Quick facts
- Board Name
- Virginia Board of Dentistry
- Renewal Cycle
- 1 year (annually)
- Governing Rule
- 18VAC60-21-230
- Hour Requirement
- 15 clock hours per year
- Mandated Topics
- Pain Management/Opioid Prescribing (2 hrs); current BLS certification.
- Records Retention
- 4 years (see 18VAC60-21-230(D))
Governing authority and what the rule requires
The Virginia Board of Dentistry is the governing body responsible for licensing and regulating dentists in the Commonwealth. The laws governing the practice of dentistry are located in the Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 27, often called the Virginia Dental Practice Act. The Board's specific rules on continuing education requirements and audits are detailed in the Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry, found in 18VAC60-21.
How Virginia 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 Virginia.
- If you are selected for an audit, the Virginia Board of Dentistry will send an official notification to your address of record.
- The notice will instruct you to submit copies of your CE certificates and any other required proof of compliance.
- You are typically given a specific timeframe, often 30 days, to respond and provide all requested documentation.
- Board staff will review your submitted materials to ensure they meet the requirements outlined in the regulations.
- The Board will then notify you of the audit results, closing the inquiry if you are compliant or proposing further action if deficiencies are found.
- The Board audits approximately 2% of licensees annually, so while not everyone is audited, it is a routine process.
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 all 15 CE hours.
- Proof that the course provider is approved by the Board (e.g., ADA CERP, AGD PACE).
- Evidence of completing the 2-hour mandated course on pain management and responsible opioid prescribing.
- A copy of your current, valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification card.
- Any other records requested by the Board in the official audit notice.
Virginia-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, Virginia requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- **Pain Management, Opioids, and Addiction:** Virginia requires all dentists to complete at least 2 hours of CE in this area for each annual license renewal. The course must cover pain management, responsible prescribing of opioids, and the diagnosis and management of addiction (see 18VAC60-21-230).
- **Basic Life Support (BLS):** While not a traditional CE course for hours, dentists must maintain a current, hands-on BLS certification at all times. The Board can request proof of this certification during an audit (see 18VAC60-21-190).
- **Infection Control:** Adherence to current CDC infection control guidelines is a standard of practice. While a specific number of CE hours is not mandated annually, courses on this topic are considered highly relevant and supportive of professional competence.
Common pitfalls dentists run into
- Forgetting to complete the mandatory 2-hour course on opioids and pain management.
- Letting your hands-on BLS certification lapse, even for a short period.
- Failing to retain CE records for the required four years after the renewal period.
- Taking courses from providers not recognized by the Virginia Board of Dentistry (e.g., not an ADA CERP or AGD PACE provider).
- Not having an up-to-date address on file with the Board and therefore missing the audit notice.
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 meets all requirements, the Board will close the audit with no further action.
- **Remediation:** If deficiencies are minor, the Board may allow you to make up the missing hours and pay a fee within a specific timeframe.
- **Disciplinary Action:** For significant non-compliance, the Board may initiate disciplinary action under Va. Code § 54.1-2706, which could include monetary penalties (fines), reprimand, or, in serious cases, suspension or revocation of your license.
- **Consent Agreement:** The Board may offer a consent agreement that includes specific terms, such as completing make-up CE and paying a fine, which becomes a public order.
- **Denial of Renewal:** The Board may deny the renewal of your license until all CE requirements are met and any related disciplinary matters are resolved.
- **Record Review:** In all cases, a record of the audit is maintained by the Board.
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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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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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.