Trends in continuing dental education: what's happening in the northeast region?

Historically, dentists have assumed the individual responsibility for staying abreast of innovations in the profession. Prior to 1985, only twelve U.S. dental licensing boards regulated or monitored the continuing education activities of dentists. Today, however, this number has more than doubled. This article examines continuing education regulations that are mandated by the state licensing boards which participate in the Northeast Regional Dental Board. Continuing dental education standards for dentists are examined with respect to minimum credit requirements, qualifying sources of credit, and methods of reporting and monitoring continuing education activity.