Quick facts
- Board Name
- Kentucky Board of Dentistry
- Renewal Cycle
- 2 Years (Biennial)
- Rule Citation
- 201 KAR 8:532
- Hour Requirement
- 30 hours
- State-Mandated Topics
- CPR, Opioid Prescribing/KASPER
- Records Retention
- 3 Years
Governing authority and what the rule requires
The Kentucky Board of Dentistry oversees the licensure and professional conduct of dentists in the state. Its authority is established by the Kentucky Dental Practice Act, found in Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 313. The specific rules governing continuing education requirements and audits are detailed in the Kentucky Administrative Regulations, primarily under 201 KAR 8:532.
How Kentucky dental CE audits typically work
After a renewal cycle the board reviews a sample of attestations. If selected, you will receive a notice through the email or address on file with a defined response window. Most audits close quietly when records match what was attested. The steps below are typical for Kentucky.
- The Kentucky Board of Dentistry selects a percentage of licensees at random for a CE audit during each renewal cycle.
- If selected, you will receive a notification letter from the Board, typically by mail, outlining the audit and its requirements.
- You will be given a specific timeframe, usually 30 days, to respond by submitting proof of your completed CE.
- The Board staff reviews the submitted documentation to verify compliance with the 30-hour requirement and all mandated topics.
- Upon successful verification, the Board will close the audit; if deficiencies are found, the Board will contact you for further action.
- You must use the online portal at ky.gov for license renewal, and the Board may use this system for audit-related communication.
Documentation commonly requested
Audit notices are usually specific about what they want. Read the notice slowly and make a checklist directly from it. The most common items requested for dentists include:
- Certificates of completion for each course, which must include your name, the provider’s name, course title, date, and number of hours.
- Proof of current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS).
- A completed CE reporting form or log summarizing the courses you have taken.
- Verification for the mandatory 3-hour course on KASPER, pain management, or addiction disorders if you hold a DEA registration.
- Documentation of any CE exemptions or extensions granted by the Board.
Kentucky-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, Kentucky requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- **CPR/BLS:** All dentists must maintain current certification in CPR or BLS that includes an in-person, hands-on skills component. This does not count toward the 30-hour requirement.
- **Opioid Prescribing & KASPER:** Under Kentucky law (see KRS 218A.202), any dentist who holds a DEA registration and prescribes controlled substances must complete a three (3) hour course on the use of the KASPER e-prescribing system, pain management, or addiction disorders. This course does count toward the 30-hour total.
- **General Anesthesia/Sedation:** Dentists holding permits for general anesthesia, sedation, or conscious sedation have additional, specific CE requirements outlined in 201 KAR 8:550.
Common pitfalls dentists run into
- Failing to keep your CPR certification current with a hands-on component, as online-only CPR courses are not accepted.
- Not completing the mandatory 3-hour opioid/KASPER course if you hold a DEA registration.
- Misplacing or failing to retain your CE certificates for the required three-year period.
- Taking courses from providers that are not approved or recognized by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. The Board accepts courses from providers recognized by the ADA CERP or AGD PACE.
- Assuming that hours from a previous renewal cycle can be carried over to the next; they cannot.
How to assemble a clean response
Gather your records in one place. A folder on your desktop, a printed binder, or a shared drive all work. You don't need a complicated system. You just need to be able to find things.
Name each PDF clearly with the date, course title, and number of hours. Group certificates by category that maps to the board's request: mandated topics, general dental CE, CPR/BLS. Add a one-page cover sheet that summarizes total hours and points the reviewer to the matching documents.
If your hours fall short
First-time shortfalls are usually handled administratively. Boards generally allow a defined window to complete makeup hours and submit updated documentation. Honest, prompt communication is far better than silence.
If the shortfall is significant or repeated, the board may move toward formal action. At that point, calm documentation of how you are coming into compliance, plus a written plan to prevent recurrence, makes a meaningful difference.
Possible outcomes
- **No Action:** If your submitted records fully comply with all requirements, the Board will close the audit with no further action.
