How to become a Dental Hygienist in Arizona
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Arizona you will need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Requirements for entry into accredited programs include a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on the school, you may need to pass entrance exams and complete an entry interview. Medical and legal clearances may also be required.
Below we provide details of the top accredited dental hygiene programs and related dental schools in Arizona, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Arizona
| Area | School | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff | Northern Arizona University | Learn More |
| Kingman | Mohave Community College | Learn More |
| Mesa | Mesa Community College | Learn More |
| Phoenix | Phoenix College | Learn More |
| Tempe | Rio Salado College | Learn More |
| Tucson | Pima Community College, Tucson | Learn More |
| Fort Smith | University of Arkansas | Learn More |
| Little Rock | University of Arkansas | Learn More |
Schools offering dental hygiene programs which have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized to maintain a high standard of education by the American Dental Association (ADA).
There are currently 8 CODA accredited programs in Arizona.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will be required to sit some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for your dental hygienist license.
Arizona Dental Hygienist License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and have passed all additional certification exams it is a requirement of Arizona law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Arizona. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners
Phone: (602) 242-1492
Website: http://www.azdentalboard.us
Dental Hygienist Salary in Arizona
| Salary | $85,470 |
| Hourly Wage | $41.09 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $65,300 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $101,640 |
| # Employed | 2,870 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Arizona is $85,470 – 14% above the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $41.09.
There are currently 2,870 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Arizona Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Arizona given the strong salary levels and jobs growth for the career.
Dental hygiene salaries are among some of the highest in the healthcare industry and it is projected that an additional 30,000 positions will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024 representing an almost 15% increase in employment.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental hygienists across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Arizona;
Area Number Employed Salary
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ 40 $88,090
Prescott, AZ 130 $87,850
Flagstaff, AZ 60 $83,320
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 2,090 $82,640
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Arizona
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Arizona;
| Career | Number Employed | Hourly Wage | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 1,400 | $30.97 | $64,410 |
| Physician Assistants | 400 | $35.04 | $72,880 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 1,080 | $24.05 | $50,020 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 360 | $28.15 | $58,550 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics | 2,220 | $14.06 | $29,230 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 3,620 | $13.79 | $28,680 |
| Surgical Technologists | 890 | $19.23 | $40,010 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 300 | $12.68 | $26,380 |
| Home Health Aides | 7,040 | $9.05 | $18,830 |
| Nursing Assistants | 17,950 | $10.61 | $22,070 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 200 | $31.41 | $65,340 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 990 | $25.02 | $52,030 |
| Massage Therapists | 260 | $18.65 | $38,790 |
| Dental Assistants | 2,530 | $15.64 | $32,520 |
| Medical Assistants | 2,900 | $13.82 | $28,750 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | 650 | $14.39 | $29,920 |
| Phlebotomists | 880 | $13.11 | $27,280 |