The Department of Dental Hygiene at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque strives to improve and enhance oral health care through education, research and patient care. The department is committed to providing continuing dental education (CDE) to practicing dental hygienists, dentists, dental technicians and dental assistants so that they maintain and continuously improve their knowledge and skills throughout their professional lives.
The CDE program ranges in scope from clinical and laboratory education to formal conferences with internationally recognized speakers. CDE focuses efforts on providing education to New Mexicans, but encourages national and international attendance. The program's goals are to:
Foster interdisciplinary education and promote collaborative practice for underserved communities CDE activities and services include hands-on clinical experiences, targeted training in new therapeutic techniques, lectures, panel discussions, workshops, symposia and the use of electronic technology.
If you do not see a continuing education event scheduled or listed below, please complete this Continuing Education Interest Form and we will notify you when we schedule the next event of interest.
NEW! Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the Division of Dental Hygiene's first Perio Symposium for the practicing dental hygienist. Dental Hygiene faculty will present on topics such as:
Sessions will include review of case studies and interactive discussions on practice and application. The event will be hosted hybrid, giving attendees the option to watch via Zoom or attend in person.
Lunch and Learn: Periodontal Therapy Adjuncts, hosted by Ivoclar.
Event Details:
If you have any questions, please reach out at dentalhygiene@salud.unm.edu or call 505-272-4513
A community event where students present research projects on dental hygiene current topics.
When: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Where: Novitski Hall - 900 Yale Blvd NE
CEU's: 2
More information to come!
If you have questions, please contact us at or 505-272-4513.
The next course will be in 2026. Please complete this form if you're interested.
Continuing Education Interest Form
This course will cover laser safety and use in dental hygiene. This laser training will include both theory and hands-on clinical simulation and practice and will satisfy the NM Board of Dental Health Care requirements.
The next workshop will be scheduled for spring 2027. If interested in future workshops, please fill out this Continuing Education Interest Form Please check back in the future for updates.
Local anesthesia for the practicing dental hygienist is a 5 day local aneesthesia course that prepares the practicing dental hygienist to take the CDCA-WREB-CITA Local Anesthesia Examination or equivalent examination.
Updates coming Soon!
More information on our website!
The Division of Dental Hygiene hosted the Focus on the Future [PDF] Summer Symposium in 2018 and published the white paper from this symposium in the Summer of 2019. This was the beginning of a state-wide initiative to strengthen the viability of the dental hygiene profession in New Mexico, unify the voice of dental hygienists in New Mexico and improve the oral health of all New Mexicans. No current schedule.
Learn more about our Dental Hygiene and Residency Programs.