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Why is Continuing Education Important in Dental Care? CE Courses & Credits Overview

January 22, 2023 by Howard Academy

Dental professionals need to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques used in the field. There are a number of dental CE or continuing education courses to take that will help advance your career and learn more about advancements in the industry. 

Every dental professional is required to undergo continuing education at some point but it’s essential to understand why it’s important. CE can help drive your career and take you to the next level.  

Let’s discuss some of the reasons why CE courses for dental assistants are so important. 

Why Dental Care Continuing Education is Important 

Dental CE courses give you the chance to hone and refine your techniques. There are always new ways to perform procedures on patients. With advancements in technology, we’re able to better serve our patients and we can only learn this if we go through dental care continuing education. 

To Provide The Best Care

As a medical professional, you want to do everything in your power to make sure your patients are comfortable, happy, and cared for. A trip to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience for many and continuing education can help dental assistants and hygienists learn what they can do to make it easier. 

To Stay Out of Legal Trouble

Dental professionals need to ensure their license stays current by going through continuing education according to the California state requirements. This should be your first priority because it is against the law to provide licensed dental duties without an active license. 

To Build Your Resume 

Continuing education provides you the opportunity to learn new skills and refine your current ones. Doing so is a great way to show potential employers that you’re devoted to your career and that you’re a valuable asset. 

Make Friends and Meet People 

With many dental care continuing education courses being offered online, it can be difficult to meet people in the industry. Howard Academy does a great job of making your online continuing education collaborative so you can meet like-minded people and make friends. 

Dental Assistant Continuing Education Requirements 

Dental Assistants in the state of California need to complete 25 hours of continuing education. If this is your first renewal, you are exempt from the CE requirements. 

The continuing education requirements include:

  • Basic life support
  • CPR
  • Infection control
  • Dental practice act 

How Many CE Credits for Dental Assistants? 

So, how many CE credits do dental assistants need? All of the aforementioned coursework is equal to 25 continuing education credits. This fulfills your requirements and helps you maintain an active license. 

Dental Hygiene Continuing Education Requirements

In the state of California, dental hygienists are required to undergo 25 units in extended functions as well as 35 units in alternative practice. The continuing education must be completed during the renewal period while your license is still active. 

How Many CE Credits for Dental Hygienists? 

A registered dental hygienist needs to complete a total of 85 credits in continuing education. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What dental careers benefit from continuing education?

While CE courses for dental assistants are important, many dental careers benefit from continuing education. This includes but is not limited to orthodontist assistants, hygienists, dental surgery assistants, and more. 

What is continuing education in dentistry? 

Continuing education is a way of honing your skills and advancing your career. It’s important that medical professions have continuing education to help keep practitioners up-to-date on the new technology and advancements in the industry. 

What is the most valuable skill for a dental assistant?

Dental assistants need to be able to communicate well with the dentist and patient while also thinking critically on the fly. Being able to provide great service and compassion to patients is also important. Dental assistants are an important part of every dental practice. 

Final Thoughts

Dental care continuing education is crucial to ensuring that dental professionals in the state are providing the best care possible. Best of all, you can complete most of your oral health CE online through Howard Healthcare Academy. 

We provide a number of hybrid, online, and on-campus options that can work around your busy schedule. This allows you to continue to work while you further your education. 

Learn more about California License Verification and Continuing Education Requirements. You can take your CE courses at Howard Academy. Click here to get started!

Filed Under: Dental Assisting

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  • On Campus
    ▼
    • Dental Assisting Certification Program (On CAMPUS)
    • CPR
  • Online & Continuing Education
    ▼
    • 2-Hour Infection Control Course (ONLINE)
    • OSHA Annual Blood-borne Pathogens
    • Dental HIPAA Training
    • 2 HR Dental Practice Act (ONLINE)
    • Online Medical Emergency Course for Dentists
    • Oral Health and Nutrition Course
    • Special Needs Dental Assistant Training
    • Dental Ergonomics Training
    • Oral Histology & Physiology
    • Oral Pathology Online Course
  • Programs
    ▼
    • Coronal Polishing (HYBRID)
    • 8-Hour Infection Control Course (Hybrid)
    • Ultrasonic Scaling (HYBRID)
    • Pit and Fissure Sealants (HYBRID)
    • Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions Program-RDAEF
    • Orthodontic Assistant Permit Program-OAP
    • Radiation Safety Certification (HYBRID)
  • Admissions
    ▼
    • How to Enroll
    • Dental Accreditation
  • Financial Services & Scholarships
    ▼
    • Financial Assistance for Dental Programs
    • Scholarships
    • Military
    • GI Bill
  • Blogs
    ▼
    • In the News
    • Success Stories
    • FAQs
  • Contact Us
    ▼
    • Location