Role-specific CE reference
Dental assistants in Massachusetts: 12 CEUs / 2 years (licensed dental assistants). Individual-study (home/online/correspondence/audio/video) capped at 6 CEUs; non-clinical practice-related courses capped at 2 CEUs. Renew by Oct 31 of odd-numbered years.. Renewal-cycle notes: Biennial cycle (234 CMR 8.00). Dentists: 40 CEUs, completed in the 24 months preceding March 31 of EVEN years. Hygienists: 20 CEUs, preceding March 31 of ODD years. Dental assistants: 12 CEUs, preceding Oct 31 of ODD years. No carryover between cycles. Mandatory: opioid/safe-prescribing & pain-management CE each licensure cycle for anyone holding a current MCSR and/or DEA registration. New graduates/students exempt during initial period. Category caps apply per 234 CMR 8.05 (self/individual-study limits by license type). Confirm current role-specific requirements with the Massachusetts dental board before renewing.
Requirement summary
Last verified 2026-07-08. Research confidence: high.
Biennial cycle (234 CMR 8.00). Dentists: 40 CEUs, completed in the 24 months preceding March 31 of EVEN years. Hygienists: 20 CEUs, preceding March 31 of ODD years. Dental assistants: 12 CEUs, preceding Oct 31 of ODD years. No carryover between cycles. Mandatory: opioid/safe-prescribing & pain-management CE each licensure cycle for anyone holding a current MCSR and/or DEA registration. New graduates/students exempt during initial period. Category caps apply per 234 CMR 8.05 (self/individual-study limits by license type).
Use the state board source before filing a renewal or choosing CE courses. Dentovio is an educational summary, not the licensing authority.
Open Massachusetts board source