How to Get Your Dental Hygienist License in Arizona (2026)

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Arizona Arizona's rapidly growing population — particularly in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas — has created strong and sustained demand for dental hygienists. The Arizona Board of Dental Examiners (AZBDE) regulates RDH licensure and maintains clear requirements for applicants completing their education in Arizona or transferring from other states. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program You must complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Arizona has several CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs, including those at Rio Salado College and Mohave Community College, among others. Most programs award an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene over approximately two years. Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) programs are also available and may be advantageous for career advancement into education, public health, or corporate dental settings. Verify your program's CODA accreditation status directly before enrolling. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) Arizona requires a passing score on the NBDHE for all dental hygienist license applicants. The exam is 350 computer-based questions covering dental hygiene sciences, biomedical sciences, and patient case studies administered via Pearson VUE testing centers. The examination fee is approximately $450. Most candidates complete the NBDHE in their final semester of dental hygiene school. Your NBDHE score is valid for a defined period, so plan your clinical examination and state application to follow promptly. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination Arizona accepts the **ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE)** clinical examination. This standardized, patient-based exam assesses your competency in periodontal instrumentation, patient assessment, medical history review, and radiographic technique. ADEX testing sites are available throughout the country, so you can complete the exam before relocating to Arizona. Check the AZBDE website for any updates to accepted clinical examination providers. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License Submit your application to the **Arizona Board of Dental Examiners**. Application fees typically range from **$75 to $100**. Required materials include: - Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited dental hygiene program - NBDHE passing score verification - ADEX/clinical exam passing score verification - Criminal background check (fingerprint-based, processed through DPS) - Current CPR/BLS certification from AHA or Red Cross - Completed application form and fee payment Arizona also permits dental hygienists to apply for a temporary permit while the full license is processed under certain circumstances — contact the AZBDE for current eligibility rules. ### Continuing Education Requirements Arizona dental hygienists must complete **26 hours of continuing education every two years** for license renewal. Notably, **at least 2 of those hours must cover infection control** — this is a mandatory topic that cannot be substituted. Other recommended CE topics include radiographic technique updates, pharmacology, patient communication, and oral cancer screening. CE can be completed through the Arizona Dental Hygienists' Association, dental schools, or approved online platforms. Keep documentation of all CE in case of audit. ### Arizona Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Arizona dental hygienists typically earn between **$65,000 and $95,000 annually**, with significant variation by location and setting. Phoenix-area hygienists generally command higher wages due to competitive demand from large DSO networks, multi-specialty practices, and a growing affluent suburban population. Tucson wages are slightly lower on average but remain competitive. Public health and FQHC positions may include federal loan repayment benefits that augment total compensation. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Arizona **Dental service organizations (DSOs):** Arizona is one of the fastest-growing DSO markets in the country. Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, Smile Brands, Pacific Dental Services, and Dental Care Alliance all operate multiple Arizona locations. DSOs typically offer benefits, 401(k) matching, and defined scheduling. **Hospital systems:** Banner Health and Dignity Health have dental components integrated into some of their care delivery models, particularly for medically complex patients. **Federally Qualified Health Centers:** Organizations like Maricopa County's healthcare system and rural FQHCs throughout the state provide dental hygiene services to underserved populations with potential NHSC loan repayment. **Veterans Affairs:** The Phoenix VA Health Care System operates dental services and hires RDHs as federal employees with competitive benefits. **Private dental practices:** Independent and group practices across the Phoenix metro (Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria) and Tucson are the dominant employer segment and offer a wide range of scheduling and compensation models.