Question: Is implicit bias training mandatory for Michigan Registered Dental Assistants in 2026?

Answer: Yes. Michigan Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) renewing in 2026 must complete 3 hours of implicit bias training per 3-year license cycle (approximately 1 hour per year). This training is in addition to the standard 36 CE hours required for renewal and must cover definitions of implicit and explicit bias, health-care disparities, affected populations (race, ethnicity, gender, SES), and mitigation strategies. The governing rule for this requirement is Michigan Rule R 338.7004.

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.
Enroll Now – $95 →

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Quick Facts

Here’s your quick look at what you need for 2026 renewal as a Michigan Registered Dental Assistant (RDA):

• Renewal frequency: Every 3 years for RDAs in Michigan.
• Total CE hours required: 36 hours every 3-year cycle.
• Live / interactive minimum: At least 12 of those 36 hours must be live or interactive; the rest may be online or asynchronous.
• Implicit bias training: In addition to the 36 hours, RDAs must complete 3 hours (1 hour per year of the cycle) of implicit bias training.
• Renewal deadlines: Based on your license cycle (see your renewal notice from LARA).
• Renewal fee: Check the latest fee with the Michigan Board of Dentistry / LARA — typically listed in the official guide.
• First-time renewal exemptions: If licensed for less than a full 3-year cycle, some CE hours may be prorated, but the implicit bias training still applies.

Get the $95 Implicit Bias Package →

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CE Requirements Deep Dive

What exactly do you need?

For a Michigan Registered Dental Assistant renewing in 2026:

• 36 total hours of continuing education (CE) over the 3-year license cycle — your baseline requirement.
• Of those 36 hours:
  • 12 hours minimum must be live or interactive (in-person or live webinar).
  • Up to 18 hours may be online or asynchronous (if approved).
• Implicit bias training requirement:
  • Starting June 1, 2022, all licensed health-care professionals (including dental assistants) must complete 3 hours of implicit bias training per license period (≈ 1 hour per year of the cycle).
  • Training must cover implicit bias definitions, equitable access, diversity, and include pre/post-testing.
  • Update (2023): Implicit bias hours do not count toward the 36-hour general CE total.

Approved Subject Areas & Providers

• Courses must be approved by nationally recognized organizations (e.g., ADA CERP, ANCC) or by the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
• For implicit bias training, providers must address:
  • Definition of implicit and explicit bias
  • Health-care disparities and access issues
  • Populations affected (race, ethnicity, gender, SES)
  • Strategies to mitigate bias in clinical decision-making
• Renew Now CE offers:
  • 3.0 CE credits (for dental professionals) via ADA CERP / ANCC / ACCME accreditation
  • Provider approval: ANCC P0557 / MI Board 50-18921

Secure Your Implicit Bias CE Now – $95 →

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Renewal Process Step-by-Step

Pre-renewal checklist

• Confirm your license expiration date and renewal cycle with the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
• Verify you have:
  • 36 total CE hours (12 live minimum)
  • 3 hours implicit bias training (approved provider)
  • Current CPR/BLS card (if required)
  • Any other required courses: pain management, ethics/jurisprudence, infection control, human trafficking (one-time)
• Download and store all certificates of completion (CE and implicit bias) — you may be audited.

Online renewal process

• Log into the Michigan Board of Dentistry’s renewal portal through LARA.
• Enter CE hours and upload certificates as required.
• Confirm implicit bias provider name, completion date, hours earned, and certificate number.
• Pay the renewal fee electronically and submit before the deadline.

Record-keeping & audit preparation

• Retain CE certificates for at least 4 years beyond renewal.
• If audited, be prepared to submit:
  • Copies of CE certificates (provider, hours, dates)
  • Proof of implicit bias training (provider, accreditation, hours)
• Use a provider like Renew Now CE, whose certificates list provider ID (ANCC P0557) and Michigan compliance details.

Enroll Today – $95 →

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Common Mistakes & Solutions

Mistake 1: Waiting until the last minute
Solution: Start your implicit bias module and CE early to avoid time pressure and late fees.

