Below is exactly what Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Dentistry requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed May 12, 2026
For Dentists, 30 hours is the total CME requirement. Nebraska also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 30-hour total.
“A minimum of 2 hours in a renewal period must be obtained in infection control continuing education;”
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.
Dentists who prescribe controlled substances
“(6) Beginning with the first license renewal period which begins on or after October 1, 2018, the continuing competency requirements for a nurse midwife, dentist, physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, podiatrist, and veterinarian who prescribes controlled substances shall include at least three hours of continuing education biennially regarding prescribing opiates as defined in section [28-401](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-401). The continuing education may include, but is not limited to, education regarding prescribing and administering opiates, the risks and indicators regarding development of addiction to opiates, and emergency opiate situations. One-half hour of the three hours of continuing education shall cover the prescription drug monitoring program described in sections [71-2454](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=71-2454) to [71-2456](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=71-2456). This subsection terminates on January 1, 2029.”
Dentists holding any sedation permit (general anesthesia, deep sedation, moderate sedation)
“A minimum of 6 hours in a renewal period must be obtained in general anesthesia or sedation administration and management for the dental office continuing education for licensees holding any level of sedation permit;”
Moderate or general sedation permit holders - ACLS
“A minimum of 8 hours in an American Heart Association Certified “hands on” course in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) must be obtained for moderate and general sedation permits;”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Nebraska 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 system | Notes |
|---|---|
Board-approved credit | Acceptable CE sources include state and national meetings of local, state, or American Dental Association groups; National Dental Association meetings; recognized ADA specialty-group programs; district meetings and study clubs; formal dentistry courses; college or university CE; and the other activities listed in 172 NAC 56-007.01.Source172 NAC 56-007.01[1] |
Other accepted credit max 10 hrs | Home study with a testing mechanism is acceptable, subject to the 10-hour cap that also applies to initial CPR certification.Source172 NAC 56-007.04(A)[1] |
Documentation must be retained for at least four years; the board conducts random audits.
Dental locum tenens and temporary license holders are exempt from continuing education requirements.
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your license anniversary renewal.
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.
“A minimum of 2 hours in a renewal period must be obtained in infection control continuing education;”172 NAC 56-007.04(E)
“A minimum of 6 hours in a renewal period must be obtained in general anesthesia or sedation administration and management for the dental office continuing education for licensees holding any level of sedation permit;”172 NAC 56-007.04(G)
“A minimum of 8 hours in an American Heart Association Certified “hands on” course in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) must be obtained for moderate and general sedation permits;”172 NAC 56-007.04(H)
“(6) Beginning with the first license renewal period which begins on or after October 1, 2018, the continuing competency requirements for a nurse midwife, dentist, physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, podiatrist, and veterinarian who prescribes controlled substances shall include at least three hours of continuing education biennially regarding prescribing opiates as defined in section [28-401](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-401). The continuing education may include, but is not limited to, education regarding prescribing and administering opiates, the risks and indicators regarding development of addiction to opiates, and emergency opiate situations. One-half hour of the three hours of continuing education shall cover the prescription drug monitoring program described in sections [71-2454](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=71-2454) to [71-2456](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=71-2456). This subsection terminates on January 1, 2029.”Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-145(6)