Section 216-RICR-40-05-2.6 - Continuing Education-DentistsA. Continuing education for dentists requires those professionals to maintain a systematic course of continual learning as a condition to maintain their professional license. In addition, continuing education is an effective way for dental professionals to sustain knowledge of current and evolving tools, techniques, technology, innovative medications and in-depth information on emerging topics that will enhance their professional skills and abilities.B. Pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-31.1-7, all dentists licensed to practice in Rhode Island under the provisions of the Act and this Part, on or before the first (1st) day of May of each even-numbered year shall maintain evidence that in the preceding two (2) years he or she has satisfactorily completed at least forty (40) hours of continuing dental education courses, according to the criteria established by the Rhode Island Dental Association and approved by the Board. Continuing education requirements cited in this Part shall be prorated for a licensee whose license is in effect for a period of less than two (2) years (i.e., an average of twenty (20) hours of continuing education shall be required each year the license is in effect).C. It shall be the sole responsibility of the individual dentist to obtain documentation from the approved sponsoring or co-sponsoring organization, agency or other, of his or her participation in a learning experience, including the date, and number of hours earned.D. At the time of license renewal, each licensee shall be required to attest to the fact that he or she has complied with the continuing education requirements established by this Part. Course descriptions, proof of attendance, or other documentation of completion shall be retained by the licensee for a minimum of five (5) years and is subject to random audit by the Board. Failure to produce satisfactory documentation of completion of requirements upon request of the Board may constitute grounds for disciplinary action.E. All dentists practicing in a dental setting shall receive a minimum of one (1) hour per year of training on the CDC Infection Control Guidelines.F. All dentists practicing in a dental setting shall hold a current certificate of completion from an approved course in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers that includes a hands-on skill component and conforms to the current American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC), and is offered by any accredited agency approved by the Board.G. If the applicant attests to completion of the prescribed course(s) of continuing dental education as set forth in § 2.16 of this Part, as approved by the Board, and is in compliance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-31.1-7, the Board shall issue the applicant a license registration for a two (2) year period in accordance with the requirements of § 2.6.1 of this Part.H. Licensure renewal shall be denied to any applicant who fails to attest to the completion of continuing dental education as required by § 2.6(D) of this Part.I. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.4.6(A) of this Part, no license to practice dentistry in Rhode Island shall be refused, nor shall any license be suspended or revoked except as: 1. Provided in the Act; and2. For failure to attest to completion of continuing dental education as required by this Part.J. The Board may, however, extend for only one (1) six (6) month period such educational requirements, if the Board is satisfied that the applicant has suffered hardship which prevented him/her from meeting the requirements of this Part. 2.6.1Issuance and Renewal of LicenseA. A license shall be issued by the Board to an applicant found to have satisfactorily met all requirements of this Part. Said license, unless sooner suspended or revoked, shall expire biennially on the 30th of June of the even numbered years.B. Every person so licensed who desires to renew his or her license must file with the Board before the first (1st) of May in each even-numbered year, a renewal application duly executed together with attestation to completion of continuing education requirement and the renewal fee as determined biennially by the Director of Health in consultation with the Board, and as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title). Upon receipt of such application and payment of such fee, a license renewal shall be granted effective for the biennial licensure period unless sooner suspended or revoked. 1. For those licensees who have attained the age of not less than seventy (70) years ("emeritus active") as of June 30th of the year of licensure, the renewal fee (non- refundable) shall be as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title).C. Pursuant to the provisions of R .I. Gen. Laws §5-31.1-21, the registration certificate of all dentists whose renewals accompanied by the prescribed fee are not filed on or before the first day of July of the even numbered years shall be automatically revoked. The Board may in its discretion and upon the payment by the dentist of the current licensure (registration) fee plus an additional fee as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title), reinstate any license (certificate) revoked under the provisions of the Act and this Part.D. Inactive Status 1. Dentists not intending to practice in Rhode Island may request on a biennial basis to be placed on inactive status. Such requests shall be made in writing to the dental administrator and shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title).2. Persons on inactive status may be reinstated by paying the current annual registration fee and shall meet such requirements established by the Act and as prescribed in this Part, including attesting to completion of the required continuing dental education courses as specified in § 2.6(A) of this Part.216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-05-2.6
Amended effective 4/4/2019