Minnesota Board of Dentistry · DDS/DMD

50 hours. Every two years. Tied to your license anniversary.

Below is exactly what Minnesota Board of Dentistry requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.

Updated May 2026Sourced from MBD~4 min read

Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed May 12, 2026

Mandatory topics

For Dentists, 50 hours is the total CME requirement. Minnesota also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 50-hour total.

Infectious disease[1]
Hrs vary
Biennial
An infection control course is mandatory for each Minnesota dental licensee, but Minn. R. 3100.5100 does not assign a separate fixed-hour value to that course. Atlas tracks it as an unspecified-hour topic within the 50-hour professional development total.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“an infection control course. An infection control course is mandatory for each licensee to maintain licensure. The course must primarily address patient safety and health issues as referenced in part 3100.6300 and chapter 6950; and”
Minn. R. 3100.5100, subp. 3(A)(2)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Minnesota cycle automatically. Start tracking free →
Conditional requirements

These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.

ConditionalSedation[1]
15 hrs
Biennial

Dentists holding a certificate to administer general anesthesia, deep sedation, or moderate sedation

View sourceVerbatim from source
“In addition to the 50 hours required for a dentist under item B, a dentist with a certificate to administer general anesthesia, deep sedation, or moderate sedation under part 3100.3600, subpart 18, must earn at least 15 hours of professional development in any of the following areas:”
Minn. R. 3100.5100, subp. 2(C)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Minnesota Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.

Credit systemNotes
Fundamental activities
min 30 hrs
At least 30 of the 50 dentist professional development hours must be fundamental activities; no more than 20 can be elective activities.SourceMinn. R. 3100.5100, subp. 2(B)(1)[1]
Elective activities
max 20 hrs
Elective activities must directly relate to or support dentistry and are capped at 20 of the 50 required hours.SourceMinn. R. 3100.5100, subp. 3(B)[1]
Documentation & audit

Licensees must retain documentation for the current biennial renewal cycle and the previous completed biennial cycle for audit purposes.

Waivers & exemptions

Hardship extension: licensee may request an extension in writing at least seven days before the end of the biennial cycle for extenuating circumstances.

FAQ
Does Minnesota treat DDS and DMD differently for CE purposes?
No. The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees are equivalent for Minnesota dentist licensure and professional development purposes.
Are ADA CERP credits accepted in Minnesota?
The current primary rule text pulled for this backfill does not explicitly name ADA CERP or AGD PACE. Minnesota instead defines professional development by fundamental and elective activity categories, documentation, and Board-approved activity authority in Minn. R. 3100.5100.
Are there mandatory CE topics for dentist renewal in Minnesota?
Yes. An infection control course is mandatory for each licensee, but the current rule does not assign a fixed separate hour count to that course. Sedation certificate holders also complete an additional 15 hours in listed anesthesia or sedation areas.
Where can I check my Minnesota dental license renewal date?
The Minnesota Board of Dentistry maintains license renewal and lookup information at mn.gov/boards/dentistry/current-licensee. Dentists should use the Board portal and the current Minn. R. 3100.5100 text to confirm their professional development cycle.

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Sources & Citations

Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.

  1. Minn. R. 3100.5100 - Professional Development; Dentists, Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists, and Licensed Dental Assistants
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-05-11
    Show verbatim text
    “an infection control course. An infection control course is mandatory for each licensee to maintain licensure. The course must primarily address patient safety and health issues as referenced in part 3100.6300 and chapter 6950; and”Minn. R. 3100.5100, subp. 3(A)(2)
    “In addition to the 50 hours required for a dentist under item B, a dentist with a certificate to administer general anesthesia, deep sedation, or moderate sedation under part 3100.3600, subpart 18, must earn at least 15 hours of professional development in any of the following areas:”Minn. R. 3100.5100, subp. 2(C)

This page is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the best available information as of the last reviewed date above. CE requirements change. Atlas CME is not affiliated with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, or any other state dental board, licensing authority, or professional organization. Dentists are solely responsible for verifying their own current CE requirements directly with their state dental board before relying on any information presented here.

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