WAC 246-817-440   Continuing education requirements.  (1) Purpose. The dental quality assurance commission (DQAC) has determined that the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state will be served by requiring all dentists, licensed under chapter 18.32 RCW, to continue their professional development via continuing education after receiving such licenses.

     (2) Effective date. The effective date for the continuing education requirement for dentists is July 1, 2001. The first reporting cycle for verifying completion of continuing education hours will begin with renewals due July 1, 2002, and each renewal date thereafter. Every licensed dentist must sign an affidavit attesting to the completion of the required number of hours as a part of their annual renewal requirement.

     (3) Requirements. Licensed dentists must complete twenty-one clock hours of continuing education, each year, in conjunction with their annual renewal date. DQAC may randomly audit up to twenty-five percent of practitioners for compliance after the credential is renewed as allowed by chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.

     (4) Acceptable continuing education - Qualification of courses for continuing education credit. DQAC will not authorize or approve specific continuing education courses. Continuing education course work must contribute to the professional knowledge and development of the practitioner, or enhance services provided to patients.

     For the purposes of this chapter, acceptable continuing education means courses offered or authorized by industry recognized state, private, national and international organizations, agencies or institutions of higher learning. Examples of sponsors, or types of continuing education courses may include, but are not limited to:

     (a) The American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, National Dental Association, American Dental Hygienists' Association, National Dental Hygienists' Association, American Dental Association specialty organizations, including the constituent and component/branch societies.

     (b) Basic first aid, CPR, BLS, ACLS, OSHA/WISHA, or emergency related training; such as courses offered or authorized by the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society; or any other organizations or agencies.

     (c) Educational audio or videotapes, films, slides, internet, or independent reading, where an assessment tool is required upon completion are acceptable but may not exceed seven hours per year.

     (d) Teaching a seminar or clinical course for the first time is acceptable but may not exceed ten hours per year.

     (e) Nonclinical courses relating to dental practice organization and management, patient management, or methods of health delivery may not exceed seven hours per year. Estate planning, financial planning, investments, and personal health courses are not acceptable.

     (f) Dental examination standardization and calibration workshops.

     (g) Provision of clinical dental services in a formal volunteer capacity may be considered for continuing education credits when preceded by an educational/instructional training prior to provision of services. Continuing education credits in this area shall not exceed seven hours per renewal cycle.

     (5) Refer to chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7, administrative procedures and requirements for credentialed health care providers for further information regarding compliance with the continuing education requirements for health care providers.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.32.002 and 18.32.0365. 06-07-036, § 246-817-440, filed 3/8/06, effective 4/8/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.32.0365. 01-16-007, § 246-817-440, filed 7/19/01, effective 8/19/01.]