What are the continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in NY?
What are the continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in NY?
New York State Dental Hygienist CE Requirements
1. Number of Hours
Hygienists must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every three-year renewal period. Elite Learning+3Office of the Professions+3Concord Seminars+3
NYSED allows up to 10 of those 24 hours to come from self-study or home study (non-live CE). State: NY - New York+3Office of the Professions+3New York State Dental Foundation+3
2. Live CE Requirement
At least 7/12 of the CE hours must be live or interactive — which comes out to 14 hours minimum of the 24 hours. New York State Dental Foundation+3Concord Seminars+3Elite Learning+3
"Live" includes in-person seminars or real-time virtual courses/webinars where learners can interact with the instructor. Office of the Professions+2Concord Seminars+2
3. Mandatory Topic Requirements
Hygienists must complete a state-approved infection control course every four years. Concord Seminars+2New York State Dental Foundation+2
They must also complete updated child abuse identification & reporting training per NYS law. As of a legislative update, this updated mandated-reporter training must be completed by April 1, 2025. NYDHA+2New York State Dental Foundation+2
4. Recordkeeping and Audit
NYS requires that licensees certify completion of the required CE hours when renewing their registration. Office of the Professions+1
NYSED does not proactively track your CE credits, but you must keep documentation of your completed CE for at least 6 years. The Department may audit and request proof. Office of the Professions+2New York State Dental Foundation+2
5. First Renewal after Licensure
If your hygienist license was issued by endorsement (i.e., coming from another jurisdiction), you’re required to complete the continuing education requirements within the first triennial cycle. Office of the Professions+1
If NYS issued your initial hygienist registration, you're exempt from CE in your first renewal cycle. Office of the Professions+2Office of the Professions+2
✅ Tips for Staying Compliant
Start early — spread out your CE over the three-year cycle, rather than waiting until the last year.
Track “live” vs. “home study” hours to ensure you meet the minimum 14 live hours.
Check provider credentials — your CE must be NYSED-approved or offered by recognized sponsors (e.g. NYS Dental Association, ADA-CERP providers). New York State Dental Foundation+1
Maintain records — keep your certificates, attendance verifications, course outlines, etc., for at least 6 years in case of audit.
Watch mandated training deadlines — make sure you complete the updated child abuse training by state deadlines, plus any infection control updates.
📌 Sources & Further Reading
NYS Office of the Professions – “Continuing Education for Dental Hygienists Q&A” Office of the Professions+2Office of the Professions+2
Concord Seminars – New York State Dental Hygiene CE Requirements Concord Seminars+2Office of the Professions+2
NYS Dental Foundation / NYS Dental Association CE Resources New York State Dental Foundation+1
Elite Learning CE Overview for NY Dental Hygienists Elite Learning+2Local: NY - New York County New York+2
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