Are unused continuing education hours permitted to carry over to the next renewal period?

In Iowa, the policy regarding continuing education for dental hygienists establishes that unused hours cannot be carried over to the next renewal period. This standard ensures that dental hygienists regularly update their knowledge and skills within the cycle of continuing education requirements, rather than accumulating hours over multiple periods. The intent behind this regulation is to maintain high standards of practice and ensure that all licensed professionals remain current with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and public health.

Continuing education is designed to keep practitioners engaged with new developments, technologies, and best practices in the field. By not allowing carryover of unused hours, Iowa emphasizes the importance of consistent professional development and continuous improvement in clinical competency. Thus, dental hygienists are encouraged to complete their required continuing education within the specified timeframe to ensure they are meeting the state's regulatory expectations and providing the best possible care to patients.