Arizona Board of Dentistry

About the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners

The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (BODEX) is comprised of 11 members appointed by the Governor: six dentists, two dental hygienists, two public members, and one business entity member. Individuals are appointed to a four-year term and may serve two consecutive terms. Interested parties may apply for appointment through the Governor's Office of Boards & Commissions.

As an "85/15" agency, the Board is funded through the collection of application and licensing fees — 85% of those revenues are deposited into the Board's fund, and the remaining 15% are deposited into the State's general fund for use as determined by the Legislature.

The Board's mission is to provide professional, courteous service and information to the dental profession and the general public through the examination, licensure, and complaint adjudication and enforcement processes, and to protect the oral health, safety, and welfare of Arizona citizens through a fair and impartial system.

The Board examines and licenses individuals who provide dental services in Arizona, including dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, denturists, and dental business entities. The Board also accepts complaints against licensed and unlicensed individuals, investigates allegations, and takes disciplinary actions for violations of law. The Board oversees more than 10,500 licensees practicing in the state.

License types issued by the Board

The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners issues licenses and permits to the following credential types:

• Dentists
• Dental Therapists
• Dental Hygienists
• Dental Assistants
• Denturists
• Dental Business Entities

Dental hygienists may also choose to be certified in local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide analgesia. Dental assistants may obtain a radiology certification by credential.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-4302, a person shall be granted an occupational or professional license or certificate if the person has been licensed or certified in another state for at least twelve months, the license or certificate is in the same discipline and at the same practice level as the license or certificate for which the person is applying in Arizona, and the person meets other conditions prescribed by that statute.

Applying for an Arizona dental license

The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners accepts initial license applications online. Once complete — including your e-signature — your application and any attached supporting documents will be emailed directly to Board staff. Other documents such as jurisdictional license verifications, transcripts, and exam scores are required to be submitted by the generating source. Documents not attached during the initial application may be emailed to info@dentalboard.az.gov or mailed to:

Jurisprudence examination

All applicants are required to submit a certificate of completion of the Board's jurisprudence examination as part of their initial application. The exam covers Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizona Administrative Code governing dentistry in Arizona. Key details:

• First fee: $35.00
• 50 multiple-choice questions, open-book format
• One hour to complete; 75% or higher required to pass
• Taken online at txn.esslearning.com/catalogs/azbde/

To prepare, study the Board's laws at the Arizona State Legislature website (Title 32, Chapter 11) and rules at the Arizona Secretary of State website (Title 4, Chapter 11). After passing, submit your certificate of completion directly to the Board's office.

Out-of-state licensees

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-4302, out-of-state licensees who have been licensed in the same discipline and at the same practice level for at least twelve months in another state may be granted an Arizona license, provided other statutory conditions are met.

Fees and license renewal

Arizona dental license fees and renewal periods are set by the Board and authorized under Arizona law. License renewals are processed through the Board's online portal at azus-sbde.ongovcore.com/public.

Note: The jurisprudence examination required for initial licensure carries a separate first fee of $35.00 at the time of testing, as noted on the Board's applications page.

Continuing education requirements

Arizona dental licensees are subject to continuing education requirements as a condition of license renewal. The Board's rules define required hours, approved course categories, and documentation standards.

Scope of practice

The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners regulates six distinct credential types, each with a defined scope of practice under Arizona law:

• Dentists — full diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions
• Dental Therapists — mid-level oral health providers licensed by the Board
• Dental Hygienists — preventive and clinical services, including possible certification in local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide analgesia
• Dental Assistants — supervised clinical support; radiology certification available by credential
• Denturists — fabrication and delivery of dentures directly to patients
• Dental Business Entities — registered entities providing dental services

The Board's statutes and rules define the specific acts, procedures, and supervision levels permitted for each credential type. Current laws are available at the Arizona State Legislature website under Title 32, Chapter 11, and rules are available at the Arizona Secretary of State website under Title 4, Chapter 11.

Filing a complaint against an Arizona dental professional

If you believe you have been harmed by an Arizona dentist, dental therapist, hygienist, or denturist, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Board. The Board recommends a three-step approach:

Step 1: Preliminary resolution

Before filing a formal complaint, consider:

• Free mediation: The Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) offers free mediation services, available regardless of whether the dentist is an AzDA member.
• Direct contact: Speaking with the licensee or their supervisor directly, as most providers prefer to resolve disputes with their patients.
• Written request: If in-person conversation is not preferred, sending a formal written request for resolution.

Step 2: File a formal complaint

To initiate a Board investigation, complete the online Dental Board Complaint Form. When submitting:

• Detail the allegation on the second page of the form
• Provide contact information for any other licensees who treated you before or after the incident
• Attach supporting documentation using the upload links provided

Board staff will notify you once your complaint is received and inform you of the final outcome. For additional questions, email the Board Compliance Team at compliance@dentalboard.az.gov.

Step 3: Track your complaint

Regularly review the Board's meeting notices, agendas, audio recordings, and minutes at dentalboard.az.gov/news/meetings to track progress through its final disposition.

Understanding restitution

If the Board finds that a licensee violated its statutes or rules, restitution may be ordered. Restitution only covers out-of-pocket fees paid directly by the patient — it does not include fees paid by insurance companies. For damages beyond out-of-pocket expenses, you must seek an award from a civil or criminal court.

Arizona Dental Association

The Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) is the professional membership organization for Arizona dentists, affiliated with the American Dental Association. With more than 2,500 member dentists, the AzDA is dedicated to empowering members to advocate for better oral health of Arizonans and to provide the highest quality care for their patients.

AzDA describes its advocacy program as one of the most vigilant in the country, with a state legislator serving as its executive director. Members receive access to news and insights about legislation, BODEX rule changes, and events affecting dentistry in Arizona — described as politically neutral and unbiased.

AzDA hosts in-person CE courses, local, state, and national webinars, and what it describes as the largest dental annual meeting in Arizona. Members also receive endorsed partner pricing and access to a members-only insurance hotline for claim denials and EOB questions.

AzDA offers free mediation services for patients who wish to resolve concerns before filing a formal complaint with the Board — available regardless of whether the dentist is an AzDA member.

More information is available at azda.org.

Disciplinary actions and license verification

License status and disciplinary history for Arizona dental professionals can be searched through the Board's GovCore portal at azus-sbde.ongovcore.com/public/verify-professional-license. The portal supports searches by practitioner name, license number, or location for both individuals and dental business entities.

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-3214, the following Board actions do not appear on the Board's public website:

• Disciplinary or non-disciplinary actions older than five years
• Complaints resulting in a non-disciplinary letter of concern
• Dismissed complaints

Licensees may also log in to the portal to order a certified verification letter to share with employers, regulatory agencies, or other state boards confirming their Arizona licensure status.

Other state dental boards