Continuing Education and Licensure
Dentistry doesn't stand still. Our profession is constantly evolving to better meet the needs of both patients and practitioners. The ADA supports a growing number of continuing education initiatives to keep our members on top of the latest tools, treatment methods, scientific research and business practices.
If you're looking to expand your practice, add a new treatment option or meet state licensure requirements, the ADA has a continuing education program that's right for you.
Author an ADA CE Online Course
A major initiative for ADA CE Online is to offer quality course content at a reduced rate to the dental community. Now, ADA CE Online offers an opportunity for you to author a course and contribute to the distinguish list of peer reviewed courses currently offered.
Online Courses
ADA Continuing Education Online, America's leading source of online continuing dental education, is a convenient way to learn at your own pace, anywhere, anytime. Access the ADA's library of online continuing education courses 24 hours a day at your convenience.
The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) also awards up to two credit hours a month through the JADA Online Continuing Education program. Four articles in each JADA issue include members-only online course content that can be completed for 0.5 credit hours each.
ADA CERP Approved Provider Course Listings
ADA members and non-members can access free of charge the Continuing Education Course Listing. The searchable database provides information about over 1000 CE courses that will be presented by ADA CERP recognized providers.
ADA Annual Session
Every October, thousands of ADA members gather from across the country (and the world) at the ADA Annual Session. Members can earn continuing education credit by attending three days of lectures and seminars spanning every dental specialty.
For members who can't attend the conference in person, the ADA now offers multimedia downloads of conference presentations through the ADA Live Learning Center.
ADA Seminar Series
For more than 20 years, the ADA has offered the Seminar Series, America's leading source for dental seminars. A variety of topics are presented by distinguished speakers and reasonable rates are available to the tripartite, study clubs, universities and professional organizations. Consult the ADA Seminar Series Catalog for this year's lineup of speakers and find out how to book a seminar for your school or organization.
Providers of Continuing Education
Through the Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP), the ADA reviews and approves organizations that provide continuing dental education.
Licensure Requirements
Attending an accredited dental education program helps prepare graduates to pass the National Board Dental Examinations Part I and Part II. Passing the examinations is necessary to obtain a license to practice. Though requirements vary from state to state, all applicants for dental licensure must meet three basic requirements: an education requirement, a written examination requirement, and a clinical examination requirement.
The state dental board is the appropriate agency to contact for the most current and up-to-date information about licensure requirements, the state dental practice act, and other licensure-related information.
Many states have restrictions on the subject matter that is acceptable for Continuing Education (CE) credit and or on the number of CE credits that can be earned through self-instructional online courses. When seeking re-licensure in the state where you are licensed, it's imperative to verify the specific state dental boards' requirements.
