24 Del. Admin. Code § 1100-6.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 1100-6.0 - Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and Renewal

6.1 Renewal. Each license shall be renewed biennially. The failure of the Board to notify a licensee of his/her license expiration date and subsequent renewal does not, in any way, relieve the licensee of the requirement to renew his/her license pursuant to the Board's regulations and 24 Del.C. Ch. 11.

6.1.1 License renewal is accomplished online at the Division of Professional Regulation's website. Licensees must submit an online application along with payment of the renewal fee prescribed by the Division of Professional Regulation and an attestation of completion of the continuing education requirements.

6.1.1.1 Attestation must be completed electronically at the time of renewal. Licensees selected for random audit will be required to supplement the attestation with attendance verification pursuant to Section 6.8.

6.2 Any licensee who fails to renew his/her license by the renewal date may reactivate his/her license during the one year period immediately following the license expiration date provided the licensee pays a late fee in addition to the prescribed renewal fee, and provides proof that he/she completed the required continuing education.

6.3 Continuing Education. All persons licensed to practice dentistry in the State of Delaware shall be required to acquire fifty (50) hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit every two (2) years. Two (2) of the 50 credit hours shall be obtained in courses covering infection control. In addition to the CPE, licensees must provide evidence that they have successfully completed a current course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) every two (2) years. The CPR course must encompass hands on clinical participation. On-line courses will not be accepted to satisfy the CPR requirement. Examples of acceptable courses include, but are not limited to, courses offered by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association and courses offered or approved by any of the organizations listed in 6.4.1 through 6.4.4 of these regulations. All dentists, upon initial licensure in Delaware and prior to registration renewal, shall be given a written notice of these CPE requirements.

6.4 CPE credits may be granted upon proof of successful completion of scientific CPE programs or courses, including live webinars, sponsored or approved by:

6.4.1 American Dental Association (ADA), its constituents and components including CERP (Continuing Education Recognition Program)

6.4.2 American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), its constituents and components

6.4.3 American Dental Assisting Association (ADAA), its constituents and components

6.4.4 Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) its constituents and components including PACE (Program Approval for Continuing Education)

6.4.5 Recognized national, regional, state and local dental and dental hygiene specialty organizations

6.4.6 Recognized dental and dental hygiene study clubs

6.4.7 Accredited dental and dental hygiene CPE programs offered by dental and dental hygiene schools.

6.4.8 Approved hospital programs.

6.4.9 Such other organizations and associations as may be approved by the Board.

6.5 A maximum of 30 hours of the total CPE requirement may be satisfied by self-study.

6.5.1 Not more than ten hours of the fifty hour biennial CPE requirement may be satisfied by self-study without testing from sources approved by the Board which shall include but not be limited to:

6.5.1.1 Reading dental textbooks

6.5.1.2 Reading dental tape journals

6.5.1.3 Viewing and listening to dental audio-visual materials.

6.5.2 In addition to the maximum of ten (10) hours of the CPE requirement which may be satisfied by self-study without testing and certification, a maximum of twenty (20) hours of the total CPE requirements may be fulfilled by self-study with test and certificate of completion from bona fide dental educational sources including but not limited to:

6.5.2.1 Dental journals

6.5.2.2 Dental textbooks

6.5.2.3 Dental video and audio tape presentations

6.5.2.4 Dental mail-in courses

6.5.2.5 Dental courses presented on the Internet, which are not live

6.6 Special Provisions

6.6.1 A dentist, employed as a faculty member in a recognized school of dentistry, dental hygiene, dental assisting or any dentally-related field will be allowed not more than ten (10) hours credit for teaching per year.

6.6.2 A dentist presenting a CPE course shall be allowed the hours involved in preparation and presentation on a one-time-per-course basis for a maximum of ten (10) hours for the two-year period.

6.6.3 Table Clinics will be allowed, one (1) hour of credit per hour of presentation for a maximum of two (2) hours.

6.6.4 Twelve (12) hours of credit shall be allowed for a scientific article published in a component or state society journal. 25 hours of credit shall be allowed for a scientific article published in a national journal or for a published scientific textbook or a chapter therein.

