Virginia Dentist CE

How many CE hours do Virginia dentists need?

Virginia dentists need 15 hours of CE every year, and your license renews in your birth month ( 18VAC60-21-250 ; 18VAC60-21-240 ). The rule sets no live or in-person minimum and credits any course, including audio and video presentations, so you can finish all 15 hours online with the Virginia dentist CE package . Up to 3 of the 15 hours can come from uncompensated dental care for low-income patients at a health department or free clinic, and extra hours carry forward to the next year, up to 15. Looking for a different license? See Virginia dental hygienist CE .

Which CE topics are required for Virginia dentists?

Virginia names no required course topic for every dentist. You must keep a current CPR or BLS certification, or ACLS or PALS if you hold a moderate sedation or deep sedation and general anesthesia permit, and it is separate from the 15 hours ( 18VAC60-21-250 ). A dentist who administers or monitors general anesthesia, deep sedation or moderate sedation completes 4 hours of related CE every other renewal, counted within the 15. Our 2-hour sedation and anesthesia course covers half of that, and our 4-hour pharmacology of local anesthetics and sedation course is related CE, so confirm the Board counts it. Virginia issues only two dentist sedation permits, moderate sedation and deep sedation or general anesthesia, and nitrous oxide or minimal sedation needs no permit and no extra CE ( Va. Code Section 54.1-2709.5 ). A dentist who prescribes Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances completes 2 hours of pain management CE every other renewal, also counted within the 15 ( 18VAC60-21-106 ). Our 2-hour controlled substance prescribing in dentistry course fits that topic. A dentist with a DEA registration completes the one-time federal DEA MATE training ( DEA MATE Act FAQ ).

Does Virginia accept AGD PACE credit?

Virginia credits verifiable attendance at any course from a sponsor the Board approves, including audio and video presentations ( 18VAC60-21-250 ). AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503).

Does Virginia audit dentist CE?

Yes. You verify compliance at annual renewal, and after the renewal period the Board may audit licensees and ask for original documents showing the date, subject, sponsor and hours of each course. Keep those records for 4 years ( 18VAC60-21-250 ). The Board offers CE Broker as a free, optional tracker and does not require it ( Virginia Board of Dentistry ). 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.

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

No. The CE requirement does not apply to your first renewal after initial licensure, and it is a full exemption rather than a reduced hour count ( 18VAC60-21-250 ).

Other Virginia dental licenses: Virginia 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

• 18VAC60-21-250, Requirements for Continuing Education

• 18VAC60-21-240, License Renewal and Reinstatement

• 18VAC60-21-106, Continuing Education Required for Prescribers

• Va. Code Section 54.1-2709.5, Permits for Sedation and Anesthesia

• Virginia Board of Dentistry, Continuing Education for Dentists

• DEA Diversion Control Division, MATE Act Training FAQ