--- title: "Dental Continuing Education: Missouri CE, AGD, Study Clubs" description: "Dental continuing education explained: Missouri's 50-hour rule, CE Broker, AGD Fellowship and Mastership requirements, study clubs and how CE formats differ." url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-continuing-education publisher: Copeland Consulting Services email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact --- # Dental continuing education: Missouri rules, AGD awards, study clubs and CE formats Missouri dentists must complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 40 hours tied directly to patient treatment, health and safety. Hours are reported through CE Broker. Beyond the license rule, the AGD sets separate award goals: 500 approved hours for Fellowship and 1,100 for Mastership. Complete guideUpdated October 26, 202610 min read 1. 1 ## Missouri: 50 hours Dentists submit evidence of 50 CE hours per two-year period. At least 40 must relate directly to patient treatment, health and safety. 2. 2 ## CE Broker reporting The Missouri Dental Board uses CE Broker as its official CE management system. Licensees report CE there before renewal. 3. 3 ## AGD awards are separate Fellowship requires 500 approved hours and an exam. Mastership requires 1,100 approved hours, including 400 hands-on. 4. 4 ## Study clubs add peer learning Small groups meet on a schedule to discuss cases and practice questions. Some also offer CE credit. Continuing education (CE) serves two different goals. One is keeping a license. The other is choosing learning that fits a career plan. This guide covers both. It explains the Missouri license rule, how credit and approved providers work, the main CE formats, study clubs and the AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards. It is general education by Copeland Consulting Services. Rules change, so check each official source before you act. ## What does continuing education mean for a dentist? [Continuing education](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/continuing-education) is instruction that keeps a dentist’s knowledge and skills current after dental school. A state board sets the minimum for license renewal. Professional groups such as the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) set higher goals that earn recognition. Neither replaces the other. Goal Who sets it What it asks for Keep the license State dental board A fixed number of approved hours in each renewal period Earn an AGD award AGD Hundreds of approved hours plus an exam or application Build a skill area The dentist or the practice A plan that fits the team and the patients served The third goal has no official rule behind it. The sections below cover the first two in detail, then the formats and planning questions that apply to all three. ## What does Missouri require for dental CE? Missouri requires each dentist to submit evidence of 50 hours of CE for the two-year period before renewal, with at least 40 hours directly related to patient treatment, health and safety. The rule is 20 CSR 2110-2.240, and the Missouri Secretary of State publishes it. The statute behind it is Section 332.181, RSMo. Item Dentists Hygienists Hours per two-year period 50 30 Hours that must relate directly to patient treatment, health and safety At least 40 Check the rule Credit for contact instruction One hour for every 50 to 60 minutes Same Source 20 CSR 2110-2.240 20 CSR 2110-2.240 The rule also says the hours must come from a board-approved sponsor. Records should show the course titles, dates, locations, receipts, sponsors, agendas and hours earned, and the rule asks licensees to keep them for at least six years after the reporting period. Any hours above the requirement can carry into the next block, up to a cap the rule sets. Two cautions apply. Rules are amended, so read the current text on the Secretary of State’s site or ask the Missouri Dental Board at 573-751-0040. The Missouri Dental Association (MDA) page also lists the current reporting period dates, and it names November 2026 as the renewal deadline. Because the dates move with each cycle, a post on [Missouri dental CE requirements](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/missouri-dental-ce-requirements) tracks the details. This guide cannot confirm your own hours or your own license status. ## How do Missouri dentists report CE through CE Broker? Licensees report CE to CE Broker, which the Missouri Dental Board calls its official continuing education management system. The Board’s page cites rule 20 CSR 2110-2.071(4), which requires licensees to report CE documentation to the system before license expiration or during renewal. The MDA explains the background. Before this system, the Board relied on licensees to attest to their hours at renewal, then audited a small share afterward. The new state licensing system lets the Board check CE at renewal instead. The MDA also notes that it is not the licensing agency and cannot see licensees’ CE Broker records. Practical points from the Board and the MDA: 1. **Activate an account.** The Board says a basic CE Broker account is always free. Paid upgrades add tracking tools. 2. **Check what your providers report.** Many large providers send completions automatically. If yours does not, upload proof yourself. 3. **Do not assume another system connects.** The Board told the MDA that there will be no direct link between the AGD and the Board. Licensees need to check with each provider. 4. **Keep your own file.** Save certificates, even when a provider reports for you. 5. **Ask the Board when unsure.