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.
UPDATED MANDATED REPORTER INFORMATION
Please see the information below regarding required Mandated Reporter Training updates:
Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2024 amended Social Services Law § 413 to require additional training to include protocols and guidance on identifying abused or maltreated children with intellectual or developmental disabilities within the New York State Mandated Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect coursework. This law requires that mandated reporters, including those who have previously undergone the current training, complete the updated training curriculum by November 17, 2026. If you have completed an approved provider Mandated Reporter Training between 11/1/2022 and 8/31/2025 you will need additional information in order to be in full compliance with the recent changes in law. Approved providers will begin offering updated mandated reporter training workshops to include the new requirements outlined in Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2024 on September 1, 2025. In addition, if you have completed Mandated Reporter Training between 11/1/2022 and 8/31/2025, you may complete a short (15 minute) addendum on this additional topic which will be available through most approved providers.
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. This law requires that mandated reporters, including those who have previously undergone the current training, complete the updated training curriculum by April 1, 2025.
**FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE WILL NOT BE OFFERING THIS UPDATED COURSE. PLEASE SEE LINK BELOW FOR A LIST OF NYS APPROVED PROVIDERS.**
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF NEW YORK STATE APPROVED PROVIDERS
HYGIENE LASERS: Clinical Use, Case Acceptance & Hands-On Integration
(Presented by Mega’Gen America & Biolase)
This dynamic course bridges laser science with real-world hygiene implementation. Attendees will learn how to integrate diode laser therapy into everyday hygiene protocols to improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient comfort, and drive practice growth. Through live demonstrations, communication frameworks, and hands-on training with the Epic Hygiene diode laser, participants will leave with the confidence to apply laser-assisted therapy immediately in practice.
Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Explain the role of diode laser energy in bacterial reduction and soft-tissue therapy
- Identify appropriate indications for diode laser use in hygiene (LBR, sulcular debridement, aphthous ulcers, herpetic lesions)
- Implement the C.A.R.E. Method to communicate treatment benefits and increase case acceptance
- Confidently address common patient objections (fear, cost, time, urgency, and trust)
- Incorporate laser protocols into daily hygiene appointments without extending chair time
- Utilize data tracking and patient communication to measure and demonstrate value to both patients and the practice
**PLEASE NOTE THE CAPACITY OF THIS COURSE IS RESTRICTED DUE TO ITS HANDS-ON COMPONENT**
Instructors: Heather Fiore, MBA, RDH
Regional Sales Manager - Long Island
Mega'Gen America
–and—
Scott C. Sotherden, MA
Territory Sales Manager, Clinical Trainer
Biolase, Inc.
Lead Petty Officer
NMRC Portsmouth
United States Navy Reserves
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Tuition: $150.00
Contact Hours: 3
Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 5, 2026
REGISTRATION FOR THIS COURSE IS NOW CLOSED
SAVE THE DATE: SPRING 2026
| COURSE TITLE | DATE(s) AND TIME(s) |
|---|---|
| Infection Control and Barrier Precautions |
Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 9am-12pm |
| The Missing Link: How Oral Rest Posture Influences the Nervous System |
Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 9am-12pm |
| Restricted Certificate to Administer & Monitor Local Infiltration Anesthesia & Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Continuing Education Course |
SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND OBJECTIVES, AS WELL AS REGISTRATION LINKS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE COURSE DATES LISTED.
Restricted Certificate to Administer & Monitor Local Infiltration Anesthesia & Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Continuing Education Course
The Restricted Certificate to Administer & Monitor Local Infiltration Anesthesia & Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Continuing Education Course meets the requirements and regulations of the New York State Board for Dentistry in the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia for the control of pain and anxiety.
Registrants MUST be present for all days and times listed below to obtain certification:
| LECTURE DATES | LECTURE TIMES |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 5/28/26 | 8:00am - 12:00pm and 12:30pm - 4:00pm |
| Thursday, 6/4/26 | 8:00am - 12:00pm and 12:30pm - 4:00pm |
| Thursday, 6/11/26 | 8:00am - 12:00pm and 12:30pm - 4:00pm |
| Thursday, 6/18/26 | 8:00am - 12:00pm and 12:30pm - 4:00pm |
| LABORATORY DATES | LABORATORY TIMES |
|---|---|
| Friday, 6/19/26 | 8:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm |
| Saturday, 6/20/26 | 8:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm |
**Please note that this continuing education course is capped at 15 attendees and will only run with 11 or more registrants.**
In order to confirm registration, attendees must submit the following prior to May 21, 2026 to DHCE@farmingdale.edu:
- A copy of a current NYS Dental Hygiene Registration
- Proof of current malpractice insurance
- Proof of current CPR certification
- Payment of $1,800.00
REGISTRATION LINK FOR THIS COURSE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE COMING WEEKS. PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE TO 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