- **Corrective Action Plan:** For minor deficiencies, the Board may require you to make up the missing hours and may assess a fine.
- **Disciplinary Action:** Significant non-compliance, such as a major hour shortage or fraudulent documentation, is a violation of KRS 313.130. This can result in formal discipline, including fines, public reprimand, or, in severe cases, license suspension until the CE requirements are met.
- **Fines:** The Board has the authority under KRS Chapter 313 to assess civil penalties for violations of the Dental Practice Act, which includes failure to comply with CE requirements.
- Disciplinary actions are often published and become part of your public license record.
- **Re-Audit:** You may be subject to a mandatory audit in the following renewal cycle.
A simple audit-response checklist
- 1Read the audit notice slowly. Note the deadline and exact list of documents requested.
- 2Make a simple folder labeled with the cycle dates being audited.
- 3Pull certificates of completion for every CE activity in that cycle.
- 4Match each certificate to the topic area or category your board requires.
- 5Save proof of license renewal and any required attestations.
- 6If a certificate is missing, contact the provider for a duplicate before the deadline.
- 7Scan everything as clean PDFs, named with date and course title.
- 8Submit through the channel the board requests. Keep a copy and a confirmation.
Save $106 on MedBridge CEU plans
Continuing education is part of protecting your license. BoardWise has partnered with MedBridge to help dentists access high-quality CEU courses at a lower cost. Use code BOARDWISE to save $106 on an individual MedBridge CEU plan.
Explore MedBridge CEU coursesMedBridge is a separate service. BoardWise may receive a referral benefit. The discount code is subject to MedBridge terms.
Frequently asked questions
Real Outcomes Reported by BoardWise Users
BoardWise users have reported outcomes including:
- Complaint dismissals
- Successful responses to board inquiries
- Passing continuing education audits
- Early probation termination
- Improved understanding of licensing board procedures
Individual outcomes vary and depend on the facts of each case.
Optional Attorney Document Review
Before you send anything to the board, BoardWise can match dentist in Kentucky with an independent, state-licensed attorney for an optional limited-scope review of the document you prepared:
- We match you with an independent attorney licensed in your state
- They review and suggest revisions to your document before you submit it to the board
- Focused, limited-scope review at a fixed fee rather than a full retainer
- A second set of eyes on wording, tone, and anything that may need a closer look
What does the attorney review cost? Pricing depends on the complexity of your matter and the scope of review, but most BoardWise lawyer reviews are approximately $250–$500. You’ll see the specific fee before deciding whether to proceed.
Optional limited-scope attorney review may be available for an additional fixed fee. Attorney availability, conflicts review, eligibility requirements, and additional terms apply. If an attorney accepts the matter, the client will contract with and pay the independent attorney directly.
Print & FedEx Overnight Delivery
Finishing the document is only part of the job. BoardWise Document Delivery lets dentist in Kentucky send the finished packet straight to the board without a trip to the post office:
- FedEx Overnight delivery for street addresses when your deadline is close
- USPS Priority Express and USPS Certified Mail for P.O. Box board addresses
- Printing, packaging, and postage handled for you, with tracking on every order
- Confirmation and tracking details emailed to you as your package moves
What does it cost? $150 for FedEx Overnight and $99 for USPS Priority Express or Certified Mail. You see the exact price and the full address details before you authorize the order.
Printing and mailing are fulfilled by Mailform. You are responsible for meeting your own deadline, so keep an electronic copy and watch the tracking information.
What Professionals Are Saying
Every testimonial is shared with consent and anonymity.
"This is a very well-designed tool and I think it's going to help countless professionals."
Registered Nurse
New York
"I was scared when I got the letter from the Board. This worked really well. I'm so glad you started this amazing company."
Registered Nurse
Maine
"The app was easy to use. I uploaded and submitted my response after using it. I was very happy with the product."
Registered Nurse
Maine
BoardWise is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. This guide is educational only and reflects general practice in the United States. Your state licensing board is the official source for current requirements. If your situation involves formal discipline or a hearing, consider consulting a licensed attorney in your state.