CDC Releases Infection Control Guideline Updates: On November 13, 2008, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008. The addresses methods for sterilization, disinfection, and of patient care devices, and the healthcare environment. The guidelines include some updates to Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings 2003. The 2008 and 2003 CDC Guidelines can be accessed at the following links:   http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod//dhqp/pdf/guidelines/disinfection_Nov_2008.pdf (2003 Guidelines) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm   Dental healthcare professionals in the state must comply with CDC guidelines pursuant to NDCC Chapter 43-28-18, Subsection 19 which states: The Board may revoke, suspend, limit, or restrict the scope of the license and the certificate of registration of any dentist who has failed to comply with commonly accepted national infection control guidelines and standards. CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS All dentists, hygienists, and assistants must submit continuing education as follows: Dentists: 32 hours per 2 year licensure cycle: 2 hrs of infection control C.E. and CPR per 2 year licensure cycle with a maximum non-clinical hours: 6 and maximum home study: 10 hours Hygienists: 16 credits per 2 year cycle 2 hrs of infection control C.E. and CPR per prior 24 months with a maximum non-clinical hours: 3 and maximum home study: 5 hours Registered/Qualified Assistants: 8 credits per calendar year, 2 hours of infection control and CPR every 2 years with a maximum non-clinical hours: 3 and maximum home study: 2 The board will not provide a certificate of renewal to any licensee who has failed to satisfy the statutory requirements for licensure or registration because of a lack of professional continuing education (North Dakota Administrative Code 20-02-01-06). For all licensees, CPR and Infection Control are required every 2 years. Please see the Continuing education guidelines  for more information about the continuing education you are required to submit. All continuing education must be submitted on a Continuing Education Registry Reporting Form . The form must be complete including signature and date. Dentists, hygienists, and assistants who are licensed after September 1st of their renewal year, do not need to submit continuing education or renew their license for that renewal period. You will need to submit continuing education and renew for every renewal thereafter. NONCLINICAL HOURS: Continuing education that is specific to the field of dentistry is considered clinical. Continuing education courses related to self-improvement, stress management, risk management, communication, financial planning, domestic violence, and Table clinics/exhibits are non-clinical courses. CPR: The maximum hours that can be claimed for CPR is 2 hours. CPR cannot be earned by homestudy. American Red Cross, Basic Life Support and Healthcare Provider CPR are acceptable CPR courses. INFECTION CONTROL: The infection control requirement can be met by in office training or by formal classroom training. HIV/AIDS prevention, OSHA, and Hazardous Materials are acceptable Infection Control courses. Dentists and Hygienists ONLY: DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR CE CERTIFICATES!! After all the renewal applications have been received, you may be selected for a random audit of your continuing education. Please keep materials that are pertinent to your CE coursework as “proof” in the event of an audit. Examples of items to save are receipts, registration materials, certificates, or cancelled check.   Assistants who wish to monitor nitrous oxide - The Board often receives requests for information regarding training of assistants in monitoring nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide requirements are stated in the Administrative Code 20-02-01-03. To be in compliance with the administrative code, dentists who have assistants monitoring nitrous oxide must ensure they are trained to do so. To assist dentists in providing the necessary training of their assistants, the Board has recommended a DVD course. The course outlines and order forms are available. The Board still accepts courses from NDSCS or MSCTC or other ADA-approved programs. Upon completion of the course, the dentist must complete the Nitrous Oxide course completion form. Dentist must document training in their office as required by Administrative Code 20-02-01-03. Useful Sites for Continuing Education: American Dental Assistants Association American Dental Association American Dental Hygienist Association American Association of Endodontists Health Studies Institute North Dakota Dental Assistants Association North Dakota Dental Hygienists Association North Dakota Dental Association Other useful sites for continuing education are listed on the Resources page.       Provider Approval for CE Credits: Please be advised the ND Dental Board does not (at this time) have a formal application process or fee for CE provider approval. Typically if the group providing the CE is approved or has provisional status with the ADA, AGD or several state dental societies, North Dakota will accept the credits. We do not have a board CE committee and all letters for approval are reviewed as appropriate. The credit is on an hour-for-hour basis. Should you have any further questions, please contact the Board office. Purchase Licensee List:   The Board requires a written request or completion of the request form and $100 fee. There is a separate fee for each profession. The fee is $300 for all three professions. You may mail your request and fee payable to NDSBDE, PO Box 7246, Bismarck, ND 58507. In your request, please indicate the purpose of the list (continuing education, research, recruitment), the order (alpha, ZIP, by city, country, or specify order) and format (email, labels, or list) that you wish to have. For emails, please indicate the file format (Excel or delimited). We cannot provide sensitive information such as SSN, date of birth, or home phone number. We will provide date license, license number, expiration date, etc.