Quick facts
- Board Name
- Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry
- Renewal Cycle
- 2 years (biennial)
- Rule Citation
- 216-RICR-40-05-3.8
- Hour Requirement
- 40 hours
- State-Mandated Topics
- 2 hrs Infection Control, 2 hrs Opioids, CPR/BLS Certificate
- Records Retention
- 4 years (see 216-RICR-40-05-3.8(E))
Governing authority and what the rule requires
In Rhode Island, licensure and continuing education for dentists are governed by the Board of Examiners in Dentistry, which operates under the authority of the Department of Health. The foundational law is the Dental Practice Act, found in the General Laws of Rhode Island, Title 5, Chapter 31.1. The specific rules for CE requirements and audits are detailed in the Rhode Island Administrative Code, Title 216, Chapter 40, Subchapter 05, Part 3 (216-RICR-40-05-3).
How Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
- The Board randomly selects a percentage of licensees for an audit during each renewal period.
- If you are selected, you will receive a written notice from the Board, typically by mail or email, initiating the audit.
- The notice will instruct you to submit copies of your CE certificates and any other required proof of compliance.
- You are generally given a specific timeframe, often 30 days, to respond and provide the requested documentation.
- The Board staff will review your submission to ensure it meets the requirements of 216-RICR-40-05-3.8.
- You will be notified once the audit is complete and whether you were found to be compliant or deficient.
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 CE course.
- Proof that the course provider is an approved sponsor (e.g., ADA CERP, AGD PACE).
- A current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certificate from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
- Documentation for the two (2) mandated hours on infection control.
- Documentation for the two (2) mandated hours on opioid prescribing or controlled substance management.
Rhode Island-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, Rhode Island requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- **Forty (40) Total Hours:** Rhode Island dentists need 40 hours of CE every two-year license cycle.
- **Infection Control:** You must complete two (2) hours on the topic of infection control.
- **Opioids/Controlled Substances:** At least two (2) of the 40 hours must be related to prescribing opioids and principles of pain management.
- **CPR/BLS (Separate Requirement):** You must maintain a current BLS/CPR certification. These hours do not count toward the 40-hour requirement.
- **Self-Study Limit:** No more than ten (10) of the 40 hours may be from self-study or online courses (see 216-RICR-40-05-3.8(C)(2)(c)).
Common pitfalls dentists run into
- Forgetting that the CPR/BLS certification is a separate requirement and its hours do not apply to the 40-hour total.
- Exceeding the 10-hour maximum for online or self-study courses.
- Failing to complete the two required hours in infection control or the two required hours in opioid prescribing.
- Misplacing CE certificates and being unable to produce them when requested.
- Taking courses from providers that are not recognized by the Board (e.g., ADA CERP, AGD PACE, or other approved entities listed in the regulations).
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
- **Compliance/No Action:** If your documentation is complete and meets all requirements, the audit will be closed with no further action.
- **Notice of Deficiency:** If you are found to be short on hours or missing a mandated topic, the Board may allow you a specific period to make up the deficiency.
- **Disciplinary Action:** In cases of significant non-compliance or providing fraudulent information, the Board may initiate disciplinary action under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-31.1-10. This can range from a fine and reprimand to probation, suspension, or revocation of your license.
- **Stipulation or Consent Order:** This is a common outcome where the dentist agrees to certain terms, such as paying a fine and completing make-up CE, to resolve the audit findings without a formal hearing.
- **Denial of Renewal:** The Board may refuse to renew a license until all CE requirements are met and any disciplinary actions are resolved.
- **Public Record:** Disciplinary actions, including fines and reprimands, are often public information.
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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.