21 NCAC 16R .0206         continuing educaTION ON MENTAL HEALTH

(a)  Every two calendar years, each dentist shall complete one clock hour of continuing education on mental health. To count toward this requirement, the course shall be:

(1)           designed to address relevant mental health issues for dental professionals, including substance use disorders, chemical dependency, impairment, or mental health disorders; and

(2)           offered by a Board-approved sponsor as set out in Rule .0202(b) of this Section.

(b)  The continuing education requirement set out in Paragraph (a) of this Rule may be completed through a self-study course that satisfies Subparagraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this Rule. The dentist shall pass a test administered by the self-study course sponsor and obtain a certificate of completion from the sponsor.

(c)  Every two calendar years, a dentist may apply one clock hour of a course meeting the requirements of this Rule toward the total number of continuing education hours required pursuant to Rule .0201(a) of this Section.

(d)  The mental health continuing education requirement shall not replace or substitute for the controlled substance continuing education requirement set out in Rule .0201(b) of this Section.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-28; 90-31.1;

Eff. October 1, 2022;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2025.