** The Board, not an association, decides compliance. The related glossary entries are [CE Broker](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ce-broker) and the Missouri Dental Board. ## What makes a CE course count? A course counts for license renewal when a board-approved sponsor provides it. For AGD awards, the course must come from an approved program provider. These are different checks, and a course can pass one and not the other. For Missouri, the rule lists the board-approved sponsors. They include the ADA and its constituent and component societies, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and its societies. Programs that a sponsor did not approve may ask the Board to review them at a regular meeting. For AGD awards, the AGD says only hours earned from AGD PACE- or ADA CERP-approved organizations can be applied. Content must be scientific in nature and directly related to the practice of dentistry. The AGD maintains a PACE provider search tool. Read about [PACE](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/pace) and CE credit in the glossary. Before you register for a course, ask: - Is the provider approved for the credit I need, and where can I see that? - Will the provider report my hours, or must I upload proof? - Does the course content fit the license rule’s patient-care focus? - Does the course count toward an AGD award, if that matters to me? - Is any commercial interest in the topic disclosed? ## What CE formats are there? CE comes as lectures, hands-on or participation courses, self-instruction, multi-year programs, study clubs, and teaching or writing. Formats matter because awards and boards sometimes treat them differently. Format What it is Where a rule affects it Lecture Attendees listen and ask questions Counts toward AGD awards when from an approved provider Hands-on or participation Attendees practice skills during the course AGD Mastership requires at least 400 hands-on hours Self-instruction Study at your own pace, such as online modules Counts toward AGD awards within the limits in AGD’s guidelines Multi-year program A planned course of study over time AGD runs MasterTrack programs aimed at Mastership Study club A small group that meets on a schedule Some clubs offer CE credit; ask the club how it is approved Teaching and publication Instructing others or writing for the profession AGD allows up to 150 Mastership hours here The AGD FAQ states that the 600 hours of Mastership CE beyond the 400 hands-on hours “can be fulfilled by taking lecture, participation, or self-instruction courses,” and that 150 of those hours can come from teaching and publication. The AGD also says members who join within four years of finishing a one- or two-year accredited residency may earn extra participation credit. Use the AGD guidelines for exact limits. No format is better in the abstract. The choice depends on the skill you want, how you learn and what the license or award needs. ## What is a dental study club? A dental study club is a small group of dental professionals who meet regularly to learn from each other. The ADA describes study clubs as “a casual yet structured learning environment where dentists can earn continuing education credits while connecting with their peers and sharing their experiences.” The longer [guide to dental study clubs](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-study-clubs) covers how to find, join and start one. Read the glossary entry on [study clubs](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/study-club) for the term. The ADA News article shows how clubs differ. One club of younger dentists meets every other month, mixes general dentists and specialists, and discusses cases, pre-recorded modules and practice management. Another, started by a dental society for new dentists, opens with a social period, moves to a case or topic from the group, and ends with a lecture. One of the clubs in the article is for dental hygienists. The article says clubs can be a source of support early in a career. Questions to ask before joining a club: Question Why it matters Who runs the club, and is there a sponsor? A sponsor may influence topics. Ask how that is disclosed. How often does it meet, and for how long? Attendance is the main cost, in time. Is the CE credit approved for my license and any AGD goal? Credit is not automatic. Who attends? A mix of general dentists and specialists, or only one group, changes the discussion. What is the fee, if any? Costs vary by organization. Ask for the number in writing. ## What are the AGD Fellowship requirements? AGD Fellowship (FAGD) requires three continuous years of AGD membership, a clean license record, a passed Fellowship Exam, 500 hours of approved CE and attendance at the AGD Convocation Ceremony. The AGD publishes the official list and a guideline PDF. The [AGD Fellowship and Mastership guide](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/agd-fellowship-and-mastership) goes step by step. Requirement What AGD states Membership Current AGD membership for three continuous years by Dec. 31 of the application year License Not suspended or revoked in the past five years and not under probation, suspension or revocation Exam Pass the Fellowship Exam any time as a member; the 500 hours need not be done first CE hours Complete 500 hours of approved CE Provider rule Only hours from AGD PACE or ADA CERP approved organizations count Ceremony Attend Convocation; AGD allows three years after approval Deadline Applications are due by