Texas Dentist CE

How many CE hours do Texas dentists need?

Texas dentists need 24 hours of CE every 2 years, due on the anniversary of the date your license was first issued (Texas Occupations Code 257.005 and TSBDE Rule 104.1). At least 16 hours must be technical or scientific clinical coursework. Up to 8 hours can be risk management such as recordkeeping, HIPAA and ethics, and up to 8 hours can be self-study. Hours can carry forward from the prior year, up to 24 classroom hours. You can complete your self-study hours online and on-demand with the Texas dentist online CE package .

Hygienist? See the Texas dental hygienist CE requirements .

Which CE topics are required for Texas dentists?

Every Texas dentist completes an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course, which counts inside the 24 hours. Our Texas human trafficking prevention course is HHSC-approved and included in the package. If your practice includes direct patient care, 4 hours of safe and effective pain management are required each renewal. Dentists with a DEA permit also take a one-time 2-hour controlled substance prescribing course , which counts toward those 4 hours, and DEA registrants take the one-time federal DEA MATE training . Every 4 years you pass the Board's Jurisprudence Assessment, and you keep a current hands-on BLS/CPR card. Neither counts toward the 24 hours.

Does Texas accept AGD PACE credit?

Yes. The approved provider list of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners includes the Academy of General Dentistry and its approved sponsors. AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider . Self-study hours must come from a provider on the Board's list.

Does Texas audit dentist CE?

Yes. You do not report hours to the Board. You attest at renewal and keep your certificates, and TSBDE audits about 5 percent of renewals each month. Your AchieveCE certificate is available the moment you finish a course. Questions about a record? Our support team is on live chat, email and phone, 7 days a week. TSBDE has an amendment to Rule 104.1 pending, and this page reflects the rule in force today.

Do Texas dentists need live CE hours?

Yes, in effect. Self-study is capped at 8 of the 24 hours, so at least 16 hours must be classroom or live interactive webinars where you can ask and answer questions. Recorded webinars count as self-study. Our live dental webinars and the Dentistry Advanced membership cover the live portion.

Last verified: October 17, 2026. Sources: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, Texas Occupations Code 257.005, TSBDE Rule 104.1.