Massachusetts Dental Hygienist CE

How many CE hours do Massachusetts dental hygienists need?

Massachusetts dental hygienist CE totals 20 CEUs every 2 years, and the Board treats one CEU as one contact hour. Every hygienist renews on the same date, March 31 of odd-numbered years, so the next renewal is March 31, 2027 ( 234 CMR 8.02 ; Mass.gov, Continuing Education for Dentistry ). The 20 CEUs are earned in the 24 months before that date, and CEUs do not carry over to the next cycle. At least 10 of the 20 CEUs must come from activities other than self-instruction. Start with the Massachusetts dental hygienist CE package . Looking for a different license? See Massachusetts dentist CE .

Which CE topics are required for Massachusetts dental hygienists?

Every renewal you need CE on the CDC infection control guidelines, with no separate hour minimum, and you must keep current CPR/AED or BLS certification ( 234 CMR 8.03 ). Our CDC-aligned infection control course covers the first. A hygienist pursuing a Local Anesthesia Permit (Permit L) completes a one-time CODA-accredited course of at least 35 hours, including 12 clinical hours, within the 2 years before applying, and passes the NERB exam ( 234 CMR 6.16 ). Our 4-hour Pharmacology of Local Anesthetics and Sedation for the Dental Office course is a related refresher and does not replace that program. A hygienist pursuing Public Health Dental Hygienist certification completes a one-time 10 hours of CE, including 6 hands-on hours in a public health setting, within the 24 months before starting PHDH practice ( 234 CMR 5.00 ). No more than 2 CEUs per cycle may come from non-clinical practice-related courses such as practice management ( 234 CMR 8.05 ).

Does Massachusetts accept AGD PACE credit?

Massachusetts accepts courses sponsored or approved by professional associations and societies, accredited institutions and government health agencies ( 234 CMR 8.05 ). The regulation does not name AGD PACE specifically. AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503). Confirm a specific course with the Board of Registration in Dentistry , and contact us if you need the AGD PACE details for your records.

Does Massachusetts audit dental hygienist CE?

Yes. The Board runs random CEU audits. At renewal you sign a statement under pains and penalties of perjury that you completed your CEUs, and you keep documentation for 4 years or two renewal cycles after renewal ( 234 CMR 8.06 ). Massachusetts does not use CE Broker or a similar tracking platform for dental hygienists. 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 Massachusetts dental hygienists need live CE?

Yes, in effect. No more than 10 of your 20 CEUs may come from self-instruction, which the regulation defines as home study, online, correspondence, audio or video courses that end in a passed test ( 234 CMR 8.05(2) ). The other 10 CEUs must come from other categories, such as attending courses, conferences, teaching or pro bono service. Our online package covers the 10 CEUs Massachusetts allows as self-instruction. For the rest, add an in-person class or our live webinars .

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

No. A new graduate of a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program is exempt from the CEU requirement for the licensing period in which they graduate, and a student enrolled in a CODA-accredited program is exempt while enrolled ( 234 CMR 8.02 ). The Board may also waive CEUs for good cause such as illness, military service or advanced study.

Other Massachusetts dental licenses: Massachusetts dentist CE and Massachusetts dental assistant 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 5.00, Requirements for the Practice of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting

• 234 CMR 6.00, Administration of Anesthesia and Sedation

• Mass.gov, Continuing Education for Dentistry

• M.G.L. c. 112, § 51, Dental Hygienist Practice

• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry