nys dental license renewal requirements
New York State Dental License Renewal Requirements
Who needs to renew?
Licensed dentists (DDS, DMD) in New York State
Licensed dental hygienists (RDH) in New York State
Note: NYS does not require continuing‐education for dental assistants (RDA, CDA) at the state‐board level. Office of the Professions+1
Renewal period
Licenses must be renewed every three years (a triennial registration cycle). ADA+1
Renewal deadlines are tied to your birth month and expire at midnight on the last day of that month. ADA
Continuing Education (CE) requirements
Dentists
60 contact hours of continuing education required every 3 years. Office of the Professions+2concordseminars.com+2
At least 70% of the hours must be “live” CE (i.e., in-person or real-time virtual, not pure self-study) — that’s at least 42 live contact hours. concordseminars.com+1
Mandatory one-time courses or topic‐specific training must include:
Dental jurisprudence and ethics (one time) ADA+1
A course on the oral health effects of tobacco and tobacco products (one time) concordseminars.com+1
Infection control training at least once every 4 years concordseminars.com+2Office of the Professions+2
Child abuse identification and reporting training — NYS requires updated “mandated reporter” training, including implicit bias and virtual interaction protocols, completed by April 1, 2025. State: NY - New York+2Elite Learning+2
Dentists with a DEA registration must also complete a one-time training in pain management, palliative care, and addiction (the “MATE Act requirement”) every three years. Elite Learning+1
CPR certification is required, and must be current. Live, in-person CPR training is accepted and may be counted toward CE hours. Elite Learning+1
Dental Hygienists
24 contact hours of continuing education every 3 years. Office of the Professions+2Office of the Professions+2
At least 14 of those hours must be live CE (≥ 7/12 of the total). concordseminars.com+1
Must complete a state‐approved infection control course every 4 years. Office of the Professions+1
Must complete mandated child abuse identification and reporting training by April 1, 2025 (same updated curriculum as for dentists). State: NY - New York+2Local: NY - New York County New York+2
Recordkeeping and audits
You are required on your renewal application to certify that you completed the required CE hours. Office of the Professions+1
NYSED does not proactively maintain CE records, but licensees must retain certificates of completion for 6 years. These records must include: course title, sponsor, hours, date, and attendance verification. NYSED may audit them at random. Office of the Professions+1
If audited and found non-compliant, NYSED may issue a conditional registration (with extra CE required) or even disciplinary actions. Office of the Professions+1
Conditional renewal
If you miss the CE requirement by your renewal date, NYSED may issue a one-year conditional registration. Under a conditional registration, the licensee must complete missing CE hours, submit proof, and pay the full renewal fee. It may be granted only once. Office of the Professions+1
Tips for staying compliant
Plan your CE early: don’t wait until the last year of your renewal cycle to stack all hours.
Track live vs. self-study: keep tabs on how many hours are live CE vs. home study to ensure you meet the live-CE minimum.
Use approved providers: NYSED accepts courses from American Dental Association (ADA) CERP providers, NYS Dental Association, NY State Education-approved sponsors, and other recognized sponsors. State: NY - New York+2New York State Dental Foundation+2
Keep your documentation: always get and store a certificate or completion letter. NYSED may request it years later.
Watch for updates: NYS laws change periodically. For example, the child abuse mandated reporter training requirement was updated in 2021 and must be completed by April 2025 — make sure you’re taking the current version. State: NY - New York+1
Conclusion
If you’re renewing a dental license in New York State, the key obligations are: fulfill the required continuing education hours (60 for dentists, 24 for hygienists in a 3-year period), ensure a sufficient portion of live CE, complete mandated-topic trainings (child abuse reporting, infection control, etc.), maintain your CPR certification if you’re a dentist, and preserve your CE documentation for potential audits. By staying on top of NYSED’s requirements throughout your renewal cycle, you’ll avoid surprises and ensure your license remains active without interruption.
Dental license renewal is a critical responsibility for all oral healthcare professionals. By completing continuing education, paying fees on time, and staying updated on your state’s requirements, you ensure that you remain in good standing and continue providing care without interruption.
At the New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants (NYSMDA), students not only receive training to become skilled dental assistants but also learn the importance of maintaining their professional credentials through timely license renewal!
While New York State requires dental assistants to meet specific guidelines set by the state dental board, NYSMDA supports graduates by providing guidance on continuing education, exam preparation, and the renewal process to keep their certifications active. By renewing their licenses on time, NYSMDA-trained dental assistants ensure they remain in compliance with state regulations, continue practicing legally, and uphold the high professional standards expected in the dental field.
Also, if you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
