563, Licensure of Dental Hygienists

• Kentucky Board of Dentistry, Continuing Education

• Kentucky Board of Dentistry, Dental Hygienists