Iowa dentist CE/CEU requirements
To renew a Iowa dental license you need 30 CE hours every 2 years. Here's the full breakdown, mandated topics, delivery limits, and CPR, straight from the board's rules.
The full Iowa requirement
- Total hours
- 30 hours every 2 years
- Mandated topics
- Infection control: 1 hr · Ethics / jurisprudence: 1 hr · Opioids: 1 hr · Child abuse: 4 hrs · Sedation: 6 hrs (Holds Sedation Permit)
- Delivery limits
- Self-study ≤ 12 hrs
- CPR / BLS
- Required, must be current
- Credit sources
- CPR: ≤ 3 hrs · Convention: ≤ 6 hrs · Teaching: ≤ 6 hrs · Presenting: 2 CE / credit · Publication: ≤ 20 hrs · Volunteer: ≤ 6 hrs
- First renewal
- Exempt
Source: Iowa board ↗ · Last reviewed June 25, 2026.
Iowa dentist CE, FAQ
How many CE hours do dentists need in Iowa?
Licensed dentists (DDS/DMD) in Iowa must complete 30 continuing-education hours every 2 years to renew their license.
How often do Iowa dentists renew their license?
Iowa renews dental licenses on a every 2 years cycle, and CE is measured over a 24-month window.
Does Iowa require CPR for dentist renewal?
Yes. Iowa requires a current CPR/BLS certification that is current at renewal.
What CE topics are required for dentists in Iowa?
In Iowa, beyond the 30-hour total, the board specifies: Infection control: 1 hr; Ethics / jurisprudence: 1 hr; Opioids: 1 hr; Child abuse: 4 hrs; Sedation: 6 hrs (Holds Sedation Permit).
How long should I keep my Iowa CE certificates?
Keep your certificates of completion for at least your current renewal cycle and the one before it, most boards can request them in a random audit. A document vault that stores every certificate makes an audit a non-event.
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This summary is provided for convenience and may not reflect the most recent rule changes. Always confirm requirements with the Iowa board before relying on them for renewal.