Dental Hygiene Continuing Education
Mandatory Continuing Education
On July 11, 1996, Bill 7324A was passed by the Senate and the Assembly stating registered dental hygienists are required to complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of continuing education every TRIENNIAL registration period, inclusive of an approved infection control training course every four years, and a one-time only mandatory child abuse course approved by the State Education Department. Farmingdale State College is an approved provider of continuing education credits in New York State for both dental hygienists and dentists; the American Academy of Dental Hygiene is the approved NYS sponsor.
WE'RE BACK!
The Dental Hygiene Continuing Education Department is excited to announce that ALL of our course offerings will be back in person and on campus, unless specified. Online
registration is required. All specific course information will be sent directly to registrants via email including
course classroom assignments and required parking passes one week prior to the course
date.
**PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH AN ORDER NUMBER LISTED WITHIN 12 HOURS OF REGISTERING FOR A CLASS, THE REGISTRATION IS NOT VALID AND YOU WILL NOT BE GRANTED ACCESS TO ATTEND THE COURSE.**
For registrants to receive their appropriate credits and certificates of completion, the following requirements must be met:
- Registrants MUST register online for courses they would like to attend at least five (5) days prior to the course date.
- Registrants MUST be present for the entire course session to receive credit.
- At the conclusion of in-person classes, registrants are REQUIRED to electronically submit course evaluation forms to receive their certificates of completion.
NYS Dental Hygiene Practice Standards
UPCOMING COURSE SELECTIONS
This course is designed to equip dental professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage medical emergencies that may arise in a dental office setting. The goal of this course is to recognize the potential for unexpected health crises, and management strategies for these emergencies.
At the conclusion of this course, the registrant will be able to:
- Describe common medical emergencies in dental settings
- Recognize of signs and symptoms of various medical emergencies
- Identify patient risk factors
- Implement preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of emergencies
- Develop and implement office-specific emergency protocols
- Communicate team coordination during emergencies
**DUE TO THIS COURSE BEING RESCHEDULED, REGISTRATION LINKS HAVE BEEN REACTIVATED. SEE UPDATED INFORMATION BELOW.**
Instructor: Junaid Mundiya, DMD
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Tuition: $75.00
CEU’S: 3
Registration deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2026
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN THE DENTAL SETTING
The Restricted Certificate to Administer & Monitor Local Infiltration Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Refresher continuing education course is intended for NYS licensed dental hygienists currently certified in local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia seeking to increase knowledge and review clinical skills. A review of anatomy, neurophysiology, pharmacology, injection techniques, nitrous oxide administration techniques and contraindications will be covered.
**Please note: This is NOT a certification course. **
At the conclusion of this course, the registrant will be able to:
- Review anatomical landmarks pertinent to maxillary and mandibular infiltration injections
- Describe the pathways of nerve conduction and its associated neurophysiology
- Describe the indications, contraindications, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic considerations for local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia
- Identify appropriate practice guidelines for the administration of nitrous oxide sedation based on ethical and legal principles
- Apply current best practices to enhance patient safety, comfort, and overall clinical outcomes
Instructor: Lynn Marsh Ed.D., RDH
Professor/ Dental Anesthesia Coordinator, Dental Hygiene Department, Farmingdale State College
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 9:30am-11:30am
Tuition: $75.00
CEU’S: 2
Registration deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026
The $75 course fee includes two CE credits as well as the materials necessary for this hands-on, interactive learning experience.
Come and support our Farmingdale dental hygiene student informative research poster presentations and mingle with friends! One FREE continuing education credit will be provided for those who attend.
This year's poster presentation topics include the following:
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**If you plan on attending both the Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Refresher Course taking place just before the Symposium, you MUST register for each course separately! **
Presenters: Farmingdale Dental Hygiene Students
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Tuition: FREE
CEU'S: 1
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026
Register for the 10th Annual Dental Hygiene Symposium & Vendor Fair
Farmingdale State College has been approved by the NYS Education Department as a provider for the mandated Infection Control & Barrier Precautions course. Those professionals affected by this mandate include dentists and dental hygienists. This course meets the necessary requirements. You are required to take this course every four years. The instructor has been certified by the NYS Education Department.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE IS ALSO OPEN TO ANY DENTAL ASSISTANTS WHO ARE INTERESTED
IN LEARNING THE PROPER BARRIER PRECAUTIONS FOR THEIR PATIENTS.