6.6.5 Any public health dentally-related presentation will be allowed one (1) hour of credit per hour of participation for a maximum of two (2) hours for the two year period.

6.6.6 Practice management or personal self-improvement courses shall be limited to a total of ten (10) hours for the two (2) year period.

6.6.7 A dentist providing volunteer pro bono dental services acceptable to the Board will be allowed one hour of credit for each hour of patient service up to a maximum of 10 hours.

6.6.7.1 Volunteer pro bono care is care provided in conjunction with a non-profit entity or event without receiving compensation.

6.6.8 The Board reserves the right to approve any and all activities deemed appropriate for CPE credit. The Board also reserves the right and is the final word to disapprove any activities submitted for credit which it deems inappropriate.

6.6.9 All dentists licensed to practice in Delaware shall be given written notice of these CPE requirements when receiving their initial license.

6.6.10 For existing holders of an Unrestricted Permit for anesthesia, at least twelve (12) hours of the required CPE credits must be taken on an Anesthesia topic by the end of the six (6) year re-evaluation period (i.e. by the end of the third biennial licensure renewal period).

6.6.11 For existing holders of a Restricted I Permit, at least six (6) hours of the required CPE credits must be taken on an Anesthesia topic by the end of the six (6) year re-evaluation period (i.e. by the end of the third biennial license renewal period).

6.7 Exceptions

6.7.1 An exception will be granted to any dentist who can demonstrate to the Board an acceptable cause as to why he/she should be relieved of this obligation. Exemptions will be granted only in unusual or extraordinary circumstances. Licensees must petition the Board for exemptions. Should the Board deny the request, the licensee must complete the requirements. Examples of circumstances for which the Board might grant exemptions include prolonged illness, extended absence from the country, or the like.

6.7.2 An individual initially licensed by the Board within the last 2 years shall meet the following schedule of reporting CPE credits for license renewal:

6.7.2.1 If, as of May 31st of the year for license renewal, the licensee has been licensed for less than 1 year, zero hours of CPE is required for license renewal; for licensees who are 1 or more but less than 2 years from their initial licensure, one-half of the required CPE must be presented; for individuals 2 years or more from their initial licensure, the full CPE requirement must be presented for renewal.

6.8 Audit of Continuing Education Contact Hours

6.8.1 Audit. Each biennium, the Division of Professional Regulation shall randomly select from the list of renewed licensees a percentage of licensees, determined by the Board, to be audited. The Board may also audit based on complaints or charges against an individual license, relative to compliance with continuing education requirements or based on a finding of past non-compliance during prior audits.

6.8.2 Documentation. When a licensee is selected for audit, the licensee shall be required to submit documentation showing detailed accounting of the various CPEs claimed by the licensee. Licensees selected for random audit are required to supplement the attestation with supporting materials which may include a syllabus, agenda, itinerary or brochure published by the sponsor of the activity and a document showing proof of attendance (i.e., certificate, a signed letter from the sponsor attesting to attendance, report of passing test score). The Board shall attempt to verify the CPEs shown on the documentation provided by the licensee. Upon completion of the review, the Board will decide whether the licensee's CPEs meet the requirements of these regulations.

6.8.2.1 Any continuing education not meeting all provisions of these regulations shall be rejected in part or in whole by the Board

6.8.2.2 Any incomplete or inaccurate documentation of continuing education may be rejected in part or in whole by the Board.

6.8.2.3 Any continuing education that is rejected must be replaced by acceptable continuing education within a reasonable period of time established by the Board. This continuing education will not be counted towards the next renewal period.

6.8.3 Board Review and Hearing Process. The Board shall review all documentation requested of any licensee shown on the audit list. If the Board determines the licensee has met the requirements, the licensee's license shall remain in effect. If the Board initially determines the licensee has not met the requirements, the licensee shall be notified and a hearing may be held pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act. This hearing will be conducted to determine if there are any extenuating circumstances justifying the apparent noncompliance with these regulations. Unjustified noncompliance with these regulations shall be considered unprofessional conduct and grounds for discipline pursuant to 24 Del.C. § 1128(6).

6.8.4 Sanctions for Unjustified Noncompliance. If the Board finds unjustified non-compliance, the Board will impose discipline in accordance with 29 Del.C. §1129 which may include, but is not limited to monetary penalties up to $1,000, suspension and/or revocation of a practitioner's license.

