(A)
Except as provided in paragraph (B)(3) of this rule, acceptable continuing education for all Ohio licensees is defined as educational and scientific courses given by board-approved or board accepted sponsors. Continuing education experiences to fulfill renewal requirements for board licensure, registration and/or certification may be obtained in the following formats, including but not limited to:
(1) "Directly interactive presentation format" means a presentation format in which each participant is able to provide direct feedback and have interaction with the instructor through a question and answer format in real time.
(2) "Supervised self-instruction" means the coursework is provided in a self-instruction format which must include a testing mechanism supplied by a board-approved sponsor. The licensee must complete a test with a passing score of not less than seventy-five per cent and demonstrate a level of comprehension before credit is awarded. Tests must be graded by the sponsor and results returned to the licensee. Supervised self-instruction includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Graded audio/video courses.
(b) Graded correspondence courses.
(c) Graded internet, online, or webinar computer courses.
(B)
Categories of credit With the exception of the requirement in paragraph (B)(2) of this rule, to fulfill the minimum requirements set forth in sections 4715.141 and 4715.25 of the Revised Code, the licensee must select areas of study within the stated categories. Licensees shall not receive credit for hours that exceed the maximum number set forth in the following categories:
(1) Dental education and scientific courses - activities designed to review existing concepts and techniques, to convey information beyond the basic dental education and to update knowledge on advances in scientific, non-clinical and clinical practice related subject matter, including ethics, regulatory compliance, risk management, nutrition, and evidence-based dentistry wherein the objective is to improve the knowledge, skills and ability of the individual to provide the highest quality of service to the public and the profession. No maximum number of hours exist for this category.
(2) Mandatory opioid prescribing education continuing education experiences pertaining to the prescribing of opioids for acute, subacute and chronic pain. The licensee must obtain a minimum of two hours of continuing education in this category. No maximum number of hours exist for this category.
(a) Course content may include, but is not limited to the following:
(i) The prescribing guidelines set forth in board rules 4715-6-02 and 4715-6-03 of the Administrative Code.
(ii) Patient history and clinical assessments.
(iii) Consideration of treatment options to include:
(a) Non-pharmacologic therapy;
(b) Non-opioid pharmacologic therapy; and
(c) Opioid therapy.
(iv) Treatment goals.
(v) Risks and benefits of opioid therapy.
(vi) Pain management.
(vii) Addiction treatment.
(viii) Prescribing methodology.
(ix) Medication-assisted treatment for addiction.
(b) Sunset clause The requirement that a licensee obtain a minimum of two hours of opioid prescribing education shall cease to exist for the biennium beginning January 1, 2024.
(3) Non-clinical dental practice related continuing education - continuing education experiences which may include, but is not limited to, those courses which aid in the management of a dental practice or clinic, including those courses pertaining to the management of third party payer issues, dental billing practices, patient and provider appeals of payment disputes and patient management of billing matters; courses to improve recall and scheduling systems, production flow, communication systems and data management; courses in organization and management of the dental practice including office computerization and design, ergonomics, and the improvement of practice administration and office operations; courses in leadership development and team development; and, courses in human resource management and employee benefits. The licensee may obtain a maximum of six hours of continuing education in this category.
(C) Papers, publications and scientific presentations - scientific papers authored by the licensee and published in a scientific professional journal, and/or the original presentation of papers, essays, scientific exhibits or formal lectures to recognized groups of fellow professionals. The licensee may obtain a maximum of four hours of continuing education in this category.
(D) Teaching and research appointments - documented teaching or research activities at an accredited institution, at least one-half day per week per academic year, and holding at least a part-time faculty or research appointment as evidenced by a signed, dated letter of appointment from the chair or director of the accredited institution. The licensee may obtain a maximum of four hours of continuing education in this category.
(E) Volunteer service as a clinician - documented substantial pro bono dental and dental hygiene services to indigent and underserved populations, or to persons who reside in areas of critical need in the state of Ohio. No remuneration shall be made to the licensee or the program sponsor for services provided under this rule. The licensee may obtain up to one-third of their continuing education requirement in this category.
(F) Table clinics - original presentation of or documented viewing of a table clinic at a professional meeting. The licensee may obtain a maximum of two hours of continuing education in this category.