A New, Flexible Way to Fund Your Oral Systemic Educator Certificate
Feb 10, 2026We are excited to share a groundbreaking development that makes pursuing your Oral Systemic Educator Certificate™ more accessible than ever before. Thanks to the recent passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (Public Law 119-21), the Internal Revenue Code has been updated to expand the use of 529 savings plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to include "Recognized Postsecondary Credentials."
What This Means for You
Because the Oral Systemic Educator Certificate Program™ is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under the rigorous ASTM E2659-24 global standard, it now qualifies as a "Recognized Postsecondary Credential." This is fantastic news for prospective students, as it means you can now use funds from your 529 plan or Coverdell ESA to pay for program-related expenses.
This legislative change transforms these savings plans from being solely for traditional college tuition into flexible career development tools, empowering more individuals to invest in valuable, skills-based credentials like ours.
In addition, enrollment was opened to dental hygiene students in 2026, marking a new chapter in our commitment to fostering the next generation of oral health leaders.
How the Payment Process Works
Withdrawals from 529 plans and Coverdell ESAs for credentials such as ANAB-accredited certificates or certifications are reimbursement-based.
- Pay for Your Expenses: You will first pay for your qualified program expenses directly.
- Request Reimbursement: After paying, you can request a tax-free distribution from your 529 plan or Coverdell ESA to reimburse yourself for those costs.
- Keep Meticulous Records: It is important that you keep your receipt and a detailed record of your qualified expenses. We will email you a receipt and you should dowload our ANAB letter of accreditation that is posted inside the program. You will need these records to prove the funds were used for qualified expenses in the event of an IRS audit.
We recommend consulting with your 529 plan administrator and a qualified tax professional to ensure you follow all the necessary steps and requirements for your specific situation.
Additionally, an adult can open a 529 plan and name themself as the beneficiary to use it to pay for qualified education expenses (including professional credentials), tax-free. While contributions are not deductible from federal income tax, they can offer state income tax deductions and grow tax-deferred.
We are thrilled that this new law makes our program more attainable for a wider audience of passionate health and wellness professionals. This is a significant step forward in empowering more educators to champion the critical link between oral health and overall wellness.
Ready to get started? Learn more and access a free trial HERE
