Below is exactly what New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Dentistry requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated July 4, 2026
For Dentists, 60 hours is the total CME requirement. New York also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 60-hour total.
“During your first registration period after January 1, 2002, you must complete on a one-time basis, a two-hour course regarding the oral health effects of tobacco and tobacco products.”
“Dentists must complete, during the first registration period which begins on or after January 1, 2008 in which they have a continuing education requirement, a three-hour course in dental jurisprudence and ethics.”
“Beginning January 1, 2009, all dentists must achieve certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and from that point forward, continually maintain certification.”
“a State approved infection control course every 4 years”
“Mandatory training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment offered by a New York State Education Department approved provider (two hours).”
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 licensed under New York Education Law Title 8 who treat humans and have a DEA registration number to prescribe controlled substances
“Pursuant to Public Health Law §3309-a(3), prescribers licensed under Title 8 of the Education Law in New York to treat humans and who have a DEA registration number to prescribe controlled substances, as well as medical residents who prescribe controlled substances under a facility DEA registration number, are required to complete at least three (3) hours of course work or training in pain management, palliative care, and addiction by July 1, 2017, and once every three (3) years thereafter.”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, New York 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 |
|---|---|
Self-study (max 18 hrs) max 18 hrs | Self-study is capped — at least 42 of 60 hours must be live courses.Sourcehttps://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/dentists/continuing-education-q-a[1] |
Live courses (min 42 hrs) min 42 hrs | At least 7/10 of hours must be from live courses.Sourcehttps://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/dentists/continuing-education-q-a[1] |
Board-approved credit | NYSED-approved providers (ADA CERP, AGD PACE typically accepted within this framework).Sourcehttps://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/dentists/continuing-education-q-a[1] |
Teaching CE (max 7 hrs) max 7 hrs | Up to 7 hours per triennial registration period for teaching a continuing education course in an appropriate subject area offered by an approved sponsor.Sourcehttps://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/dentists/continuing-education-q-a[1] |
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
Dentists are not required to complete continuing education during their initial three-year registration period, unless they were licensed by endorsement of a license from another jurisdiction.
A dentist who is physically incapable of performing CPR may be granted an exemption from the CPR certification requirement, on documentation of incapacity by a licensed physician and an application for exception verifying that another certified individual will be present in the office while patients are treated.
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your birth month 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.
“During your first registration period after January 1, 2002, you must complete on a one-time basis, a two-hour course regarding the oral health effects of tobacco and tobacco products.”NYSED Dentists CE Q&A
“Dentists must complete, during the first registration period which begins on or after January 1, 2008 in which they have a continuing education requirement, a three-hour course in dental jurisprudence and ethics.”NYSED Dentists CE Q&A
“Beginning January 1, 2009, all dentists must achieve certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and from that point forward, continually maintain certification.”NYSED Dentists CE Q&A
“a State approved infection control course every 4 years”NYSED Dentists CE Q&A
“Mandatory training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment offered by a New York State Education Department approved provider (two hours).”NYSED mandated training
“Pursuant to Public Health Law §3309-a(3), prescribers licensed under Title 8 of the Education Law in New York to treat humans and who have a DEA registration number to prescribe controlled substances, as well as medical residents who prescribe controlled substances under a facility DEA registration number, are required to complete at least three (3) hours of course work or training in pain management, palliative care, and addiction by July 1, 2017, and once every three (3) years thereafter.”Public Health Law Section 3309-a(3)