ADA CERP offers dental professionals a way to select quality continuing dental education with confidence.
The ADA CERP application process evaluates providers of continuing education for compliance with the ADA CERP Recognition Standards and Procedures (PDF). ADA CERP promotes improvements in continuing dental education through periodic reevaluation.
ADA CERP defines continuing dental education as educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a dentist uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession. The objective is to enhance and update the knowledge base of dentists, strengthen critical thinking skills and support an evidence-based, ethical practice of dentistry. The content of continuing dental education is that body of knowledge and skills generally recognized and accepted by the profession as within the basic medical and dental sciences, the discipline of clinical dentistry, and the provision of oral healthcare to the public.
ADA CERP approves organizations that provide continuing dental education for dental professionals. ADA CERP does not approve individual educational activities.
Applications are reviewed and recognition is awarded by the ADA Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition.
Learn about the process to become an ADA CERP provider. Learn how to maintain your ADA CERP recognition after initial recognition. Search for ADA CERP-recognized providers. Get guidance on maintaining CERP recognition, including sample documents and FAQs.Upcoming Application Cycles
Pre-Application Determination of Eligibility forms and Pre-Application Process for International Providers (PPIPs) may be submitted at any time. The Commission will notify the provider, usually within eight weeks, as to whether the provider is eligible to apply for CERP recognition. Providers that are determined to be eligible will be invited to submit an application for initial recognition according to the schedule below.
Providers are encouraged to submit pre-applications as early as possible in order to allow ample time to prepare the comprehensive application.
Applications for recognition and continued recognition are accepted and reviewed by the Commission twice a year. Applications will not be accepted after the published deadline. Important dates for current review cycles are listed below.
Fall 2024
Pre-Applications and PPIPs— March 15, 2024
New providers intending to submit an application in this cycle must submit a pre-application by this date. Providers submitting pre-applications after this date and that are determined to be eligible will be invited to apply in the next application cycle.
APPLICATION DEADLINE— June 28, 2024
COMMISSION MEETING— Sept 2024
DECISION REPORTS SENT TO APPLICANT— Oct 2024
NEW RECOGNITION TERM BEGINS— Nov 2024
Spring 2025
Pre-Applications and PPIPs— Oct 1, 2024
New providers intending to submit an application in this cycle must submit a pre-application by this date. Providers submitting pre-applications after this date and that are determined to be eligible will be invited to apply in the next application cycle.
APPLICATION DEADLINE— Jan 17, 2025
COMMISSION MEETING— April 2025
DECISION REPORTS SENT TO APPLICANT— May 2025
NEW RECOGNITION TERM BEGINS— May 2025