General[1]
50 hrs
Quinquennial
50 of the 100 hours must be academic CE.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“Fifty (50) of those hours must be academic.”
SD Board of Dentistry CE pageSee source [1] in Primary Sources
Mandatory topics
For Dentists, 100 hours is the total CE requirement. South Dakota also names specific topics that must be covered, and each one is listed below.
CPR / BLS[1]
0 hrs
Ongoing
Current Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR (AHA-aligned, hands-on skills assessment) required.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“Dentists must maintain a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card. A dentist must complete a CPR course that is intended for a Healthcare Provider, meets the required knowledge and objectives outlined in the American Heart Association guidelines for BLS or American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC, and includes a hands-on skills assessment.”
SD Board of Dentistry CE pageSee source [1] in Primary Sources
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your South Dakota 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 & Anesthesia[1]
25 hrs
Quinquennial
Dentists holding general anesthesia and deep sedation, moderate sedation, or host permits
View sourceVerbatim from source
“A Dentist holding a general anesthesia and deep sedation, moderate sedation, or host permit must complete an additional 25 hours of continuing education in anesthesia related topics for each five-year licensure cycle.”
SD Board of Dentistry CE pageSee source [1] in Primary Sources
ConditionalCPR / BLS[1]
0 hrs
Ongoing
Dentists holding general anesthesia or moderate sedation permits
View sourceVerbatim from source
“A Dentist holding a general anesthesia and deep sedation or moderate sedation permit must have a current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) card from the American Heart Association.”
SD Board of Dentistry CE pageSee source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
ADA CERP | ADA CERP-recognized providers accepted.Sourcehttps://www.sdboardofdentistry.org/continuingEducation/overview.asp[1] |
AGD PACE | AGD PACE-approved providers accepted.Sourcehttps://www.sdboardofdentistry.org/continuingEducation/overview.asp[1] |
Board-approved credit | Board-approved sponsors per ARSD Article 20:43.Sourcehttps://www.sdboardofdentistry.org/continuingEducation/overview.asp[1] |
Documentation & audit
Dentists are responsible for retaining CE documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
Waivers & exemptions
School-attendance / residency CE waiver: upon request, a dentist attending an accredited dental or dental hygiene school full time, or completing a specialty or general practice residency while licensed, may have the required CE credits waived for that period.
FAQ
How many CE hours do South Dakota dentists need?
100 hours every five years, of which 50 hours must be in academic format. Annualized, that is 20 hours per year, but South Dakota allows substantial flexibility in concentrating hours within the 5-year window. BLS Healthcare Provider certification with hands-on assessment is required continuously.
Does South Dakota treat DDS and DMD differently for CE purposes?
No. DDS and DMD are equivalent dental degrees, and the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry applies identical CE rules to both.
Are ADA CERP credits accepted in South Dakota?
Yes. ADA CERP-recognized and AGD PACE-approved providers are accepted under the Board's general approved-provider framework.
Are there mandatory CE topics for dentist renewal in South Dakota?
For most dentists, the universal 100-hour requirement does not mandate specific topical hours — the only structural mandate is the 50-hour academic floor. Continuous BLS Healthcare Provider certification is required separately. Sedation permit holders must complete an additional 25 hours of anesthesia-related CE per 5-year cycle, with ACLS or PALS for general anesthesia or moderate sedation permits.
Where can I check my South Dakota dental license renewal date?
The South Dakota State Board of Dentistry maintains license records at sdboardofdentistry.org. The 5-year CE cycle is unique among states and aligns with the dentist's individual licensure cycle.