Quick facts
- Board Name
- South Dakota Board of Dentistry
- Renewal Cycle
- 3-year cycle, with renewal due by July 1st of the third year.
- Rule Citation
- ARSD 20:43:04
- Hour Requirement
- 60 hours every 3 years for dentists.
- State-Mandated Topics
- Current CPR certification is required. No other specific topic mandates, but limits exist for non-clinical subjects.
- Records Retention
- At least 6 years AFTER the 3-year cycle concludes (see ARSD 20:43:04:07).
Governing authority and what the rule requires
The South Dakota Board of Dentistry oversees the continuing education requirements for dentists in the state. These responsibilities are outlined in the state's dental practice act, found in South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) Chapter 36-6A. The specific rules governing CE, including audits and documentation, are detailed in the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) under Title 20, Chapter 43, Section 04 (ARSD 20:43:04).
How South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
- Each year, the Board may randomly select a percentage of renewing dentists for a CE audit.
- If selected, you will receive a written notice from the Board, typically via mail or email.
- Upon receiving the notice, you have 30 days to submit the required documentation to the Board office.
- The Board staff will review your submitted course certificates against the state requirements.
- You will be notified once the review is complete, whether your file is closed or if further information is needed.
- The Board may grant a 90-day extension to correct any deficiencies found during the audit (see ARSD 20:43:04:08).
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:
- When audited, you will typically need to provide:
- Certificates of completion for each course you are claiming for credit.
- Each certificate should include your name, the provider’s name, course title, date of completion, and the number of hours awarded.
- Proof of a current and valid CPR-BLS or ACLS certification.
- A completed CE reporting form or log, if requested by the Board.
South Dakota-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, South Dakota requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- While many states have a long list of specific mandates, South Dakota's requirements are more straightforward:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): All dentists must maintain a current and valid certification in CPR at the Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) level.
- There are no other specific state-level mandates for topics like opioids, infection control, or jurisprudence, but these subjects are highly recommended as they fall under acceptable clinical education.
Common pitfalls dentists run into
- South Dakota dentists should be mindful of these common issues:
- Miscalculating the 5-Year Cycle: The 60-hour requirement is spread over a long period; procrastination can lead to a significant shortfall.
- Exceeding Subject Matter Limits: No more than 24 of the 60 total hours can be from non-clinical subjects like practice management (see ARSD 20:43:04:02).
- Inadequate Record Retention: Failing to keep CE records for six years *after* the cycle ends is a violation. This means you may need to hold records for up to 9 years.
- Letting CPR Lapse: Your CPR certification must remain current throughout the licensure period.
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
- The outcome of a CE audit depends on your level of compliance.
- Full Compliance: The Board will close the audit with a "no action" letter, and your file is cleared.
- Minor Deficiency: If you are short on hours, the Board may grant a 90-day extension to allow you to make up the missing credits, as noted in ARSD 20:43:04:08.
- Significant Non-Compliance: Failing to respond to the audit or significant failure to meet CE requirements can be considered unprofessional conduct under SDCL 36-6A-35. This could lead to disciplinary action, including a formal reprimand, fines, probation, or, in severe cases, suspension of your license.
- Fraudulent reporting of CE is a serious violation and may result in formal disciplinary action against your license.
- Any disciplinary action taken by the Board is a public record.
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
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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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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.
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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.