Two systems, one job
When a CE course is described as accredited, it almost always means the organization providing it is recognized by one of two systems: AGD PACE or ADA CERP. Both vet the providers of dental CE against published standards. Neither one approves individual courses or reports your hours for you.
AGD PACE
PACE stands for Program Approval for Continuing Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry runs it. Providers apply and are held to a set of rigorous standards. Two things are worth knowing:
- Most licensing boards accept PACE-approved providers as valid CE providers for re-licensure.
- Hours from PACE-approved providers can be applied toward the AGD FAGD and MAGD awards.
PACE is the system most closely tied to AGD’s own award programs, which is why it comes up so often for general dentists.
ADA CERP
CERP is the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Recognition Program, overseen by the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CCEPR). It recognizes providers that meet its standards and is meant to give boards a sound basis for the uniform acceptance of CE credit.
One caveat is important: CERP recognizes providers, not individual courses or instructors, and recognition does not by itself mean any given board will accept a specific credit. The AGD also accepts hours from ADA CERP-recognized providers toward its awards.
What they have in common
- Both recognize providers, not individual courses.
- Both are widely accepted by state boards for renewal.
- The AGD accepts hours from either system toward Fellowship and Mastership.
What this means for you
Before you register, check that a course provider is PACE-approved or CERP-recognized, or otherwise accepted by your board. Then confirm the credit itself: provider recognition is a signal of quality, not a promise that your specific state board will count the hours. For AGD awards, confirm with the AGD; for renewal, confirm with your state board.
CEChart can record the provider and hours for each course as progress toward your requirement, and you can review provider details from the courses view. It does not verify a provider’s accreditation for you, and it does not certify that your credit will be accepted. That confirmation stays with the board or the AGD.