What type of continuing education courses are acceptable for dentists in North Carolina?

Continuing education for dentists in North Carolina requires that courses be dental-related and relevant to the current practice. This means that the continuing education must directly pertain to the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary for providing dental care. The state board of dentistry values ongoing education that enhances a dentist's ability to practice safely and effectively, keeping them informed about the latest techniques, technologies, and clinical practices.

Courses that are strictly general health and wellness or those unrelated to the dental profession may not meet the requirements necessary for maintaining a dental license in North Carolina. Furthermore, while online courses can be acceptable, they must still align with the relevance to dental practice and cannot simply be any course available. Offering a broader curriculum that includes only ethics courses does not fulfill the comprehensive requirement that dentists stay updated across various aspects of their practice. Thus, ensuring that continuing education is both dental-related and relevant to current practice is essential for compliance and the advancement of a dentist’s professional development.