6.9 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) - Dental Hygienists [24 Del.C. § 1106(a)(1) and (7)]

All persons licensed to practice dental hygiene in the State of Delaware shall be required to acquire twenty-four (24) hours of CPE credit every two (2) years. Two (2) of the 24 credit hours shall be obtained in courses covering infection control. In addition to the CPE, licensees must provide evidence that they have and successfully completed a current course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) every two (2) years. The CPR course must encompass hands on clinical participation. On-line courses will not be accepted to satisfy the CPR requirement. Examples of acceptable courses include, but are not limited to, courses offered by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. All Dental hygienists, upon initial licensure and prior to registration renewal, shall be given written notice of these CPE requirements.

6.9.1 Proof of continuing education is satisfied with an attestation by the licensee that he or she has satisfied the Requirements of subsection 6.9.

6.9.2 Attestation must be completed electronically at the time of renewal.

6.9.3 Licensees selected for random audit will be required to supplement the attestation with attendance verification pursuant to subsection 6.12.

6.9.4 CPE credits may be granted upon proof of successful completion of programs including, but not limited to, the following categories:

6.9.4.1 Scientific CPE programs or courses, including live webinars, sponsored or approved by:

6.9.4.1.1 American Dental Hygienists Association, its constituents and components

6.9.4.1.2 American Dental Association, its constituents and components

6.9.4.1.3 American Dental Assisting Association, its constituents, and components

6.9.4.1.4 American Academy of Dental Hygiene

6.9.4.1.5 Recognized national, regional, state, and local dental and dental hygiene specialty societies

6.9.4.1.6 Recognized dental and dental hygiene study clubs

6.9.4.1.7 Accredited dental and dental hygiene schools

6.9.4.1.8 Approved hospital programs

6.9.4.1.9 Such other organizations and associations as may be approved by the Board

6.9.4.2 A maximum of five (5) hours of the total twenty-four (24) hour requirement may be satisfied by self-study without testing from sources approved by the Board which shall include but not be limited to:

6.9.4.2.1 Reading of dental or dental hygiene journals

6.9.4.2.2 Reading dental or dental hygiene textbooks

6.9.4.2.3 Viewing and listening to dental or dental hygiene audio-visual materials

6.9.4.3 In addition to the maximum of five (5) hours which may be satisfied by self-study without testing, a maximum of ten (10) hours of the total twenty-four (24) hour requirement may be fulfilled by self-study with test and certificate of completion from bona fide dental hygiene educational sources including but not limited to:

6.9.4.3.1 Dental or dental hygiene journals

6.9.4.3.2 Dental or dental hygiene textbooks

6.9.4.3.3 Dental or dental hygiene video and audio tape presentations

6.9.4.3.4 Dental or dental hygiene mail-in courses

6.9.4.3.5 Dental or dental hygiene courses presented on the Internet, which are not live

Where CPE credits are not specified, one (1) hour of CPE credit will be given for each hour of scientific session attended.

The final approval of acceptable dental hygiene CPE credits shall be made by the Board of Dental Examiners in consultation with the Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee.

6.10 Special Provisions

6.10.1 A dental hygienist, employed as a faculty member in a recognized school of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental assisting, will be allowed not more than five (5) hours credit for teaching per year.

6.10.2 A dental hygienist presenting a CPE course shall be allowed the hours involved in preparation and presentation on a one-time-per-course basis for a maximum of five (5) credits for the two-year period.

6.10.3 Table clinics will be allowed one (1) hour of credit per hour of presentation for a maximum of two (2) hours.

6.10.4 Twelve (12) hours of credit shall be granted for a scientific article published in a component or state society journal. Twelve (12) hours of credit shall be allowed for a scientific article published in a national journal or for a published scientific textbook or a chapter therein.

6.10.5 A dental hygienist giving public education instruction in a school will receive credit up to one (1) hour per year.

6.10.6 Practice management or personal self-improvement courses shall be limited to five (5) hours for the two (2) year period.

6.10.6.1 Practice management, personal self-improvement and computer courses shall be limited to 2.5 hours a year for a total of five(5) hours for the two year period.

