Before you settle on a new dentist in Arizona, it only takes a few minutes to confirm they're properly licensed and in good standing. Arizona's dental regulator publishes this information online, free for anyone to search. Here's exactly how to do it, and how to make sense of what you find.
Why Checking a Dentist's License Matters
Verifying a license before your appointment can help you:
Confirm the dentist is legally authorized to practice in Arizona
Spot a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license before you sit in the chair
See whether any disciplinary action or public complaint history exists
Avoid unlicensed or fraudulent practitioners
Feel more confident in a provider you found through an ad, insurance directory, or online search
Arizona's Official Dental Licensing Board
Dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, denturists, and dental consultants in Arizona are licensed by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners.
Official website: dentalboard.az.gov
Search for a Dental Professional (lookup tool): dentalboard.az.gov/search-dental-professional
Phone: (602) 242-1492
Email: [email protected]
The Board notes that all information in its search tool comes directly from its own licensing database, making it a source of primary source verification for anyone checking credentials — patients and employers alike.
Step-by-Step: How to Look Up a Dentist's License in Arizona
Visit the Board's website at dentalboard.az.gov and select "Search for a Dental Professional," or go directly to the search page.
Choose your search criteria. You can typically search using:
First, middle, and/or last name
License type (dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, etc.)
License number
City, county, state, or ZIP code
Submit the search. The tool will return matching licensee records.
Review the details. Click into a specific record to see license status, license number, issue date, and expiration date.
Check the disclaimer. The Board notes the data reflects the database as of the last update, and that pending, dismissed, or terminated complaints are not made public per Arizona law (A.R.S. §32-1207(A)(3)).
If you have trouble with the online tool or want additional context, call the Board directly at (602) 242-1492.
What Do the Different License Statuses Mean?
Arizona's search tool will typically show one of the following statuses:
Active: The dentist is currently licensed and authorized to practice in Arizona.
Active — Renewal in Process, CE Request, or CE Extension: The Board notes that professionals whose license shows an expired date but a status such as "Renewal in Process" may still legally practice while their renewal is under review. This is a normal administrative status, not a red flag on its own.
Expired: The license was not renewed and is no longer valid for practice unless one of the "renewal in process" statuses above applies.
Inactive: The dentist has voluntarily placed their license on inactive status and is not currently authorized to practice.
Suspended: The Board has temporarily removed the dentist's ability to practice, generally due to a disciplinary matter.
Revoked: The Board has permanently terminated the license, typically after serious misconduct.
Probation/Restricted/Surrendered: The dentist practices under specific Board-imposed conditions, or has voluntarily given up their license, often in connection with a disciplinary case.
Because an expired-looking license can still be valid during renewal processing, it's worth reading the full record (or calling the Board) before assuming the worst.
How to Interpret Disciplinary Actions or Public Complaints
The Board's online records may include formal disciplinary actions, but Arizona law limits what's publicly available:
Formal Board orders (such as reprimands, probation, suspension, or revocation) generally do appear as part of the licensee's public record.
Pending, dismissed, and terminated complaints are not available to the public, per A.R.S. §32-1207(A)(3).
Letters of Concern — a lower-level, non-disciplinary Board communication — are not posted online but can be requested in writing for up to five years after they're issued.
The Board also notes that some actions may not appear on a licensee's record for a few weeks after they're taken, due to appeals, effective dates, or other administrative steps.
If you want more detail about a specific action, contacting the Board directly at (602) 242-1492 or by email is the most reliable way to get clarification.
What to Do If a Dentist's Status Looks Inactive, Suspended, or Concerning
Double-check the record for context — an expired date alongside a "renewal in process" note usually means the dentist can still legally practice.
Call the Board at (602) 242-1492 if the status is unclear or concerning.
Ask about Letters of Concern if you want a fuller picture, since these aren't shown online by default.
Talk to the dental office directly — a reputable practice should be able to explain any licensing questions without hesitation.
Choose another provider if the license is genuinely expired, suspended, or revoked, since practicing under those circumstances isn't something worth risking your care on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona's dental license lookup tool free?
Yes, it's a free public service provided by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners.
Do I need a license number to search?
No. You can search by name alone; a license number, city, or ZIP code can help narrow the results.
Can I see all complaints filed against a dentist?
No. Arizona law keeps pending, dismissed, and terminated complaints confidential. Only formal disciplinary actions are generally part of the public record.
What if a dentist's license shows an old expiration date but the status says "Active"?
This can happen when a renewal is still being processed by the Board. The Board considers these dentists authorized to continue practicing while their application is reviewed.
Does the search tool cover dental hygienists and dental therapists too?
Yes, the same tool covers all dental professionals licensed by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, including hygienists, therapists, and denturists.
Closing Summary
Checking a dentist's license in Arizona is quick and free through the Board's official Search for a Dental Professional tool at dentalboard.az.gov. Confirm the license is active, understand any unusual status shown, and remember that some complaint records are confidential by law. If anything looks concerning, a call to the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners at (602) 242-1492 can help you get the full picture before your appointment.