Dental Hygienist in Arizona

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AZ. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$97,530

trending_up +3.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.

engineering

5,040

Jobs (AZ)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$2,150

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Arizona

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Arizona, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and a regional clinical exam (such as ADEX, WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA). Additionally, candidates must pass the Arizona Dental Jurisprudence Examination and obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card. Arizona offers pathways for licensure by credential or universal license recognition for those already licensed in other states, provided they meet specific practice hour or residency requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $84,190

25th percentile $93,900

50th (median) $97,530

75th percentile $98,860

90th (experienced) $102,170

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arizona. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arizona requirements

Licensing body	Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX) ($1,150)
Application fee	$1,000
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	45.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires passing the Arizona Dental Jurisprudence Examination ($100 fee) and a valid fingerprint clearance card. CPR certification required as part of CE. At least 3 hours in chemical dependency, tobacco cessation, ethics, risk management, or Arizona dental jurisprudence. At least 3 hours in infectious diseases or infectious disease control. At least 3 hours in CPR (healthcare provider level). If administering Botox or dermal fillers, 12 CE hours in those topics are required within the 45 hours. License expires 30 days after the licensee's birth month every third year.

Source: Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual openings

15,300

Nationwide per year

Total employment

221,600

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleArizona license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a dental hygienist in Arizona? expand_more

Arizona requires dental hygienists to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and submit your application ($1,000 fee).

Does Arizona require dental hygienist licensure? expand_more

Arizona mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX).

How much does a dental hygienist make in Arizona? expand_more

The median dental hygienist salary in Arizona is $97,530 per year. That's roughly in line with the $94,260 national median. The range spans from $84,190 at the entry level to $102,170 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a dental hygienist in Arizona? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($1,150) and application fee ($1,000) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a dental hygienist in Arizona? expand_more

The typical timeline in Arizona is 2-4 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Does Arizona require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

License renewal in Arizona requires completing 45.0 hours of continuing education on a 3.0-year cycle.