Instructor: Carol McNamara, RDH, BS
Director of Clinical Operations Emeritus
Dental Hygiene Department at Farmingdale State College
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Tuition: $75.00
Contact Hours: 3
Registration Deadline: Sunday, October 25, 2026
SAVE THE DATE: UPCOMING COURSES FALL 2026
| COURSE TITLE | COURSE DATE AND TIME |
|---|---|
Infection Control and Barrier Precautions |
Wednesday, November 11, 20266:00pm-9:00pm |
ALL REGISTRATION LINKS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ABOUT ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE COURSE DATE
OUR "RESTRICTED CERTIFICATE TO ADMINISTER & MONITOR LOCAL INFILTRATION ANESTHESIA AND NITROUS OXIDE ANALGESIA" COURSE IS HELD BIENNIALLY. OUR NEXT OFFERING WILL BE HELD IN THE SUMMER OF 2028.
If you would like to add your name to our interest list for the summer of 2028, please email DHCE@FARMINGDALE.EDU
LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
How many total credits do RDH's need within a three year licensure period?
How many credits within a licensure period can be taken virtually?
How many credits must be "live" within a licensure period?
Of the 24 credits that are required during each registration period, 14 must be live courses.
What makes a virtual online course "live"?
Live courses are those in which you are able to interact with the instructor. For example: a live lecture, telecourse or teleconference in which you and the instructor can speak directly with each other or there is a live Q & A portions at the conclusion of the class constitute a live course. A pre-taped lecture with no means of direct interaction would not be acceptable as a live course even if it is a live telecast.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS
How often is a CE in infection control needed?
Infection control is required once every four years, which, in New York State works out to be once every other triennial registration period.
How often is a CE in child abuse needed?
Updated Mandated Reporter Training Requirements. Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2021 amended Social Services Law § 413 to require additional training to include protocols to reduce implicit bias in decision-making processes, strategies for identifying adverse childhood experiences, and guidelines to assist in recognizing signs of abuse or maltreatment while interacting virtually within the New York State Mandated Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect coursework.
**PLEASE SEE NOTE ABOVE REGARDING NEW YORK STATE MANDATED REPORTER UPDATES**
What constitutes a valid CPR/BLS CE course?
Dental hygienists may complete courses sponsored by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the American Heart Saver Institute, the American Safety and Health Institute or the National Safety Council. All courses must be live and in person.
The course must include, but not limited to, the following:
- scene survey
- patient assessment
- one and two rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
- conscious choking
- unconscious choking
- bag-valve-mask resuscitation
- recovery position
- automated external defibrillator use
- infection control matters
- recognizing a heart attack
- cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator scenarios
Still could use some help? Email us and we will get back to you shortly.
For any other questions, please contact: Office of Professions of New York
Are you considering continuing your education?
For more information on the department of dental hygiene’s BSDH Degree Completion Program, a flexible program meeting the transfer and continuing education needs of registered dental hygienists in a 100% online program offered through OPEN SUNY Online courses, follow the link below!
BSDH Degree Completion Program Information
REFUND POLICY
All courses offered will be taught subject to sufficient enrollment. We will give
a full refund if you enroll in a class that we cancel. Requests to withdraw from a
course that is not canceled by us will be honored and a refund will be issued ONLY when received IN WRITING by the Department of Dental Hygiene five (5) business days prior to the start of
the course. An email stating reason for withdrawal and the request for a refund sent
to DHCE@farmingdale.edu is the preferred form of withdrawal notice.
Events
There are no upcoming events at this time. Check back soon for upcoming events.
dental hygiene department
Gleeson Hall, Room 244
934-420-2659
DHCE@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm