If you hold a Texas dental license, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners requires at least 24 hours of continuing education biennially, with at least 16 hours technical or scientific. Texas mandates a human trafficking prevention course each renewal, 4 hours of opioid/pain management CE every two years, and a jurisprudence assessment every four years. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
24 hours / 2 years
At least 24 CE hours on a rolling two-year basis.
Human trafficking
HHSC-approved prevention course each renewal.
Opioid/pain management
4 hours every two years for direct-care dentists.
Jurisprudence
Assessment required every four years.
How many CE hours Texas dentists need
Texas requires at least 24 hours of continuing education biennially, with at least 16 hours technical or scientific. Licenses renew annually but CE is measured over a rolling two-year period.
Mandated subject requirements
- Human trafficking prevention: HHSC-approved course each renewal for direct-care dentists.
- Opioid/pain management: 4 hours every two years.
- Jurisprudence assessment: every four years.
- CPR: current certification.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Texas dental licenses renew annually, while CE is tracked on a rolling two-year basis. Complete and document your hours before your renewal date.
Know exactly what CME you need.
Tell us your license type, state, and renewal date. We map your required hours, the state-mandated topics, and your deadline — a clear, personalized plan for a flat $99.
View pricingTexas Dentists CME at a glance
- Human Trafficking PreventionRequired · per renewal
Licensees who provide direct patient care must complete an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course each renewal.
- Safe Pain Management / Opioids4 hrs
Dentists whose practices include direct patient care must complete at least 4 hours every two years on safe and effective pain management related to opioid and controlled-substance prescribing.
- Jurisprudence AssessmentRequired · every 4 years
Each licensee must complete the Texas dental jurisprudence assessment every four years.
- CPR CertificationRequired · ongoing
Dentists must maintain current CPR certification.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners requires at least 24 hours of continuing education biennially, with at least 16 hours technical or scientific. Texas dental licenses renew annually, but CE is measured on a rolling two-year basis.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners before relying on these figures.
Source: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Texas Dentist CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Texas dentists need?
+
At least 24 hours every two years.
Does Texas require human trafficking training for dentists?
+
Yes — direct-care dentists must complete an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course each renewal.
How often is the Texas dental jurisprudence assessment required?
+
Every four years.
Related
Need help meeting your Texas dental CE before renewal?
Tell us your license type and renewal month and we'll map the fastest compliant path — required hours, mandated topics, and your deadline — for a flat $99.
- Flat $99 per plan
- Every license type
- All 50 states
Get my CME plan
Tell us your license type, state, and renewal — we'll map exactly what you need.