24 hours. Every two years. Tied to your license anniversary.
Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated July 30, 2026
For Dentists, 24 hours is the total CE requirement. Texas also names specific topics that must be covered, and each one is listed below.
“a course in human trafficking prevention approved by the executive commissioner”
“Each licensee shall complete the jurisprudence assessment every four (4) years”
“BLS CPR (hands on)”
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.
Licensed dentists whose practice includes direct patient care
“Effective January 1, 2021, a licensed dentist whose practice includes direct patient care must complete at least four (4) CE hours for each biennial renewal, regarding safe and effective pain management related to the prescription of opioids and other controlled substances.”
Dentists with DEA permits
“Once a DEA permit holder has taken the two (2) hour course, they are not required to take the course again.”
Level 1 (minimal) sedation permit holders
“Six (6) hours on the administration of or medical emergencies associated with the permitted level of sedation.”
Level 2-3 (moderate, parenteral, or pediatric moderate) sedation permit holders
“Eight (8) hours on the administration of or medical emergencies associated with the permitted level of sedation.”
Level 4 (deep sedation/general anesthesia) permit holders
“Twelve (12) hours on the administration of or medical emergencies associated with the permitted level of sedation.”
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
Clinical scientific/technical (min 16 hrs) min 16 hrs | Minimum 16 of 24 hours must be scientific or technical clinical CE.Sourcehttps://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/dentists/dentist-continuing-education/[1] |
Risk management (max 8 hrs) max 8 hrs | Up to 8 hours risk management (record-keeping, HIPAA, ethics).Sourcehttps://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/dentists/dentist-continuing-education/[1] |
Self-study (max 8 hrs) max 8 hrs | Up to 8 hours self-study.Sourcehttps://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/dentists/dentist-continuing-education/[1] |
ADA CERP | ADA CERP-recognized providers accepted.Sourcehttps://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/dentists/dentist-continuing-education/[1] |
AGD PACE | AGD PACE-approved providers accepted.Sourcehttps://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/dentists/dentist-continuing-education/[1] |
Dentists are responsible for retaining CE documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
First-biennium-renewal CE exemption — Texas dentists are required to complete CE 'after your first biennial renewal and before each subsequent renewal,' meaning the 24-hour total kicks in at the second biennial renewal.
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before 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 course in human trafficking prevention approved by the executive commissioner”TSBDE Dentist CE
“Each licensee shall complete the jurisprudence assessment every four (4) years”TSBDE Dentist CE
“BLS CPR (hands on)”TSBDE Dentist CE
“Effective January 1, 2021, a licensed dentist whose practice includes direct patient care must complete at least four (4) CE hours for each biennial renewal, regarding safe and effective pain management related to the prescription of opioids and other controlled substances.”TSBDE Dentist CE — direct-patient-care scope
“Once a DEA permit holder has taken the two (2) hour course, they are not required to take the course again.”TSBDE Dentist CE
“Six (6) hours on the administration of or medical emergencies associated with the permitted level of sedation.”TSBDE Dentist CE — Sedation Levels (Level 1)
“Eight (8) hours on the administration of or medical emergencies associated with the permitted level of sedation.”TSBDE Dentist CE — Sedation Levels (Level 2 & 3)
“Twelve (12) hours on the administration of or medical emergencies associated with the permitted level of sedation.”TSBDE Dentist CE — Sedation Levels (Level 4)