Mistake 2: Choosing a non-approved provider
Solution: Select accredited providers with listed IDs (ANCC P0557, MI Board 50-18921). Renew Now CE meets all criteria.

Mistake 3: Counting implicit bias hours toward the 36 CE total
Solution: As of Oct 2 2023, implicit bias hours cannot count toward the 36 required CE hours — they are in addition.

Mistake 4: Poor record-keeping
Solution: Save certificates clearly (e.g., “MI-RDA_ImplicitBias2026_RenewNowCE.pdf”) and back them up digitally.

Mistake 5: Taking irrelevant CE courses
Solution: Focus on approved topics (assisting techniques, infection control, ethics, pain management) and ensure 12 live hours.

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Professional Development Value

Completing your renewal isn’t just compliance — it’s career investment.

• Gain awareness of how implicit bias affects patient communication and care outcomes.
• Employers value assistants who stay ahead on CE and diversity training — it can open advancement opportunities.
• Patients trust teams who show respect and inclusion — you enhance both comfort and care quality.
• Using a trusted provider means less stress over compliance and more focus on clinical skill.

Invest in Your Career – $95 →

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Special Situations FAQ

Q: What if this is my first-time renewal (licensed less than a full 3-year cycle)?
A: You still need implicit bias training. The 36 hours may be prorated, but implicit bias is not exempt.

Q: I’m licensed in multiple states — does Michigan’s implicit bias rule apply only to MI?
A: Yes. Rule R 338.7004 applies to your Michigan license only.

Q: What if I’m on active military duty or deployed?
A: You may receive a temporary extension but must complete training upon return. Contact LARA for details.

Q: What happens if I’m audited and missing hours?
A: You must submit proof of completion from approved providers or complete additional CE plus fees for reinstatement.

Q: I renewed late — what then?
A: Late renewals often incur fees or reinstatement requirements. Complete your CE on time to avoid delays.

Enroll Now – Get Certified for $95 →

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Disclaimer: Requirements for licensure renewal are subject to change by the Michigan Board of Dentistry and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Always verify your specific cycle and CE requirements via the official board website before registering for courses. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Q: Is implicit bias training mandatory for Registered Dental Hygienists in Michigan?

A: Yes. In Michigan, implicit bias training is mandatory for Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs). They must complete 3 hours of implicit bias training per 3-year license renewal cycle (or 1 hour per year of the cycle) in addition to the 36 total CE hours required for renewal. This requirement is governed by Michigan Administrative Rule R 338.7004.

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Enroll Now – Get Certified for $95 →

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Quick Facts 📋

Here’s your quick look at what you need for 2026 renewal as a Michigan Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH):

• Renewal frequency: Every 3 years for RDHs in Michigan.
• Total CE hours required: 36 hours every 3-year cycle. 
• Live / interactive minimum: At least 12 of those 36 hours must be live/interactive; the rest may be online/asynchronous. 
• Implicit bias training: In addition to the 36 hours, RDHs must complete 3 hours (or 1 hour per year of the cycle) of implicit bias training. 
• Renewal deadlines: Your renewal deadline is based on your license cycle (check your renewal notice).
• Renewal fee: Check the latest fee with the Michigan Board of Dentistry / Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — typically in the official guide. 
• First-time renewal exemptions: If you’re licensed for less than a full 3-year cycle, some CE hours may be prorated, but the implicit bias training still applies. 

Get the $95 Implicit Bias Package →

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CE Requirements Deep Dive 🧠

What exactly do you need?

For a Michigan Registered Dental Hygienist renewing in 2026:

• 36 total hours of continuing education (CE) over the 3-year license cycle. This is your baseline. 
• Of those 36 hours:
  • At least 12 hours must be live/in-person or live webinar with interactive component. 
  • Up to 18 hours may be earned via online/asynchronous (for those credentials) — this is for RDHs/RDAs. 
• Implicit bias training requirement:
  • Starting with renewals after June 1, 2022, all licensed health-care professionals (including dental hygienists) must complete 3 hours of implicit bias training per license period OR 1 hour per year of the cycle. 
  • The training must meet the rule content: e.g., implicit bias definitions, equitable access, diversity, pre/post-testing. 
  • Note: The state changed a rule in late 2023 so that implicit bias hours do not count toward the 36-hour general CE total. 

