Quick facts
- Board Name
- Michigan Board of Dentistry
- Renewal Cycle
- 3 years for dentists.
- Rule Citation
- Michigan Administrative Code, R 338.11701.
- Hour Requirement
- 60 hours per 3-year cycle.
- State-Mandated Topics
- Pain Management, Implicit Bias, Infection Control, Human Trafficking (one-time), and maintaining BLS certification.
- Records Retention
- 4 years after the renewal period in which the hours were earned.
Governing authority and what the rule requires
The Michigan Board of Dentistry, operating under the authority of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), oversees the licensure and professional conduct of dentists. The requirements for continuing education are established in the Michigan Public Health Code, specifically Part 166 for Dentistry (see MCL § 333.16601 et seq.). The detailed rules governing CE audits and requirements are found in the Michigan Administrative Code, particularly R 338.11701.
How Michigan 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 Michigan.
- The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) conducts random audits on behalf of the Board after each renewal period.
- If selected, you will receive a notification letter by mail or an alert through your online MiPLUS account.
- The notice will list the required documents and provide a deadline, typically 30 days, to submit your proof of CE.
- You must upload copies of your CE certificates of completion directly through the MiPLUS portal or as instructed in the notice.
- LARA staff will review your submission for compliance, and the Board will make a final determination.
- If deficiencies are found, you will be notified of the specific issue and the next steps.
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:
- Copies of certificates of completion for all 60 hours of CE.
- Each certificate must contain your name, the course title and date, the provider’s name, and the number of credit hours awarded.
- Documentation of current Basic Life Support (BLS) provider certification.
- Proof of completing the one-time human trafficking training.
- A personal log of completed courses can be helpful for your own records but is not a substitute for official certificates.
Michigan-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, Michigan requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- Pain and Symptom Management: At least 3 hours are required each cycle (see Mich. Admin. Code R 338.11701a).
- Implicit Bias Training: A minimum of 3 hours are required each renewal cycle.
- Infection Control: At least 1 hour in infection control must be completed each cycle.
- Human Trafficking: A one-time training on identifying victims of human trafficking is required.
- Basic Life Support (BLS): You must maintain a current BLS certification. These hours do not count toward the 60-hour requirement.
Common pitfalls dentists run into
- Forgetting to complete the newer mandated topics like implicit bias training, which became required for renewals after June 1, 2023.
- Failing to complete the one-time training on human trafficking.
- Misunderstanding that BLS/CPR certification is a separate requirement and its hours cannot be applied to the 60-hour total.
- Not keeping complete records for the full retention period of four years.
- Taking courses from providers that are not approved or recognized by the board (e.g., ADA CERP, AGD PACE).
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 documentation is complete and compliant, the audit is closed, and you will receive a confirmation.
- Opportunity to Correct: For minor deficiencies, the Board may allow you a specific timeframe to earn the missing hours.
- Disciplinary Action: Significant non-compliance can result in formal disciplinary action under the Public Health Code. This could include a reprimand, probation, limitation on your license, or civil fines.
- Consent Agreement: Often, the Board and licensee can agree to a consent order that resolves the issue, which may include fines and corrective education. This becomes part of your public license record.
- License Revocation or Suspension: In cases involving fraud or severe, willful non-compliance, the Board has the authority to suspend or revoke a dental license.
- Administrative Fine: See MCL § 333.16191 for statutory guidance on fines related to violations.
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.
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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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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
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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.