CE is required by all the dental licensing authorities that I know of and it’s that time of year for most of us – being the end of an odd year and all. It’s amazing to me how often not having CE requirements trip up doctors (and staff) and cause major problems in their practices while they sort out licensure issues. Though this is not a complete checklists, here are a few thoughts to help keep you out of trouble.

  • Put language in your employment contracts for any associates you have and details about  CE requirements for certified employees or hygienists in your employee manual stating that if they don’t keep up with and submit their CE to keep their license or credentials current then they will be on unpaid leave until it’s fixed or will lose their job. Also cover who pays for their CE and renewal of licenses or certifications in both places.
  • OSHA training and CPR training are required so don’t forget about that. Be sure to cover these in the same way in contracts and employee manuals.
  • Designate an office record keeper for CE certificates for everyone – especially your stuff. I’d also recommend printing out and keeping a physical copy of each certificate as well as an electronic one.
  • Put a recurring alert on your phone to go off a couple months before your license renewal is due – set it up for annual recurrence if you can’t make it every two years and make sure you never remove it!
  • Make friends with your CPR and OSHA trainers so you can pay a little more or let them teach your entire team ever year in exchange for a one on one course with them that takes an hour instead of doing it with a group for four hours.
  • Don’t forget that there is a limited amount of credit for business related CE and for remote training. Generally your CE requirements have to be mostly in person and mostly clinical.
  • If you are in need of a few hours last minute, don’t forget that companies like Invisalign have a tremendous amount of online CE to get your hours NOW.