Steps to get licensed in Arizona
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass a clinical exam from a state or regional testing agency within five years of applying.
- Get an Arizona fingerprint clearance card.
- Pass the Arizona dental jurisprudence exam (75% to pass).
- Apply online with your transcript, exam results, CPR certification, and fees.
Board exams for Arizona licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Arizona accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Arizona law requires a clinical exam from a U.S. state or regional testing agency, taken within five years before you apply.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required
Arizona requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Arizona issues a separate local anesthesia certificate. You need a 36-hour CODA-accredited course and a board-accepted local anesthesia exam.
Moving to Arizona with a license from another state
Arizona isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Arizona?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 7 schools with dental hygiene programs in Arizona, 6 offer an associate degree and 1 offers a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Arizona
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Arizona?
Not automatically. Arizona isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Arizona require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Arizona requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 75% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Arizona?
Arizona issues a separate local anesthesia certificate. You need a 36-hour CODA-accredited course and a board-accepted local anesthesia exam.
Which clinical exams does Arizona accept?
Arizona accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Arizona law requires a clinical exam from a U.S. state or regional testing agency, taken within five years before you apply. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dentalboard.az.gov /faqs
- azleg.gov /ars/32/01285.htm
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/arizona/Ariz-Admin-Code-SS-R4-11-…
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- adha.org /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Overview_Clinical_…
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site