Arizona Dental CE Requirements for License Renewal: Complete 2026 Guide

Staying compliant with Arizona dental license renewal requirements is essential for protecting your license and providing safe, high-quality patient care. The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (AZBDE) requires dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to complete continuing education (CE) every renewal cycle.

This guide explains the Arizona dental CE requirements for license renewal—including required hours, mandatory topics, deadlines, and best practices—so you can renew with confidence.

CE Hour Requirements for Arizona Dentists

• 72 hours of CE every three years

• At least 40 hours must be live, interactive, or clinical participation

• Remaining hours may be completed online or self-study from approved providers

• CE must relate to the clinical practice of dentistry, patient care, or public health

• No more than 24 hours may be in non-clinical subjects (e.g., practice management)

CE Hour Requirements for Arizona Dental Hygienists

• 54 hours of CE every three years

• At least 30 hours must be live or interactive

• CE must relate to clinical dental hygiene, prevention, and patient care

• No more than 18 hours may be non-clinical

CE Hour Requirements for Arizona Dental Assistants

• No formal CE requirement for general dental assistants

• Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) must maintain current certifications and complete CE as required for their permits

Mandatory CE Topics for Arizona License Renewal

Arizona requires or strongly encourages the following CE topics during each renewal cycle:

• Arizona Jurisprudence – Must be completed every three years

• Infection Control – Must be current and regularly updated

• CPR/BLS Certification – Must be current at all times

• Opioid Prescribing and Pain Management – 3 hours every three years for DEA-registered dentists

• Ethics and Professional Conduct – Recommended regularly for all licensees

CE Reporting, Deadlines, and Audits

• Arizona dental licenses renew every three years (by June 30)

• CE completion is attested during license renewal

• Licensees must retain CE documentation for at least six years

• The AZBDE conducts random CE audits, so accurate recordkeeping is essential

CE Courses and Certificate Tracking

You can complete Arizona-compliant CE courses at ToothNerd.com, including Arizona Jurisprudence, OSHA, Infection Control, and Ethics.

While CE providers issue completion certificates, practices also need centralized documentation for compliance. Done Desk allows dental organizations to track CE completions, license renewals, and documentation for the entire team in one platform—helping practices stay audit-ready and compliant.

Best Practices for Arizona CE Compliance

• Plan ahead: Spread CE hours across your three-year renewal cycle

• Prioritize required topics: Complete jurisprudence and opioid prescribing CE early

• Verify providers: Choose only AZBDE-approved, ADA CERP, or AGD PACE CE

• Keep detailed records: Maintain both digital and physical proof of CE completion

Accreditation Statement

Tooth Nerd LLC is an approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit and AGD Approved Courses. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. Provider ID# 389654.

Bottom Line

Meeting Arizona dental continuing education requirements is essential for keeping your license active and your patients safe. By completing the required hours, covering all mandated topics, and tracking documentation through Done Desk, you can renew on time and with confidence.list and create your free Tooth Nerd account today to get ahead of your next renewal cycle.