GDA Action September 2019

September 2019 • 9 Q: I heard there is a new continuing education (CE) requirement for dental licensure in Georgia that requires me to take a course on opioid prescribing. (1) Is this requirement effective for the 2019 renewal cycle; and (2) Am I required to take this course even though I don’t prescribe opioids or benzodiazepines in my practice and don’t have a DEA license? (1): Yes, the 1 hour CE requirement on opioid prescribing applies for the 2019 renewal year, and all subsequent license renewal years. The applicable board rule states: “Georgia Board of Dentistry Rule 150-3-.09 Continuing Education for Dentists: (3) Course Content: (d) Effective for the 2019 renewal year, one (1) hour of the minimum requirement shall include the impact of opioid abuse and/or the proper prescription writing and use of opioids in dental practice;” The GDA currently offers several opportunities to meet this new requirement. To attend one of its live, in-person courses, please check the course schedule on the GDA website, which can be found here: gadental.org/ce. The GDA also created a one-hour, online webinar for you to watch in the convenience of your home or office. To download the opioid webinar go to gadental.org/ce. (2): Yes, this mandatory CE requirement applies to all Georgia licensed dentists, even those without DEA license numbers. » 2019 IS A LICENSE RENEWAL YEAR Visit gadental.org/ce for online and in-person courses that meet the new opioid prescribing continuing education requirement for dental license renewal in Georgia.