Instructors, Training Requirements and Continuing Education

Dental Health Care: Instructors, Training Requirements, and Continuing Education

CONTINUING EDUCATION AS PART OF THE LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS:

As a friendly reminder, the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care requires continuing education as part of the renewal process. Continuing education plays a crucial role in our professional and personal development.This is a reminder that all continuing education must be obtained during the renewal period and must be completed prior to renewing your license.

MOST COMMON MISTAKES REGARDING CEUS:

• Taking more than 8 hours of CEUs in a single day

• Incorrect number of CEUs taken (see links below for your license type and number of required CEUs)

• Taking online CPR/BLS course

• CPR/BLS courses taken by non-approved entities

• Not identifying type of courses taken (e.g., online, in-person, webinar, etc.)

• Taking courses by non-approved providers or sponsors

• Taking courses that are not allowed by the board

• Not providing verification of course attendance (e.g., certificates of completion, conference attendance sheets identifying courses taken, BLS/CPR cards, etc.)

• Taking courses outside of the renewal period (July 1 through June 30) of every third year

For the entire “Guidelines for Approved Continuing Education”: link to 16.5.1 NMAC

FOR CEU REQUIREMENTS:

• Dentists: link to 16.5.10 NMAC
 Dentists with DEA License: link to 16.5.57 NMAC
• Dental Hygienists: link to 16.5.23 NMAC
 Collaborative Dental Hygienists: link to 16.5.17 NMAC
• Dental Assistants: link to 16.5.36 NMAC
• Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary: link to 16.5.44 NMAC
• Community Dental Health Coordinator: link to 16.5.52 NMAC
• Dental Therapist: link to 16.5.62 NMAC

REMINDER:

You can be selected for an audit at any time. If you are selected for an audit, you must provide proof of completed courses. Please refer to the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care rules and regulations to determine the required continuing education hours and requirements.

FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN AUDIT REQUEST OR FAILURE TO OBTAIN CONTINUING EDUCATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

The rules and regulations, can be found on the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) website.

WHY CONTINUING EDUCATION MATTERS:

• ENHANCING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: By engaging in ongoing learning opportunities, we enhance our existing skills and acquire new ones. This not only improves your individual performance but also contributes to the overall success of your organization.

• KEEPING UP WITH INDUSTRY CHANGES: Industries are constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and methodologies. Continuing education ensures that we stay up to date with advancements and best practices.

• INCREASED INNOVATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING: Continuous learning fosters a culture of innovation. It equips us with fresh perspectives and problem-solving techniques, enabling us to tackle challenges effectively.

• CAREER ADVANCEMENT: Investing in education can open doors to new career opportunities and advancement.

• EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION AND RETENTION: Providing opportunities for professional development demonstrates our commitment to growth and satisfaction. It helps retain top talent by making the workplace more engaging and rewarding.

All licensees & certificate holders who are unable to fulfill the continuing education requirements may apply to the board for an emergency deferral due to extenuating circumstances as defined in 16.5.1.7 NMAC of the rules.

All requests must me in writing & submitted to the board office prior to the license or certificate expiration date.

Additional approved CPR providers are as follows:

EMS Safety Services

National Safety Council