Approved Subject Areas & Providers

• Courses must be approved/recognized by nationally recognized organizations (e.g., ADA CERP, ANCC) or by the Michigan Board. 
• For implicit bias specifically: The provider must cover content such as:
  • Definition of implicit and explicit bias
  • Health-care disparities and access issues
  • Populations affected by bias (race, ethnicity, gender, SES)
  • Strategies to mitigate bias in clinical decision-making 
• The course offered here by Renew Now CE:
  • 3.0 CE credits (for dental professionals) via ADA CERP/ANCC/ACCME accredited. 
  • Provider approval: ANCC P0557

Secure Your Implicit Bias CE Now – $95 →

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Renewal Process Step-by-Step

Pre-renewal checklist

1. Confirm your license expiration date and renewal cycle with the Michigan Board of Dentistry.
2. Verify you have:
   • 36 total CE hours (including at least 12 live)
   • 3 hours implicit bias training (approved provider)
   • Current CPR/BLS card (if required)
   • Any other required courses: pain management, ethics/jurisprudence, infection control, human trafficking (if one-time) 
3. Download and store all certificates of completion (CE hours and implicit bias) — you may be audited.

Online renewal process

• Log into the Michigan Board of Dentistry’s online renewal portal.
• Enter your CE hours and upload certificates as required.
• Confirm your implicit bias training provider name, date completed, hours earned, and certificate number.
• Pay the renewal fee electronically.
• Submit before the deadline.

Record-keeping requirements & audit preparation

• Retain your CE certificates for at least 4 years beyond renewal (some boards require).
• If audited, you will be asked to provide:
  • Copies of your CE certificates (hours earned, provider name, dates)
  • Date and proof of implicit bias training (provider name, accrediting info, hours)
• Choose a provider like Renew Now CE whose certificate clearly states provider ID (ANCC P0557), hours, and compliance with Michigan rule.

Enroll today – $95 →

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Common Mistakes & Solutions

Mistake 1: Waiting until the last minute

Solution: Start your implicit bias module and the majority of your CE early in the cycle to avoid time pressure and higher late-fee risks.

Mistake 2: Choosing a non-approved provider

Solution: Use a provider that lists its accreditation (e.g., ANCC P0557, ADA CERP) and Michigan Board approval ID (50-18921). Renew Now CE meets these criteria. 

Mistake 3: Counting implicit bias hours toward the 36-hour CE total

Solution: As of Oct 2 2023, implicit bias training hours cannot count toward the 36 CE hour requirement—they are in addition. 

Mistake 4: Poor record-keeping

Solution: Download your certificate, name the file clearly, store in cloud/back-up. Label: “MI-RDH ImplicitBias 2026_RenewNowCE.pdf”.

Mistake 5: Taking irrelevant CE courses

Solution: Ensure your CE hours cover acceptable topics (clinical hygiene, pain management, ethics, infection control) and that at least 12 hours were live/interactive. 

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Professional Development Value 💼

Completing your renewal isn’t just compliance—it’s investment in your career.

• You’ll gain deeper awareness of how implicit bias impacts patient care and communication—making you a more effective clinician.
• Employers value hygienists who proactively engage in CE and inclusive care strategies—this may lead to raises or advancement.
• When patients feel seen, respected, and understood, trust increases and clinical outcomes improve—one of your core goals.
• Using a trusted CE provider means you spend less time worrying about which courses count and more time applying your learning.

Invest in your career – $95 →

🎯 Enroll Now – Get Certified for $95 →

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Disclaimer: Requirements for licensure renewal are subject to change by the Michigan Board of Dentistry and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Always verify your specific renewal cycle and CE requirements via the official board website before registering for courses. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.