6.10.7 A dental hygienist providing volunteer pro bono dental hygiene services acceptable to the Board will be allowed one hour of credit for each hour of patient service up to a maximum of five hours.

6.10.7.1 Volunteer pro bono care is care provided in conjunction with a non-profit entity or event without receiving compensation.

6.10.8 The Board reserves the right to approve any and all activities deemed appropriate for CPE credit. The Board also reserves the right and is the final word to disapprove any activities submitted for credit which it deems inappropriate.

6.10.9 All dental hygienists licensed to practice in Delaware shall be given written notice of these CPE requirements when receiving their initial license.

6.11 Exceptions

6.11.1 An exception will be granted to any dental hygienist who can demonstrate to the Board an acceptable cause as to why he/she should be relieved of this obligation. Exemptions will be granted only in unusual or extraordinary circumstances. Licensees must petition the Board for exemptions. Should the Board deny the request, the licensee must complete the requirements. Examples of circumstances for which the Board might grant exemptions include prolonged illness, extended absence from the country, or the like.

6.11.2 An individual initially licensed by the Board within the last 2 years shall meet the following schedule of reporting CPE credits for license renewal:

6.11.2.1 If, as of May 31st of the year for license renewal, the licensee has been licensed for less than 1 year, zero hours of CPE is required for license renewal; for licensees who are 1 or more but less than 2 years from their initial licensure, one-half of the required CPE must be presented; for individuals 2 years or more from their initial licensure, the full CPE requirement must be presented for renewal.

6.12 Audit of Continuing Education Contact Hours

6.12.1 Audit. Each biennium, the Division of Professional Regulation shall randomly select from the list of renewed licensees a percentage of licensees, determined by the Board, to be audited. The Board may also audit based on complaints or charges against an individual license, relative to compliance with continuing education requirements or based on a finding of past non-compliance during prior audits.

6.12.2 Documentation. When a licensee is selected for audit, the licensee shall be required to submit documentation showing detailed accounting of the various CPEs claimed by the licensee. Licensees selected for random audit are required to supplement the attestation with supporting materials which may include a syllabus, agenda, itinerary or brochure published by the sponsor of the activity and a document showing proof of attendance (i.e., certificate, a signed letter from the sponsor attesting to attendance, report of passing test score).The Board shall attempt to verify the CPEs shown on the documentation provided by the licensee. Upon completion of the review, the Board will decide whether the licensee's CPEs meet the requirements of these regulations.

6.12.2.1 Any continuing education not meeting all provisions of these regulations shall be rejected in part or in whole by the Board

6.12.2.2 Any incomplete or inaccurate documentation of continuing education may be rejected in part or in whole by the Board.

6.12.2.3 Any continuing education that is rejected must be replaced by acceptable continuing education within a reasonable period of time established by the Board. This continuing education will not be counted towards the next renewal period.

6.12.3 Board Review and Hearing Process. The Board shall review all documentation requested of any licensee shown on the audit list. If the Board determines the licensee has met the requirements, the licensee's license shall remain in effect. If the Board initially determines the licensee has not met the requirements, the licensee shall be notified and a hearing may be held pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act. This hearing will be conducted to determine if there are any extenuating circumstances justifying the apparent noncompliance with these regulations. Unjustified noncompliance with these regulations shall be considered unprofessional conduct and grounds for discipline pursuant to 24 Del.C. § 1128(6).

6.12.4 Sanctions for Unjustified Noncompliance. If the Board finds unjustified non-compliance, the Board will impose discipline in accordance with 29 Del.C. §1129 which may include, but is not limited to monetary penalties up to $1,000, suspension and/or revocation of a practitioner's license.

24 Del. Admin. Code § 1100-6.0

5 DE Reg. 1251 (12/1/2001)
9 DE Reg. 1583 (4/1/2006)
16 DE Reg. 328 (9/1/2012)
16 DE Reg. 881 (2/1/2013)
18 DE Reg. 399 (11/1/2014)
21 DE Reg. 642 (2/1/2018)
24 DE Reg. 181 (8/1/2020)
28 DE Reg. 62 (7/1/2024) (Final)