Summary: The ADA CCEPR’s major CERP Standards overhaul, effective June 1, 2026, reduces 14 standards to 5 and cuts criteria from 104 to 17. Adopting ACCME guidelines for integrity and independence, the Commission aims to simplify recognition processes, enhance CE program quality, and ensure transparency for educators, professionals, and patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The revised CERP Standards streamline continuing education for dentists and CE providers by reducing complexity and aligning with ACCME’s integrity and independence guidelines.
  • This overhaul underscores the ADA’s commitment to evidence-based education that supports clinical excellence and safeguards patients’ best interests.

The American Dental Association (ADA) Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CCEPR) has announced a comprehensive revision of the ADA Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CERP) Standards taking effect June 1, 2026. The newly revised standards aim to provide the highest principles for continuing dental education (CE) while substantially reducing the number of Standards and criteria.

Rationale for Streamlined CERP Standards

Commission members believe that by streamlining CERP Standards, the Commission can support a more effective and impactful educational experience and offer a variety of benefits for all stakeholders, including educators, professionals, and patients.

“The goal of the Commission is to maintain the highest standards for CE, and with more than 160 years of experience, the ADA’s commitment to quality education has shaped a CERP program that is always evolving to meet industry needs,” said Marc Nuger, DDS, CCEPR chair. “With a focus on quality assurance, CERP not only helps to provide credibility to educational programs and dental professionals but also helps guarantee that each stakeholder has access to the latest knowledge and practices in the field.”

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Fewer Standards and Criteria

The new framework will consist of 5 standards compared to the current 14, and the number of individual criteria a provider must meet has been reduced from 104 to 17. The Commission’s action comes in response to feedback from CE providers and stakeholders emphasizing the need for streamlining and reducing complexity in recognition processes.

In tandem with the revised standards, the Commission has also adopted the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education’s (ACCME) Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. The ACCME Standards will be linked to the ADA CERP Recognition Standards 2026 and will replace the current CERP Standard V.

Goals of the Integrity and Independence Standards

The Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education are designed to:

  • Ensure continuing education serves the needs of patients and the public.
  • Present learners with only accurate, balanced, scientifically justified recommendations.
  • Assure learners they can trust CE to help them deliver safe, effective care based on best practices and evidence.
  • Create a clear separation between CE and marketing and sales.

The CCEPR will also be revising the ADA CERP application to reflect the new standards and will debut the new form in January 2027. In the coming months, the Commission will provide toolkits and host a series of webinars and informational sessions prior to the implementation date to assist educators in navigating the new requirements.

“While the revised Standards are being streamlined, providers and dentists alike can be assured that the program’s quality will continue to lead the way for our profession. The ADA CERP program supports CE providers in offering evidence-based education, which can empower dentists to provide outstanding patient care and achieve optimal outcomes,” said Nuger.

Photo via ADA