Licensed dental therapists and dental health aide therapists must complete, attest to and maintain proof of 54 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years to maintain their license. Review WAC 246-819-130 to ensure compliance with CE course requirements and regulations.
A licensed dental therapist and dental health aide therapist must also maintain a current basic life support (BLS) for healthcare provider card as part of this requirement. Review WAC 246-819-130, and 246-12(7) for all regulations and requirements.
Suicide Prevention – Continuing Education Requirement
Licensed dental therapists and dental health aide therapists must complete a one-time, three-hour, suicide prevention continuing education training in accordance with RCW 43.70.442. The three hours of training may count toward the existing required continuing education hours.
Visit the suicide prevention training for health professions webpage for details on training requirements, approved training programs, and more resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does my three-year reporting period start?
-
The three-year continuing education reporting period for a licensed dental therapist or dental health aide therapist will be every three years after the first license renewal date.
- What is acceptable continuing education?
-
Continuing education must be dental-related education for professional development as a dental therapist per WAC 246-819-130.
- Are certain continuing education courses required each year?
-
No specific continuing education courses are required yearly, per WAC 246-819-130.
- May I count continuing education hours from one reporting period to the next reporting period?
-
No. You cannot carry over continuing education in excess of the required hours earned in a reporting period to the next reporting period, per WAC 246-12-230.
- How long do I have to keep my documentation of continuing education?
-
WAC 246-12-200 requires licensees to keep continuing education records for four years.
- Is basic life support required every year, even though the card says it's good for two years?
-
Basic life support (BLS) for healthcare providers isn't required to be taken yearly. The rule just says that a current BLS card must be maintained per WAC 246-819-130.
- Are there stipulations on the type of continuing education I can get, e.g., online versus lecture?
-
Review WAC 246-819-130 for more information.
- If I volunteer in a school setting in a teaching role, does that count as continuing education?
-
Review WAC 246-819-130 for more information.
- What is the difference between Distance Learning and Self-Study?
-
There is a limit of 5 hours per year for self-study courses. There is no limit to the number of distance learning hours that may be taken per year. If the course includes an assessment tool upon completion, then the course would be considered distance learning. If there is no assessment tool, then it would be considered self-study. An example of an assessment tool would be a quiz or exam that must be successfully completed to receive credit for the course. Please review WAC 246-819-130(3)(c) and (d) for further details.
- May I get an extension of time to complete my continuing education?
-
Dental therapists and dental health aide therapists may be excused from or granted an extension of continuing education requirements due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. Law requires continuing education to renew your annual license. Any requests should be made several weeks before your renewal date to prevent delays in processing your license renewal. Requests must be in writing and sent to the dental therapist program manager by email. You cannot practice without an active license.
- When will I be audited for continuing education?
-
Continuing education audits are random and fall in the month you renew your license. If you receive an audit letter, respond with appropriate copies of your continuing education documentation.