Texas § OC.257.005 - CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § OC.257.005 — CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ OC.257.005. CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST. (a) The board shall develop a mandatory continuing education program for licensed dentists and dental hygienists. The board by rule shall establish the minimum number of hours of continuing education a license holder is required to complete for each registration period to renew the license for a subsequent registration period. (b) The board may: (1) assess the continuing education needs of license holders; and (2) require license holders to attend continuing education courses specified by the board. (b-1) The board shall require a licensed dentist whose practice includes direct patient care to complete not less than two hours of board-approved continuing education annually regarding safe and effective pain management related to the prescription of opioids and other controlled substances, including education regarding: (1) reasonable standards of care; (2) the identification of drug-seeking behavior in patients; and (3) effectively communicating with patients regarding the prescription of an opioid or other controlled substance. (c) The board by rule shall: (1) identify the key factors required for competent performance of professional duties under this subtitle; (2) develop a process to evaluate and approve continuing education courses; and (3) develop a process to assess a license holder's participation and performance in continuing education courses to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.079(d), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 295 (S.B. 313 ), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 818 (H.B. 2454 ), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § OC.257.005
What does The Texas Constitution § OC.257.005 cover?
Section OC.257.005 ("CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § OC.257.005?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § OC.257.005" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § OC.257.005 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.