Licensure, Renewal, and Continuing Education Requirements
Domain 3 tests the licensure path and the renewal mechanics that cause administrative failures. Illinois licenses dentists and dental hygienists; dental assistants are not licensed, though training requirements attach to expanded functions.
Licensure
Dentists must graduate from an accredited program, pass the national board examination and an approved clinical examination, and satisfy the jurisprudence requirement. Hygienists must graduate from an accredited hygiene program and pass the required examinations. Licensure by credentials exists for experienced out-of-state dentists under Department criteria.
Renewal and CE
Dental licenses renew triennially. Dentists must complete 32 hours of approved continuing education per cycle; hygienists must complete 24 hours. CE must be board-approved, documented, and completed within the cycle. Current CPR certification is also required. Failing to complete CE blocks renewal; practicing after expiration is unlicensed practice.
Worked example
A dentist submits 30 hours, including 8 hours of office-management courses not approved for clinical CE. The cycle requires 32 approved hours. The missing hours and the unapproved courses both defeat renewal. The dentist may not practice until the deficiency is cured and the license is reinstated.
Traps
- Counting unapproved or duplicate courses.
- Assuming hygienist hours transfer to a dentist application.
- Waiting until after expiration to complete CE, then practicing while renewal is pending.
- Forgetting CPR and jurisprudence requirements.