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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
dental board; membership
Purpose
Requires one of the six licensed dentists on the State Board of Dental Examiners (BODEX) to be an actively practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Background
BODEX regulates and licenses dental professionals, including dentists, dental consultants, dental hygienists, denturists and dental therapists. BODEX also reviews complaints against licensees and business entities, conducts investigations and is authorized to take disciplinary action for violations of state laws relating to the profession. BODEX consists of 11 members, including: 1) six licensed dentists; 2) two licensed dental hygienists; 3) two public members; and 4) one business entity member. Members are appointed by the Governor for four-year terms, beginning and ending on January 1 (A.R.S. § 32-1203).
Oral maxillofacial surgery is a specialized medical field that diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face and jaws, including the hard and soft tissues of this region. Oral maxillofacial surgeons perform procedures such as dental implants and reconstructive surgery, facial trauma repair, cosmetic facial enhancements, corrective jaw surgery and cleft lip and palate surgery (American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires one of the six licensed dentist members of BODEX to be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in active practice at the time of appointment.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
HHS 2/9/26 DP 12-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/26/26 53-0-7
Prepared by Senate Research
March 16, 2026
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