Dec. 31 AGD states that student members could count up to 50 CE hours before January 1, 2026, and up to 100 hours from 2026 on, which applies to those who apply for the 2027 award and later. Fees change, so read the application page for the current amount. AGD also offers a Fellowship Review Course and a study guide. The glossary has entries for [Fellowship](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/fellowship-agd) and FAGD. ## What are the AGD Mastership requirements? AGD Mastership (MAGD) requires Fellowship, three continuous years of membership, a clean license record, at least 1,100 hours of approved CE as an AGD member, an application and attendance at Convocation. Of the 1,100 hours, 400 must be hands-on participation hours and 600 must meet minimums in specific disciplines. Requirement What AGD states Fellowship Be an AGD Fellow Membership Three continuous years by Dec. 31 of the application year CE hours At least 1,100 approved hours as an AGD member, including the first 500 used for Fellowship Hands-on hours At least 400 from participation courses in specific disciplines Discipline minimums At least 600 hours meeting minimums in specific disciplines (the FAQ lists 18) Application Submit with the fee by Dec. 31 Ceremony Attend Convocation; three years allowed after approval AGD’s 2025 House of Delegates approved changes. Starting January 1, 2029, Mastership candidates must complete 12 participation hours in sleep medicine, and the minimum hours in eight existing subject areas change. Anyone planning a long path should read the current guidelines before choosing courses. The post on [AGD Mastership requirements](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/agd-mastership-requirements) and a comparison of [FAGD and MAGD](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/fagd-vs-magd) cover the differences. Mastership is explained in the glossary as [MAGD](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/magd). ## How can a dental team plan CE? A team plan starts with the rules for each role, then adds goals for the practice. Roles have different requirements, so one shared calendar helps. 1. **List each license and its rule.** Dentists and hygienists in Missouri have different hour totals. Check the Board for other roles. 2. **Map the renewal dates.** Put each person’s deadline on a shared calendar. 3. **Set one account for each person.** In Missouri, licensees report through their own CE Broker accounts. 4. **Pick practice goals.** Name two or three skill areas the practice wants to build in the year. 5. **Match formats to goals.** Use lecture for knowledge, hands-on for skills, and a club for ongoing discussion. 6. **Keep records.** Store certificates and receipts where the owner and the individual can both find them. 7. **Review at the end of the year.** Count hours, note what worked and set next year’s list. Money and time are real limits. A CPA can say whether course costs, travel and time away from the office are deductible in your situation. This guide cannot. ## Where should a dentist start? Start with the license rule, since it carries a renewal deadline. Then add one goal: an AGD award, a study club or a skill area. Look for approved providers first, then compare formats and cost. For readers who also lead a team, the [dental leadership pillar](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-leadership) links skills training with team learning. ## Next step To compare AGD Fellowship and Mastership paths in detail, read the [AGD Fellowship and Mastership guide](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/agd-fellowship-and-mastership). To plan a study club or a CE session, [contact Dr. Copeland about study clubs](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=study-club). Dr. Jon Copeland, DDS, is a general dentist in Wildwood, Missouri, who earned the Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2024. His own path is described on his [education page](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/education). ## Frequently asked questions ### How many CE hours does a Missouri dentist need? Missouri requires dentists to submit evidence of 50 hours of continuing education for each two-year period before renewal. At least 40 of those hours must relate directly to treatment, health and safety of the individual dental patient. Hygienists need 30 hours. Confirm current details with the Missouri Dental Board. ### What is CE Broker, and do Missouri dentists have to use it? CE Broker is the official continuing education management system of the Missouri Dental Board. Under rule 20 CSR 2110-2.071(4), licensees must report CE documentation to it before license expiration or during renewal. A basic account is free, and many providers report completions for you. ### What are the AGD Fellowship requirements? AGD lists three continuous years of AGD membership, a license not suspended or revoked in the past five years, a passed Fellowship Exam, 500 hours of approved CE, and attendance at Convocation. Only hours from AGD PACE or ADA CERP approved providers count toward the award. ### What are the AGD Mastership requirements? AGD requires Fellowship, three continuous years of membership, a clean license record, and at least 1,100 hours of approved CE as an AGD member. That total includes the first 500 Fellowship hours and at least 400 hands-on hours. AGD also sets minimums in specific subject areas. ### What is a dental study club? A dental study club is a small group of dental professionals that meets on a regular schedule to learn