North Carolina dentist CE/CEU requirements
To renew a North Carolina dental license you need 15 CE hours every year. Here's the full breakdown, mandated topics, delivery limits, and CPR, straight from the board's rules.
The full North Carolina requirement
- Total hours
- 15 hours every year
- Mandated topics
- Opioids: 1 hr · Substance Abuse: 1 hr · Ethics: 6 hrs (One Time; First CE Year; GD/Instructor Licensees After 2019-01-01)
- Delivery limits
- Self-study ≤ 15 hrs
- CPR / BLS
- Required, must be current
- Credit sources
- Volunteer: 0.2 CE / credit · Teaching: ≤ 10 hrs
- First renewal
- Exempt
Source: North Carolina board ↗ · Last reviewed June 25, 2026.
North Carolina dentist CE, FAQ
How many CE hours do dentists need in North Carolina?
Licensed dentists (DDS/DMD) in North Carolina must complete 15 continuing-education hours every year to renew their license.
How often do North Carolina dentists renew their license?
North Carolina renews dental licenses on a every year cycle, and CE is measured over a 12-month window.
Does North Carolina require CPR for dentist renewal?
Yes. North Carolina requires a current CPR/BLS certification that is current at renewal.
What CE topics are required for dentists in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, beyond the 15-hour total, the board specifies: Opioids: 1 hr; Substance Abuse: 1 hr; Ethics: 6 hrs (One Time; First CE Year; GD/Instructor Licensees After 2019-01-01).
How long should I keep my North Carolina 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 North Carolina board before relying on them for renewal.