Objective: The purposes of this study were twofold: to investigate continuing dental education (CDE) activities of Thai dentists and to identify associating factors. Methods: A systematic random sample of 3,486 dentists in Thailand was surveyed by mailed questionnaires. 1,390 active practicing dentists returned completed questionnaires. An index of continuing dental education was developed as a summary measure for dentists' participation in CDE during the calendar year 2000. Results: Results showed that journal reading was the most frequently reported CDE activity (97.2%). Results of a multiple regression analysis on the CDE index showed that the younger the dentist, being a specialist, having a higher number of dentists in practice and being government employed were related to a higher degree of participation in CDE. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed a variety of CDE activities among Thai dentists, as well as identified relevant factors. These information may be useful for future development of a system for CDE in Thailand. Research funded by the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University.