If you hold a Virginia dental license, the Board of Dentistry requires at least 15 hours of continuing education for each annual renewal, except the first renewal after initial licensure. A hands-on Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR certification must be maintained, and prescribers must complete pain management CE. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
15 hours / year
At least 15 CE hours each annual renewal.
Hands-on BLS/CPR
Healthcare Provider BLS with hands-on skills.
Pain management
Opioid/pain management CE for prescribers.
First cycle exempt
No CE required for the first renewal after licensure.
How many CE hours Virginia dentists need
Virginia requires at least 15 hours of continuing education for each annual renewal, except the first renewal after initial licensure.
Mandated subject requirements
- BLS/CPR: current Healthcare Provider certification with a hands-on skills component.
- Pain management/opioids: CE for dentists who prescribe controlled substances.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Virginia dental licenses renew annually. CE is not required for the first renewal after initial licensure.
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View pricingVirginia Dentists CME at a glance
- Basic Life Support / CPR (Hands-On)Required · ongoing
Dentists must maintain current Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR certification with a hands-on skills component.
- Pain Management / Opioids2 hrs · biennial
Dentists who prescribe controlled substances must complete CE on pain management and proper opioid prescribing (commonly 2 hours), per board requirements.
Always confirm with your licensing board
The Virginia Board of Dentistry requires at least 15 hours of continuing education for each annual renewal, except the first renewal following initial licensure. A hands-on Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR certification must be maintained.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Virginia Board of Dentistry before relying on these figures.
Source: Virginia Board of Dentistry. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Virginia Dentist CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Virginia dentists need?
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At least 15 hours every year.
What CPR does Virginia require for dentists?
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A current Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR certification with a hands-on skills component.
Is the first renewal exempt from CE in Virginia?
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Yes — CE is not required for the first renewal following initial licensure.
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