Massachusetts Dentist CE

How many CE hours do Massachusetts dentists need?

Massachusetts dentists need 40 CEUs every 2 years, and the Board treats one CEU as equal to one contact hour ( 234 CMR 8.00 ). Every dentist renews on the same date, March 31 of even-numbered years, so your next date is March 31, 2028 ( Mass.gov, Continuing Education for Dentistry ). At most 20 of the 40 CEUs may come from self-instruction such as online, home-study or correspondence courses with a passing test, so at least 20 must come from participatory courses ( 234 CMR 8.05 ). Add live webinars for the participatory portion when the Board accepts the format, and CEUs cannot be carried into the next cycle. Start with the Massachusetts dentist CE package . Looking for a different license? See Massachusetts dental hygienist CE .

Which CE topics are required for Massachusetts dentists?

Every dentist completes continuing education covering the CDC infection control guidelines, with no separate hour minimum carved out of the 40 ( 234 CMR 8.03(1)(a) ). Our infection control updates in dentistry course (2 hours) covers it. Every dentist also maintains current CPR/AED or BLS certification, or ACLS or PALS to match any anesthesia permit held, as a standing credential ( 234 CMR 8.03(1)(b) ).

A dentist with a Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration, a DEA registration or other prescribing authority completes opioid and pain management prescriber training at every renewal ( M.G.L. c. 94C, Section 18 ). Our Controlled Substance Prescriptions in Dentistry course (2 hours) and opioid epidemic course (2 hours) cover the topic, but the statute does not set an hour count. A dentist with a DEA registration also completes the one-time DEA MATE training ( DEA MATE Act FAQ ). No more than 5 CEUs per cycle may come from non-clinical practice management courses ( 234 CMR 8.05(8) ).

A dentist on a limited license as a dental intern or faculty member completes 20 CEUs in the 12 months before each annual renewal, with category maximums at half the dentist amounts ( 234 CMR 8.02(2) ; 234 CMR 4.06 ).

Does Massachusetts accept AGD PACE credit?

Massachusetts accepts Board-approved sponsors that include professional associations and accredited schools, and AGD PACE courses are widely used for the self-instruction portion ( 234 CMR 8.05 ). AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503).

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

No. A new graduate of a CODA-accredited dental school is exempt from CE for the licensing period in which they graduate ( 234 CMR 8.02(6) ). The Board may also waive CE in whole or in part for documented illness, disability, military service or advanced study if you request it in writing ( 234 CMR 8.07 ).

Does the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry audit CE?

Yes. The Board audits licensees at random, and every dentist keeps CEU documentation for 4 years or two renewal cycles ( 234 CMR 8.06 ). Massachusetts does not use CE Broker for dentists. You self-attest at renewal and produce certificates if audited. Your AchieveCE certificate is available the moment you finish a course. Our support team is on live chat, email, and phone, 7 days a week.

Other Massachusetts dental licenses: 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

• Mass.gov, Continuing Education for Dentistry

• M.G.L. c. 94C, Section 18

• DEA Diversion Control Division, MATE Act Training FAQ