Massachusetts Dental Assistant CE

How many CE hours do Massachusetts dental assistants need?

Massachusetts dental assistant CE totals 12 CEUs every 2 years, counted over the 24 months before October 31 of every odd-numbered year. Your next renewal is October 31, 2027 ( 234 CMR 8.02(4) ; Mass.gov, Continuing Education for Dentistry ). All four assistant license categories, Certified, Formally-Trained, Expanded Function and On-the-Job Trained, owe the same 12 CEUs ( 234 CMR 4.11 and 4.12 ). CEUs cannot be carried over to the next cycle ( 234 CMR 8.02(9) ). Start with the Massachusetts dental assistant CE package . Looking for a different license? See Massachusetts dentist CE and Massachusetts dental hygienist CE .

Which CE topics are required for Massachusetts dental assistants?

Every renewal you must complete continuing education on the CDC infection control guidelines, such as our infection control course , and keep continuous CPR/AED or BLS certification ( 234 CMR 8.03(1) ). Neither carries a separate hour figure, so they count within your 12 CEUs. An On-the-Job Trained assistant who takes radiographs must complete a radiological techniques and safeguards course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety exam within one year ( 234 CMR 5.09(2) ). No more than 2 CEUs per cycle may come from non-clinical practice-related courses such as practice management ( 234 CMR 8.05(8) ). Assistants who hold DANB Certified Dental Assistant certification owe a separate DANB requirement of 12 CDE credits a year, which is not a Massachusetts mandate ( DANB Recertification Requirements ).

Does Massachusetts accept AGD PACE credit?

Massachusetts accepts programs from approved sponsor types, such as professional associations and societies and accredited institutions, that require participation, run at least one class hour and give a certificate of attendance ( 234 CMR 8.04 and 8.05 ). The rule does not name AGD PACE. AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503). Confirm acceptance with the Board of Registration in Dentistry before you enroll.

Do Massachusetts dental assistants need live CE?

Yes. No more than 6 of your 12 CEUs may come from self-instruction, which includes home study and online courses that end in a passed test ( 234 CMR 8.05(2) ). At least 6 CEUs must come from live or participatory activities. Our online package covers the 6 CEUs Massachusetts allows online. Add live CEUs through our live webinars or an in-person class.

Do new Massachusetts dental assistants need CE for their first renewal?

Not by default. A new graduate of a Board-approved dental assisting program is exempt for the licensing period in which they graduate ( 234 CMR 8.02(6) ). An on-the-job trained assistant is not exempt just because it is a first renewal. The Board may also waive the requirement for good cause such as illness or military service.

Does the Massachusetts Board audit CE?

Yes. The Board audits licensees at random and expects you to keep CEU records for four years or two renewal cycles after the renewal they apply to ( 234 CMR 8.06(1) ). Your AchieveCE certificate is available the moment you finish a course, and AchieveCE reports your completions to AGD PACE within 24 business hours. Our support team is on live chat, email, and phone, 7 days a week.

Other Massachusetts dental licenses: Massachusetts dentist CE and Massachusetts 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

• 234 CMR 8.00, Continuing Education

• 234 CMR 4.00, Licensure and License Renewal Requirements

• 234 CMR 5.00, Requirements for the Practice of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Assisting

• Mass.gov, Continuing Education for Dentistry

• Mass.gov, Apply for a Dental Assistant License

• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry

• DANB, Recertification Requirements