Opioid / controlled substances[1]
3 hrs
Triennial
3 hours of opioid education every 3-year renewal cycle.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“At least three Credit Hours in opioid education;”
AAC R4-11-1203(3)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Mandatory topics
For Dentists, 63 hours is the total CME requirement. Arizona also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 63-hour total.
Infectious disease[1]
3 hrs
Triennial
3 hours of infectious disease or infection control CE per cycle.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“At least three Credit Hours in infectious diseases or infectious disease control;”
AAC R4-11-1203(4)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Cpr[1]
3 hrs
Triennial
3 hours of CPR (healthcare provider level), ACLS, or PALS per cycle. May be online if it includes a physical skills demonstration.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“At least three Credit Hours in cardiopulmonary resuscitation healthcare provider level, advanced cardiac life support or pediatric advanced life support. Coursework may be completed online if the course requires a physical demonstration of skills; and”
AAC R4-11-1203(5)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Professional Boundaries[1]
3 hrs
Triennial
3 hours of ethics or Arizona dental jurisprudence per cycle.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“At least three Credit Hours in ethics or Arizona dental jurisprudence.”
AAC R4-11-1203(6)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Arizona cycle automatically. Start tracking free →
Conditional requirements
These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.
ConditionalSedation[1]
0 hrs
Triennial
Dentists holding a permit to administer General Anesthesia, Deep Sedation, Parenteral Sedation, or Oral Sedation
View sourceVerbatim from source
“A Licensee who holds a permit to administer General Anesthesia, Deep Sedation, Parenteral Sedation, or Oral Sedation who is required to obtain continuing education pursuant to Article 13 may apply those Credit Hours to the requirements of this Section;”
AAC R4-11-1203(1)See source [1] in Primary Sources
ConditionalGeneral CME[1]
12 hrs
Triennial
Dentists who provide botulinum toxin type A or dermal fillers to patients
View sourceVerbatim from source
“If the dentist provides botulinum toxin type A or dermal fillers to a patient, at least 12 Credit Hours in didactic or clinical training related to botulinum toxin type A or dermal fillers, as identified in A.R.S. § 32-1202.”
AAC R4-11-1203(7)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Arizona Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
ADA CERP | ADA CERP-recognized providers explicitly named in AAC Title 4, Ch. 11, Art. 1 definition of 'recognized continuing dental education.'Sourcehttps://dentalboard.az.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/CE%20Information%20for%20Providers_0.pdf[2] |
AGD PACE | AGD PACE-approved providers explicitly named in the same AAC definition.Sourcehttps://dentalboard.az.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/CE%20Information%20for%20Providers_0.pdf[2] |
Board-approved credit max 21 hrs | Self-study (correspondence, video, online with examination) capped at 21 hours per renewal cycle.Sourcehttps://dentalboard.az.gov/sites/default/files/2022-04/CE%20Information%20for%20Providers_0.pdf[2] |
Documentation & audit
Arizona uses a three-year renewal cycle tied to the licensee's birth month, not a biennial cycle. Total: 63 hours every 3 years (≈21 hrs/year).
Waivers & exemptions
No formal waivers or exemptions are published for Arizona.
FAQ
Does Arizona treat DDS and DMD differently for CE purposes?
No. The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees are equivalent in Arizona, and the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners licenses both under A.R.S. § 32-1236. The same 63-hour triennial CE obligation, the same subject minimums, and the same self-study cap apply to every dentist regardless of degree title.
Are ADA CERP credits accepted in Arizona?
Yes. AAC Title 4, Chapter 11, Article 1 explicitly names "American Dental Association, Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP)" and "Academy of General Dentistry, Program Approval for Continuing Education (AGD PACE) approved provider" in its definition of "recognized continuing dental education." That is the strongest possible regulatory acceptance — both programs are listed by name in the rule.
Are there mandatory CE topics for dentist renewal in Arizona?
Yes. Within the 63-hour total, every Arizona dentist must complete at least 3 hours each of: opioid education; infectious diseases or infection control; CPR (healthcare provider level), ACLS, or PALS; and ethics or Arizona dental jurisprudence. Sedation permit holders satisfy additional Article 13 sedation-CE requirements that may double-count toward the 36-hour clinical category. Dentists who provide botulinum toxin or dermal fillers face an additional 12-hour training requirement under current R4-11-1203(7).
Where can I check my Arizona dental license renewal date?
The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners maintains a public services portal at azus-sbde.ongovcore.com/public. Licenses are tied to the licensee's birth month and expire 30 days after that month every third year, so the exact expiration date varies by individual.