If you hold a Tennessee dental license, the Board of Dentistry requires 40 hours of continuing education during the two-calendar-year cycle. Within that total, at least 2 hours must cover controlled-substance prescribing (including the TN Chronic Pain Guidelines), and a current CPR card must be maintained. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
40 hours / 2 years
Forty CE hours each biennial renewal cycle.
Controlled substances
2 hours including the TN Chronic Pain Guidelines.
Sedation permits
4 hours of sedation/anesthesia CE for permit holders.
CPR
Current CPR card required at all times.
How many CE hours Tennessee dentists need
Tennessee requires 40 hours of continuing education during the two-calendar-year cycle (January 1 of an odd year through December 31 of the following even year).
Mandated subject requirements
- Controlled substances: 2 hours including the TN Chronic Pain Guidelines.
- Sedation/anesthesia: 4 hours for permit holders.
- CPR: current card at all times.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Tennessee dental CE must be completed by December 31 of the two-calendar-year cycle preceding renewal. Retain documentation for three years.
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View pricingTennessee Dentists CME at a glance
- Controlled Substance Prescribing2 hrs
At least 2 of the 40 hours must be in controlled-substance prescribing, including instruction in the TN Chronic Pain Guidelines.
- Sedation / Anesthesia (permit holders)4 hrs
Dentists holding a Limited Conscious Sedation, Comprehensive Conscious Sedation, or Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia permit must complete at least 4 of the 40 hours in sedation/anesthesia.
- CPR CertificationRequired · ongoing
Dentists must keep a current CPR card at all times.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Tennessee Board of Dentistry requires 40 hours of continuing education during the two-calendar-year cycle. Dentists must keep a current CPR card at all times. Documentation must be retained for three years.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry before relying on these figures.
Source: Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Tennessee Dentist CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Tennessee dentists need?
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40 hours every two years.
Does Tennessee require controlled-substance CE?
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Yes — at least 2 hours including the TN Chronic Pain Guidelines.
Is CPR required for Tennessee dentists?
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Yes — a current CPR card must be maintained at all times.
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