New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVII,
Issue 8 / April 21, 2026
This is an amendment to 16.5.8 NMAC, Sections 8, 9
& 10, effective 4/21/2026.
16.5.10.8 HOURS
REQUIRED: [60 hours
of continuing education, a maximum of 30 hours can be on-line, webinars or
self-study, are required during each triennial renewal cycle as defined in
16.5.1 NMAC. Continuing education
received after submission of renewal materials but prior to actual expiration
date may be used for the requirements of the next renewal cycle. Continuing education requirements are
pro-rated at 20 hours per full year of the initial licensing period. Initial
licenses issued for less than a full year do not require continuing education
for the first renewal.] Sixty hours of continuing education are required
during each triennial renewal cycle as defined in 16.5.1 NMAC. Continuing education received after
submission of renewal materials but prior to actual expiration date may be used
for the requirements of the next renewal cycle.
Continuing education requirements are pro-rated at 20 hours per year for
individuals licensed for less than three years.
Initial licenses issued for less than a full year require 20 hours of
continuing education for the first renewal.
[16.5.10.8
NMAC - Rp , 16.5.10.8 NMAC, 12/14/2019;
A, 4/21/2026]
16.5.10.9 COURSES
REQUIRED: Continuing
education coursework must contribute directly to the practice of dentistry and
must comply with the requirements of 16.5.1.15 NMAC of these rules. The following courses are required for license
renewal.
A. [Proof of current certification in
basic life support (BLS) or cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) accepted by
the American heart association, the American red cross, or the American
safety and health institute (ASHI);
cannot be self-study course.] Proof of
current basic life support (BLS) or cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
certification accepted by the American heart association, the American heart
association (AHA), the American red cross (ARC), or the American safety and
health institute/health and safety institute (ASHI/HSI); cannot be a self-study
course.
B. Infection control. As further defined
in 16.5.1.16 NMAC, a course in infection control techniques and sterilization
procedures per renewal period.
C. Anesthesia/Sedation: Any dentist
holding a minimal, moderate or deep sedation/general anesthesia permit is
required to follow continuing education requirements as set forth in 16.5.15.20
NMAC.
D. Management of pain with controlled
substances. Any dentists who holds a Federal drug enforcement administration
registration to prescribe controlled substances shall successfully complete
three continuing dental or medical education hours, as defined in Part 16.5.57
NMAC, in appropriate courses that shall include:
(1) an understanding of the pharmacology and
risks of controlled substances,
(2) a basic awareness of the problems of
abuse, addiction and diversion,
(3) awareness of state and federal regulations
for the prescription of controlled substances, and
(4) management of the treatment of pain.
E. Ethics and
jurisprudence. Proof of completion of a
course in ethics or jurisprudence that includes topics related to the New
Mexico dental health care act and board rules.
[16.5.10.9
NMAC - Rp, 16.5.10.9 NMAC, 12/14/2019;
A, 4/21/2026]
16.5.10.10 VERIFICATION
OF CONTINUING EDUCATION: The board will select renewal applications
for verification of continuing education.
Audit requests will be included with the renewal notice and those
selected individuals will be asked to submit proof of compliance with the
continuing education requirements. Continuing education records may be audited
by the board at any time. The records
identified Subsection F of 16.5.1.15 NMAC are considered acceptable forms of
documentation. Continuing education
records must be maintained for [one year following the renewal cycle in
which they are earned.] four years.
[16.5.10.10 NMAC - Rp, 16.5.10.10
NMAC, 12/14/2019; A, 4/21/2026]