Licensure, License Renewal, and Continuing Education Requirements
Licensure in Alabama requires meeting educational, examination, and character requirements. Dentists must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass the National Board Dental Examination and a clinical exam (e.g., ADEX). Hygienists and assistants have similar pathways. The Board issues licenses and can grant reciprocity by credentials. License renewal occurs biennially (every two years) by December 31 of odd-numbered years for dentists and hygienists; assistants renew annually. Continuing education (CE) is mandatory: dentists need 30 hours per biennium, hygienists 24 hours, and assistants 12 hours (verify current numbers). CE must include specific topics such as infection control and ethics. Traps include misstating renewal cycles or CE hours, or assuming CE from other states automatically counts. Rule of thumb: always check the Board's current rules for exact CE requirements, as they can change. Also, licenses can be renewed late with a penalty, but practicing on an expired license is unprofessional conduct. Example: A dentist who fails to renew by December 31 of an odd year cannot practice until reinstated; a late fee applies. CE audits are common, so keep documentation for at least 4 years. The Board may waive CE for illness or military service. Candidates should understand that CE must be from Board-approved providers and cover relevant topics. Also, a licensee must notify the Board of address changes within a set time. License renewal is not automatic; it requires attestation of CE completion. The Board may deny renewal for failure to meet CE or for disciplinary reasons. Understanding these details prevents common errors on exams.