AZ HB2026

Amends the formal hearing process for the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners by adding a new subsection allowing the board to issue a formal complaint and order a formal hearing if sufficient evidence of disciplinary violations is found after investigation or review.

Modifies complaint investigation procedures to clarify that the investigation committee or board representatives (rather than only the investigation committee) may conduct interviews with licensees regarding complaint information.

Updates dental hygienist supervision requirements by changing the examination standard for local anesthesia certification from "western regional examining board or substantially equivalent state examination" to "a state or regional testing agency in the United States."

Clarifies that a dentist supervising a dental hygienist using emerging scientific technology must have training equal to or greater than the training required for the dental hygienist.

Changes the definition of "dental hygiene assessment" from "identifying" to "the identification of" existing or potential oral health problems that dental hygienists are qualified and licensed to treat.