(a) The board shall be authorized to require persons seeking renewal of a dental license under this chapter to complete board approved continuing education of not less than 40 hours biennially. The board shall be authorized to approve courses offered by institutions of higher learning, specialty societies, or professional organizations and to designate the number of hours required and the category in which those hours should be earned.

(b) The board shall be authorized to waive the continuing education requirement in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.

(c) The board shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement and ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code section.

(d) This Code section shall apply to each licensing, certification, and renewal cycle which begins after the 1990-1991 renewal.