Quick facts
- Board Name
- Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board
- Renewal Cycle
- 2 years (biennium)
- Rule Citation
- Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter DE 13
- Hour Requirement
- 30 hours
- State-Mandated Topics
- Responsible Prescribing of Controlled Substances (2 hrs), Infection Control (2 hrs), CPR/BLS Certification
- Records Retention
- 4 years (the biennium credits were earned plus the following biennium).
Governing authority and what the rule requires
The Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board is responsible for licensing and regulating dentists in the state. The Board’s authority comes from the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 447, which is the state dental practice act. The specific rules governing continuing education requirements and audits are detailed in the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter DE 13.
How Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
- The Board randomly selects a percentage of renewing dentists for a CE audit after each renewal period.
- If selected, you will receive a notification letter from the Board, typically by mail or email, with instructions.
- You will be required to submit proof of completion for all 30 CE hours claimed for the biennium.
- The Board provides a specific timeframe, usually 30 days, to respond and submit your documentation.
- Your submitted documents are reviewed for compliance with the provider, topic, and date requirements in Chapter DE 13.
- The Board will notify you of the audit results, which could be a successful closure or a request for more information.
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.
- Documentation must include your name, the course title, the provider’s name, the date of completion, and the number of hours awarded.
- A copy of your current, valid CPR/BLS certification card from an approved hands-on provider.
- Proof of the 2-hour course in responsible prescribing of controlled substances.
- Proof of the 2-hour course in infection control.
Wisconsin-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, Wisconsin requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- **Responsible Prescribing of Controlled Substances:** Dentists who hold a DEA registration number must complete 2 hours of CE on this topic each biennium (Wis. Admin. Code DE 13.03(1r)).
- **Infection Control:** All dentists must complete 2 hours of CE in infection control, consistent with federal CDC guidelines, each biennium (Wis. Admin. Code DE 13.03(1g)).
- **CPR/BLS:** You must maintain a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) from a provider that includes a hands-on portion (Wis. Admin. Code DE 13.03(4)).
Common pitfalls dentists run into
- Forgetting to complete the two mandatory 2-hour courses in controlled substance prescribing and infection control.
- Letting your BLS or CPR certification lapse during the renewal period.
- Misplacing CE certificates or having incomplete documentation.
- Taking courses from unapproved providers. Verify providers meet the criteria listed in Wis. Admin. Code DE 13.03.
- Trying to carry over hours from a previous biennium, which is not permitted under the rules.
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
- **Successful Audit:** You receive a letter from the Board closing the audit with no further action needed.
- **Deficiency Notice:** If you are short on hours, the Board may allow you a specific period to make up the missing credits, as outlined in Wis. Admin. Code DE 13.07.
- **Disciplinary Action:** Significant non-compliance, failure to make up deficiencies, or submitting fraudulent records can be considered unprofessional conduct. This can lead to penalties ranging from a reprimand to fines or other actions against your license, as per Wis. Stat. Ch. 447.
- **Stipulation:** The Board may offer a settlement agreement (stipulation) that includes a remediation plan, a fine, and/or additional required CE.
- **No CE Carryover:** Hours completed to resolve a deficiency do not count toward the next biennium's requirement.
- The specific outcome is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Board and its legal counsel.
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.
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New York
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Maine
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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.