Kentucky Dentist CE

How many CE hours do Kentucky dentists need?

Kentucky dentist CE totals 30 hours every 2 years on a fixed statewide date. Every dental license expires December 31 of odd-numbered years, so your next renewal is December 31, 2027 ( 201 KAR 8:533, Section 9 ). Of the 30 hours, 4.5 are mandated topics and 25.5 are general. At least 10 of the 30 hours must be in a live, interactive format, in person or in real time online, and at least 20 hours must be clinical. No more than 10 hours may come from a capped elective category covering charitable dentistry, business operations or dental association meetings. Start with the Kentucky dentist and dental hygienist CE package , which covers the self-study portion. Looking for a different license? See Kentucky dental hygienist CE .

Which CE topics are required for Kentucky dentists?

Every dentist completes 3 hours on KASPER, pain management or addiction disorders, 0.5 hour on pediatric abusive head trauma or child abuse and neglect, and 1 hour on recognizing and preventing pediatric ingestion or inhalation of controlled substances, all counted within the 30 ( 201 KAR 8:533, Section 9(3) ). The topic mandate was added by an amendment effective August 18, 2026, so earlier license periods did not carry it. Our controlled substances and substance abuse best practices course is 3 hours and covers the addiction disorders option, our pain management safe prescribing course and prescribing essentials course cover the pain management option, and our pediatric abusive head trauma course is 3 hours and covers the child abuse topic. Every dentist must also keep current CPR certification meeting American Heart Association guidelines, a standing condition of renewal rather than an hour-based course ( Section 1(6) ).

A dentist holding a Moderate Sedation or Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia permit completes 4 hours of sedation and anesthesia CE in a live, interactive format each 2 year permit term, in addition to the 30 hours, plus current ACLS certification for adult sedation and PALS when treating pediatric patients. BLS alone does not satisfy the permit's certification requirement ( 201 KAR 8:550, Section 8 ). Our sedation and anesthesia protocols course and local anesthetics and sedation pharmacology course cover the topic but are self-paced, so they do not meet the live requirement. A dentist holding a DEA registration completes a one-time 8 hour DEA MATE training under the federal MATE Act ( DEA MATE Act FAQ ).

Does Kentucky accept AGD PACE credit?

The rule sets its own CE categories and we found no approved-sponsor roster for dentist CE in the sources we reviewed ( 201 KAR 8:533 ). 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 dentist CE?

Yes. Kentucky dentists self-attest to CE compliance at renewal and the Board may audit proof of completion. You are responsible for getting documentation from the course provider and keeping it for 5 years ( 201 KAR 8:533, Section 9 ). 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 dentists need live CE?

Yes. At least 10 of your 30 hours must be in a live, interactive presentation format ( 201 KAR 8:533 ). Our online package covers the self-study portion. Add live CE through our live webinars and the Dentistry Advanced membership .

Do newly licensed Kentucky dentists need CE for their first renewal?

It depends on how and when you were licensed. A dentist issued a new or reinstated license in the second year of the 2 year period owes 15 of the 30 hours. A dentist who graduated dental school in the first year of the period owes 15 hours, and one who graduated in the second year owes none. A charitable limited license holder owes no CE, and you may request a hardship or limited practice waiver from the Board ( 201 KAR 8:533, Section 9(1) ).

Other Kentucky dental licenses: Kentucky dental hygienist 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 8:533, Licensure of Dentists

• 201 KAR 8:550, Anesthesia and Sedation Related to Dentistry

• Kentucky Board of Dentistry, Continuing Education

• Kentucky Board of Dentistry

• DEA Diversion Control Division, MATE Act Training FAQ