Which of the following is NOT a way a dental hygienist can earn CE clock hours?

In Washington State, dental hygienists have several avenues to earn continuing education (CE) clock hours, and independent study is not officially recognized as a method for qualifying CE credit. CE courses, correspondence courses, and college credit courses are structured formats that are typically approved by state boards and organizations, ensuring that participants receive recognized training that meets educational standards.

CE courses are often organized events where professionals can gather, gain knowledge from experts, and engage in interactive discussions that foster better practice outcomes. Correspondence courses offer flexibility for hygienists to learn at their own pace, but they also follow a structured curriculum provided by accredited institutions. College credit courses are formal classes offered by educational institutions, and the credits earned often carry a significant value in terms of professional development.

Independent study lacks this formal structure and typically does not provide the necessary documentation or accreditation that would qualify as recognized CE credit. Therefore, while self-directed study can be valuable for personal knowledge, it does not fulfill the same criteria as the other listed methods for earning CE clock hours for dental hygienists in Washington State.