together. The ADA describes study clubs as casual yet structured settings where dentists can earn CE credit while connecting with peers and sharing experiences. Formats vary by club. ### Do all CE courses count toward AGD awards? No. AGD says course content must be scientific in nature and directly related to the practice of dentistry. Courses must also come from approved program providers, meaning those accepted by AGD's PACE program or approved by the ADA's CERP. Check the provider before you register. ## Terms on this page - [Academy of General Dentistry](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/academy-of-general-dentistry) - [Missouri Dental Association](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/missouri-dental-association) - [Missouri Dental Board](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/missouri-dental-board) - [Continuing education](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/continuing-education) - [House of Delegates](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/house-of-delegates) - [Dental leadership](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-leadership) - [Fellowship (AGD)](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/fellowship-agd) - [Mastership (AGD)](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/mastership-agd) - [Dental team](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-team) - [Study club](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/study-club) ## Sources 1. [Missouri Dental Board (Division of Professional Registration): Dental Board home page](https://pr.mo.gov/dental.asp) 2. [Missouri Dental Association: CE Broker Overview (September 2026)](https://www.modental.org/news-publications/news-updates/2026/09/01/ce-broker-for-licensees) 3. [Missouri Secretary of State: 20 CSR 2110-2.240 Continuing Dental Education](https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/20csr/20c2110-2.pdf) 4. [Academy of General Dentistry: AGD Awards and Recognition (Fellowship requirements)](https://www.agd.org/education/awards-recognition/agd-awards-and-recognition) 5. [Academy of General Dentistry: Mastership Requirements](https://www.agd.org/education/awards-recognition/agd-awards-and-recognition/awards-and-recognition/mastership-requirements) 6. [Academy of General Dentistry: AGD Mastership FAQs](https://www.agd.org/education/awards-recognition/agd-awards-and-recognition/agd-mastership-faqs) 7. [ADA News: Study clubs offer safe spaces to learn, grow (June 2025)](https://adanews.ada.org/new-dentist/2025/june/making-connections-study-clubs-offer-safe-spaces-to-learn-grow/) Written by Copeland Consulting Services and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Rules, data and guidance change, so check the linked page before you act on it. ## Keep reading - [AGD Fellowship and Mastership: requirements, hours and the path between themAGD Fellowship (FAGD) needs three continuous years of AGD membership, 500 approved CE hours, a passed exam and a convocation visit. Mastership (MAGD) needs Fellowship plus 1,100 total approved hours, 400 of them hands-on. Both require an application by December 31. Details come from AGD pages checked in October 2026.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/agd-fellowship-and-mastership) - [FAGD vs MAGD: what each AGD award means and requiresFAGD is Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. It needs three years of membership, 500 approved CE hours and a passed exam. MAGD is Mastership. It needs 1,100 approved CE hours, 400 of them in participation courses, and has no exam. The first 500 Mastership hours also count toward Fellowship.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/fagd-vs-magd) - [Missouri dental CE requirements and CE broker explainedMissouri law requires a dentist to show 50 hours of continuing education from the two years before renewal. The Missouri Dental Board now uses CE Broker as its official CE system, and licensees report CE there before the license expires or during renewal. A basic account costs nothing.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/missouri-dental-ce-requirements) - [Dental study clubs: what they are, how to join one and how to start oneA dental study club is a group of dental professionals who meet regularly to discuss real cases and learn together. Some are run by national education networks, some are organized locally by alumni of a course, and some are informal. Credit for fellowship or mastership requires an approved provider.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-study-clubs) - [AGD Mastership requirements: hours, fees and steps (2026)The AGD Mastership Award requires three continuous years of AGD membership, a license in good standing, at least 1,100 approved CE hours with at least 400 in participation courses, an application, and attendance at the AGD Convocation. There is no Mastership exam. The AGD lists a $930 fee as of 2026.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/agd-mastership-requirements) - [Dental leadership: team skills, training programs and where to learn themDental leadership is the work of guiding a dental team, a practice or a part of the profession. Core skills include clear communication, delegation, feedback and hiring. Learn them through team routines, mentors, organized dentistry such as the ADA and state societies, and formal programs like the ADEA Leadership Institute.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-leadership) ## Talk with Dr. Copeland [Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)