Arizona Dental Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

CE Overview for Arizona Dentists

Every three years, dentists in Arizona must complete 63 hours of continuing education to renew their licenses. At least 21 hours must be completed through self-study options.

Specific Mandatory CE Courses

Dentists must ensure their CE activities include the following topics:

• 3 hours of opioid education
• 3 hours on infectious diseases or infection control
• 3 hours on ethics or Arizona dental jurisprudence

Permissible Methods for Completing CE Credits

Acceptable formats for CE credit accumulation include:

• Live, in-person courses and seminars
• Online CE courses
• Journal readings and professional publications
• Self-study programs from recognized providers

All CE activities must be pre-approved by recognized dental organizations or institutions to qualify toward license renewal.

Important Update: New Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) Role in Arizona

In April 2025, Arizona enacted a law establishing the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) role. This allows dental assistants who complete a board-approved training program (a minimum of 120 hours of didactic and clinical instruction) to perform supragingival scaling and prophylaxis (removal of plaque, calculus, and stains above the gumline) on patients with periodontal health or mild, localized gingivitis.

Key highlights:

• OPAs must work under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist.
• Services are restricted to periodontally healthy patients or those with reversible gingivitis.
• This change offers new pathways for practice efficiency and preventive care in dental offices statewide.

Tips for Managing CE Requirements in Arizona

• Plan CE activities early to avoid last-minute stress
• Leverage online dental CE courses for flexibility and convenience
• Prioritize courses endorsed by professional dental associations
• Maintain a detailed and organized CE record portfolio

CE Credit Approval and Record-Keeping Requirements

To ensure compliance with the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE) regulations:

• Choose CE courses from ASBDE-approved providers
• Focus on topics relevant to dental practice and patient care
• Complete all CE credits within each three-year licensure cycle
• Retain documentation of CE activities for at least five years for potential board audits

Additional Resources for Arizona Dentists

• Visit the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE) for approved provider lists
• Explore CE opportunities through the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA)
• Utilize the ASBDE's online CE tracking system for license renewal
• Contact the ASBDE directly for clarification on CE questions or rule updates