Business · Arizona
Pima Medical Institute launches dental hygiene program at Phoenix campus
Sep 11, 2026
Pima Medical Institute launched a new Dental Hygiene program at its Phoenix campus on September 10, 2026, aiming to address the growing demand for oral health professionals in Arizona. Enrollment is currently open for the inaugural class, which is set to begin on November 2, 2026. The program will offer an 18-month associate degree that focuses on preventive oral healthcare, including dental cleanings and patient education.
The new program is part of Pima Medical Institute's efforts to strengthen the regional healthcare workforce. Mark Luebke, Co-CEO of Pima Medical Institute, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Arizona has a significant need for qualified dental hygienists, and educating more professionals is an important part of addressing that gap."
Students will receive hands-on clinical experience at the Phoenix Dental Hygiene Clinic, which is scheduled to open in early 2027. This clinic will provide affordable preventive dental hygiene services to the local community, allowing students to apply their training under the supervision of licensed professionals. The program is designed to help meet the needs of underserved populations in Arizona, particularly in areas identified as having a shortage of dental health professionals.
According to the University of Arizona Center for Rural Health, Arizona currently meets less than 35 percent of its dental health workforce needs, leaving many residents without adequate access to oral healthcare. The launch of this program is expected to expand access to dental hygiene careers and improve preventive care availability across the state.
The curriculum will include essential subjects such as anatomy, oral pathology, and public health, preparing graduates to apply for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and other state licensure requirements. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). For more information on the new Dental Hygiene program, visit descriptive anchor.