ANSWERS

What is PACE-eligible CE?

PACE-eligible CE is continuing education approved under the Academy of General Dentistry's Program Approval for Continuing Education standard. AGD launched PACE in 1986, and PACE-approved providers are recognized by most state dental boards for license renewal credit.

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The AGD PACE standard

PACE stands for Program Approval for Continuing Education, administered by the Academy of General Dentistry since 1986. The standard exists because every state dental board sets its own CE requirements for license renewal, and PACE gives providers a single nationally recognized credential that satisfies the majority of those boards. Per AGD's published provider directory, roughly 47 state boards accept PACE-approved credits, with a handful (notably California and Florida) maintaining their own separate approval systems alongside PACE.

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Does PACE approval count in every state?

PACE is accepted by approximately 47 state dental boards for license renewal credit, but a few states maintain separate approval systems. California requires its own Registered Provider designation through the Dental Board of California, and Florida operates its own CE provider approval. Dentists licensed in those states should verify with their board directly before relying on PACE credit alone. For all other states, the PACE provider number on the certificate is generally sufficient documentation if audited during renewal.

How is PACE different from ADA CERP?

ADA CERP (Continuing Education Recognition Program) is the American Dental Association's parallel approval standard, launched in 1993. PACE is administered by the Academy of General Dentistry. Both are widely accepted by state boards, and many providers carry both designations. The practical difference is administrative, not educational, the application processes and renewal cycles differ, but the underlying criteria for content quality, instructor qualifications, and commercial bias disclosure are substantively similar across both programs.

Can a dental lab offer PACE-eligible courses?

Yes. Dental laboratories regularly pursue PACE provider approval to host CE on topics directly relevant to referring clinicians, digital workflow protocols, implant case planning, ceramic and zirconia material selection, and removable prosthetics design. The lab applies as a provider through AGD's Council on Dental Education, documents its instructor qualifications and course administration process, and once approved can issue PACE-credit certificates for the courses it hosts. Approval renews on a two-year cycle.

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