Virginia Board of Dentistry · DDS/DMD

15 hours. Every year. Tied to your license anniversary.

Below is exactly what Virginia Board of Dentistry requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.

Updated April 2026Sourced from VBD~4 min read

Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed May 12, 2026

Mandatory topics

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.

Cpr[1]
0 hrs
Ongoing
Current BLS Healthcare Provider with hands-on airway training required.
View sourceVerbatim from source
current training certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with hands-on airway training for health care providers or basic life support
Virginia Board of Dentistry CE pageSee source [1] in Primary Sources
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Virginia 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[1]
4 hrs
Biennial

Dentists administering anesthesia or sedation

View sourceVerbatim from source
four hours every two years of approved continuing education directly related to administration and monitoring of such anesthesia or sedation
Virginia Board of Dentistry CE pageSee source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

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 systemNotes
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/[1]
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/[1]
ADA CERP
ADA CERP-recognized providers accepted.Sourcehttps://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/PractitionerResources/ContinuingEducation/Dentists/[1]
AGD PACE
AGD PACE-approved providers accepted.Sourcehttps://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Dentistry/PractitionerResources/ContinuingEducation/Dentists/[1]
Documentation & audit

Documentation retained 4 years post-renewal.

Waivers & exemptions

First annual renewal following initial licensure is exempt from the 15-hour CE requirement.

FAQ
Does Virginia treat DDS and DMD differently for CE purposes?
No. DDS and DMD are equivalent dental degrees, and the Virginia Board of Dentistry applies identical CE rules to both.
Are ADA CERP credits accepted in Virginia?
Yes. ADA CERP-recognized and AGD PACE-approved providers are accepted under the Board's general approved-provider framework in 18 VAC 60-21.
Are there mandatory CE topics for dentist renewal in Virginia?
For most dentists, the universal 15-hour annual rule does not require specific topical hours beyond current BLS Healthcare Provider certification with hands-on airway training. Sedation permit holders add 4 hours of sedation/anesthesia CE every 2 years.
Where can I check my Virginia dental license renewal date?
The Virginia Department of Health Professions maintains license records at dhp.virginia.gov. The Board sends renewal notices before expiration, but the licensee is responsible for tracking the annual renewal date.

Never miss a Virginia CME deadline.

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Sources & Citations

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.

  1. Primary sourceAccessed 2026-04-30
    Show verbatim text
    current training certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with hands-on airway training for health care providers or basic life supportVirginia Board of Dentistry CE page
    four hours every two years of approved continuing education directly related to administration and monitoring of such anesthesia or sedationVirginia Board of Dentistry CE page