Support Amendments to SB 1037
AIDA is Fighting for you and all Dental Assistants in Arizona
Help Us Fix the OPA Law – Take Action Today
A new Arizona law (SB 1124) created a dental certification called the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA). This allows dental assistants to be trained and pass an additional course to perform cleanings under a dentist’s supervision.
But there’s a problem.
The Law Makes It Harder for AIDA Graduates
As it stands, the law makes it much more difficult for graduates of non-accredited schools like AIDA to qualify for the OPA course.
Students from accredited schools can go directly into the OPA program. But AIDA graduates must first work 3,500 hours and pass multiple expensive exams—even though they’ve received hands-on training under real dentists.
That’s not fair—and we’re working to fix it.
What We’re Fighting For
An amendment to Senate Bill 1037 has been introduced. If passed, (what we want) this amendment will:
✅ Give all qualified graduates—regardless of school accreditation—a fair and direct path to the OPA course
✅ Protect the future of Arizona’s dental assistants
✅ Preserve student choice and keep dental education affordable and accessible
How You Can Help (It Only Takes 2–3 Minutes)
1. Find Your District
🔗 Click here to find your district and elected officials
2. Email Your Legislators
Use the contact lists below to email as many Senators and Representatives as you can. Tell them you support the amendment to SB 1037.
3. Send a Simple Message
Feel free to use the example below but customize it in your email:
Subject: Please Support the Amendment to SB 1037
I’m a proud graduate of a licensed dental assisting school in Arizona. I’m asking you to support the amendment to SB 1037, which would ensure all well-trained dental assistants—regardless of where they went to school—have a fair and direct path to the new OPA certification.
This amendment will strengthen our profession and expand access to qualified assistants across Arizona. Please support it.
(Make the email custom to you and your experience and why this amendment will help you.)
Thank You for Taking a Stand
This isn’t just about AIDA—it’s about you and every dental assistant in Arizona. We’re doing this to protect your future and make sure hard-working students aren’t left behind.
Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for being part of this fight.
Current Arizona House Representatives