Continuing Education Changes - Chapter 183, Laws of 2007
On July 3, 2007, the Governor signed into law Chapter 183 of the Laws of 2007, which will affect the continuing education requirements for dentists registered to practice in New York State as outlined in Article 133, section 6604-a of Education Law and Part 61.15 and 61.19 of the Commissioner's Regulations. The law became effective December 30, 2007; however the changes to the requirement will occur as stated in the text of the law.
We hope the following information will help answer some of your questions.
- As stated in the law, the increase in the CE requirement will begin July 1, 2008. For licensees whose registration periods cross that date, the months prior to July 2008 will be prorated at the rate of one and one-quarter hours per month and beginning with July 2008, at a rate of one and two-thirds. For your convenience, a calculator is provided below to assist you in determining the number of hours you will be required to complete.
- The requirement for a one-time jurisprudence/ethics course begins with the licensee's first registration period beginning on or after January 1, 2008. As this course must be based on New York State laws, rules and regulations, the Department will determine what course will meet this important requirement. At this time, the Department is in the process of developing such a course. All licensees will be notified when a course is approved.
- Beginning January 1, 2009, all dentists will need to maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The Department accepts CPR courses sponsored by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the American Safety and Health Institute and the National Safety Council. Additionally, only live courses are accepted toward fulfilling this requirement. If a licensee is physically incapable of complying with the CPR requirement please refer to Part 61.19 of the Commissioner's Regulations for information regarding exemptions.
Continuing Education Calculator
This calculator is designed to assist dentists in determining how many hours of continuing education they are required to complete during the transition from 45 hours of continuing education per three-year registration period to the new 60 hour requirement, which will begin being prorated on July 1, 2008.
When using the calculator, please remember that all registration periods begin on the first of the month and end on the last day of the month. The date your registration ends will be on your registration certificate, which you should have conspicuously displayed at every location where you practice. You may determine the date your registration period began in a number of different ways.
The standard registration period is three-years duration, usually beginning the first day of the month of your birthday. However, not all registration periods are three-years in length. The second registration period following initial licensure or upon returning to New York State following a lapse in practice is a shortened period between 24 and 35 months in duration.
If you are in a shortened registration period, you can determine the date your registration period began by looking at the date your previous registration ended, which can be found on the registration certificate for that period. If your last registration ended on September 30, 2006, then your current registration began on October 1, 2006. You may also find the beginning and end dates on your registration renewal document for your current period, if you kept a photocopy.