Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Arizona
Arizona offers four pathways to dental licensure — more than most states — reflecting a flexible, accessibility-minded approach to credentialing. Whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced clinician relocating from out of state, a specialist, or simply an Arizona resident already licensed elsewhere, there is a route designed for your situation.
Pathways to Licensure
The four routes to licensure in Arizona are: Examination, License by Credential, Specialty License, and Universal Recognition.
Pathway 1: Examination
This is the standard route for new dental graduates and the most common entry point into Arizona licensure.
To qualify, applicants must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school and passed either the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). A clinical examination accepted by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners is also required — currently accepted exams include WREB/CDCA-WREB, CDCA, CRDTS, and SRTA — along with the Arizona Dental Jurisprudence Examination.
To apply, submit an application to the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners with the required fee, official dental school transcripts, NBDE or INBDE scores, and clinical exam scores. Applicants must also pass the Jurisprudence Examination and complete a fingerprint clearance card application for a background check.
Pathway 2: License by Credential
This pathway is designed for licensed dentists relocating to Arizona from another state who have maintained an active clinical presence.
Eligibility requires holding a current, unrestricted license in another U.S. state, having completed at least 5,000 hours of active clinical practice or teaching within the five years immediately preceding the application, and having no disciplinary history. The Arizona Dental Jurisprudence Examination is also required.
The application process involves submitting a credential application and fee, providing license verification from every state where a license is or has been held, documenting active practice or teaching hours, submitting a letter of endorsement from the licensing board of the state where you currently practice, passing the Jurisprudence Examination, and completing a fingerprint clearance card application.
Pathway 3: Specialty License
Arizona provides a dedicated licensure pathway for dentists practicing within a recognized dental specialty, provided they have completed the appropriate advanced training.
To be eligible, applicants must hold a general dentistry license in good standing in another state, have completed a CODA-accredited postgraduate specialty program, and be board certified in their specialty. The Arizona Dental Jurisprudence Examination is required as well.
To apply, submit a specialty license application and fee, provide verification of your general dentistry license, submit proof of specialty program completion and board certification, pass the Jurisprudence Examination, and complete a fingerprint clearance card application.
Pathway 4: Universal Recognition
This pathway is distinctive to Arizona and represents one of the more streamlined options available for relocating dentists. Arizona’s universal recognition policy allows any dentist who has been licensed in good standing in another state for at least one year to apply for Arizona licensure — without needing to retest clinically.
To qualify, applicants must be currently licensed in at least one other state for a minimum of one year, be in good standing across all states where licensed, establish Arizona residency, meet the state’s fingerprint clearance card requirements, and pass the Arizona Dental Jurisprudence Examination.
The application requires submitting a universal recognition application and fee, providing license verification from all states where a license is or has been held, submitting proof of Arizona residency, passing the Jurisprudence Examination, and completing a fingerprint clearance card application.
Additional Requirements and Notes
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate good moral character. The Arizona Dental Jurisprudence Examination covers Arizona-specific dental laws and rules, and familiarity with both is expected before sitting for the exam.
Licenses are renewed on a triennial basis. Continuing education requirements must be met to maintain licensure in good standing.
Arizona also offers a restricted permit for dentists employed by or under contract with a public health agency or institution — a meaningful option for those pursuing community-centered or safety-net practice.
Foreign-trained dentists face additional steps, including credential evaluation by an approved agency and, depending on the applicant’s background, may also need to demonstrate English proficiency through an approved examination.
For current application materials, fee schedules, and regulatory updates, visit the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners website or contact the Board directly.