Does a dentist in the Air Force need an Arizona dental license to practice at a base in Arizona?

A dentist in the Air Force does not need an Arizona dental license to practice at a base in Arizona due to the principles of military jurisdiction and the specific regulations governing military personnel.

Active-duty military members, including dentists, are allowed to practice their profession regardless of state licensing requirements as long as they are providing care to military members and their dependents. This exemption is rooted in the understanding that military service members operate under federal law and military regulations.

While certain regulations might vary based on the specific duties or circumstances, the overarching guideline is that active-duty military personnel are not required to obtain a state license to provide services on military installations. This helps streamline the provision of healthcare to service members and maintains the focus on meeting the health needs of military personnel efficiently and effectively.

In contrast, civilians receiving dental care on base may require specific considerations related to licensing and regulations, due to their non-military status. However, for an active-duty Air Force dentist, the requirement for a state license like that of Arizona is waived during their service.