Arizona Dental Assistant License
Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
- DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
- Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $0
How to Apply
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Review Expanded Functions Requirements ▾Thoroughly review the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE) website, particularly the 'Dental Assistant' section and the 'Dental Assistant Expanded Functions Reference Guide,' to understand the specific training, education, and certifications required for each expanded function you intend to perform.
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Complete Training and Obtain Certifications ▾Successfully complete all necessary board-approved training programs and obtain required certifications, such as CPR/BLS and specific certifications for each expanded function (e.g., Coronal Polishing, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Nitrous Oxide Monitoring), as outlined by the ASBDE.
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Gather Supporting Documentation ▾Compile all required supporting documentation, which may include official transcripts, course completion certificates, Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certifications, and current CPR/BLS cards, to demonstrate fulfillment of all expanded function notification requirements.
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Create an Online Account ▾If you do not already have one, create a new applicant account on the ASBDE Online Services Portal (elicense.az.gov) by clicking 'Create Account' and providing the requested personal and login information.
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Submit Expanded Function Notification ▾Log in to your account on the ASBDE Online Services Portal (elicense.az.gov), navigate to the appropriate section for dental assistant expanded function notifications, complete the electronic form, and upload all prepared supporting documents for review by the Board.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Your Current Credentials ▾Confirm that your DANB CDA certification, radiography credentials, and any expanded function certifications from your current state are current and in good standing. Arizona recognizes DANB certification but may require additional documentation for specific expanded functions.
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Create an ASBDE Online Account ▾Create a new applicant account on the ASBDE Online Services Portal (elicense.az.gov). If you already have an Arizona account from a previous application, log in with your existing credentials.
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Complete Arizona Fingerprint Clearance ▾Submit fingerprints through an Arizona DPS-approved vendor for your Arizona background check. Out-of-state background checks are not accepted — you must complete the Arizona-specific fingerprint clearance card process.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Not applicable (one-time notification)
Compact
No
Board
Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
Arizona Dental Assistant licenses renew Not applicable (one-time notification). Contact the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
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Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Arizona-specific note
▾
Arizona may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Arizona require a dental assistant license?
▾
No, Arizona does not require state licensure for general dental assistants. However, expanded functions and radiography may require permits or certifications.
Is DANB certification recognized in Arizona?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Arizona.
Can I take dental x-rays in Arizona?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Arizona?
▾
There is no state application fee for general dental assistants in Arizona. However, DANB CDA exam costs $450, and radiography certifications may have additional fees.
Board Info
Sources