Which is a requirement for licensure as a dental hygienist in Arizona?

Completion of an accredited program is a requirement for licensure as a dental hygienist in Arizona. This requirement ensures that all practicing hygienists have received the necessary education and training from a program that meets specific accreditation standards. Accredited programs provide comprehensive instruction in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for effective patient care.

In Arizona, the emphasis on completion of an accredited program is critical because it signifies that the graduate has met the educational benchmarks recognized by the state dental board, which ultimately serves to protect public health by ensuring that only qualified individuals are licensed to practice. This foundational criterion lays the groundwork for the ability to understand advanced techniques, including infection control, radiography, and patient management.

Other requirements, such as age, experience, or passing a practical exam, while potentially relevant in different contexts or states, do not hold the same level of universality across Arizona’s dental hygiene licensure criteria. Thus, the focus on completing an accredited program is a distinct and essential requirement that facilitates a competent workforce in dental hygiene.