Can excessive continuing education hours for a reporting period be credited to the next reported period?

In the context of continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in Oklahoma, the regulation stipulates that any excessive hours completed during a reporting period cannot be carried over into the next reporting period. This means that dental hygienists must complete the required number of continuing education hours as specified by the state for each designated period.

Continuing education is intended to ensure that dental hygienists remain current with developments in their field, and the system is designed to keep education requirements distinct for each reporting period. This structure promotes ongoing learning and ensures that all practitioners meet the same baseline of education within the timeframe defined by the governing authority. Thus, any hours completed beyond the required amount do not serve as a credit towards future requirements and cannot be used to fulfill obligations for subsequent reporting periods. This approach maintains clarity and accountability in continuing education compliance.