Below is exactly what Virginia Board of 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, 15 hours is the total CME requirement. Virginia also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 15-hour total.
“A dentist shall maintain current training certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with hands-on airway training for health care providers or basic life support”
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 administering anesthesia or sedation
“shall complete four hours every two years of approved continuing education directly related to administration and monitoring of such anesthesia or sedation as part of the hours required for licensure renewal”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Virginia 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 |
|---|---|
Carryover (max 15 hrs) max 15 hrs | Excess hours can carry over up to 15 hours to the next annual renewal year.Sourcehttps://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/PractitionerResources/ContinuingEducation/Dentists/[2] |
Volunteer service (max 3 hrs) max 3 hrs | Volunteer pro bono dentistry to low-income patients earns CE up to 3 of the 15 hrs per year.Sourcehttps://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/PractitionerResources/ContinuingEducation/Dentists/[2] |
ADA CERP | ADA CERP-recognized providers accepted.Sourcehttps://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/PractitionerResources/ContinuingEducation/Dentists/[2] |
AGD PACE | AGD PACE-approved providers accepted.Sourcehttps://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/PractitionerResources/ContinuingEducation/Dentists/[2] |
Documentation retained 4 years post-renewal.
First annual renewal following initial licensure is exempt from the 15-hour CE requirement.
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 dentist shall maintain current training certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with hands-on airway training for health care providers or basic life support”18VAC60-21-250(A)(1) — Va. Board of Dentistry
“shall complete four hours every two years of approved continuing education directly related to administration and monitoring of such anesthesia or sedation as part of the hours required for licensure renewal”18VAC60-21-250(A)(2) — Va. Board of Dentistry (sedation/anesthesia permit holders)