New Year. New CE?

As we cruise through the new year, it’s not just the date on the calendar that changed; various state laws and regulations came into effect as of January 1, 2024.  As a dental professional, it’s essential to stay informed about any amendments to your state dental practice act.  There might be new duties in your scope of practice or new continuing education requirements for license renewal.

Check with your State Dental Board

Navigating the nuances of these laws is challenging. And while it might be tempting to seek quick answers on social media, this is one instance where you should turn to more reliable sources. Your State Dental Board website or a direct email or call is the most accurate way to obtain the latest information.  Remember, a comment won’t suffice if you find yourself facing an audit.

The landscape of dental practice regulations is ever evolving, and many states now mandate additional training in areas such as substance abuse, human trafficking, ethics, or infection control. Not all courses are created equal, however, and it’s your responsibility as a licensee to ensure that the courses you take meet the required standards. 

If you discover new duties within your scope of practice, don’t assume that you can dive right in. There are mandatory trainings or certificates that must be completed before undertaking new responsibilities.

Use a CE Tracker

To manage these requirements efficiently, consider using a Continuing Education (CE) tracker. This tool helps you keep tabs on the courses and certifications you’re completed, preventing the last-minute scramble to renew license(s). Your free DentalPost profile includes a CE tracker.  By uploading pictures of your certificates and logging relevant information, you not only stay organized, but your CEs are also linked to your DentalPost resume.

Imagine the impression you’ll make on prospective employers when they see the additional effort you’ve put into staying on top of your field.  The CE tracker on DentalPost also allows you to set expiration dates for your certification, ensuring you receive automatic reminders when updates are due.  This eliminates the risk of having expired certifications….hello CPR!!!

Renewal time is stressful, but with proper planning and organization, you can avoid last minute scrambles. Need to find CE courses?  Upcoming CE courses are listed in the events section on your DentalPost profile.