Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What dentists miss in Colorado
- Endorsement can rest on as little as one year of active practice elsewhere.
- Dentists must carry malpractice coverage of at least $500,000 per incident and $1.5 million aggregate, or qualify for an exemption.
- Colorado has no jurisprudence exam; applicants attest to one hour of jurisprudence education instead.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Colorado license by credentials?
Colorado licenses by endorsement through its Occupational Credential Portability Program. A dentist with an active license elsewhere shows current competency, most often by one year of active clinical practice; five of seven years of clinical teaching, a board-approved clinical exam within a year, or an approved evaluation also qualify.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 1 year of active clinical practice in another jurisdiction (other ways to show competency exist)
Citation: 3 CCR 709-1, Rule 1.6(C); C.R.S. § 12-20-202(3)
Which clinical exams does Colorado accept?
Original licensure requires an examination or other method the board approves to test clinical skills, which the rule says may include residency and portfolio models. ADEX lists Colorado as accepting its dental exam.
- ADEX accepted
Does Colorado require a jurisprudence exam?
Instead of a law exam, dentist applicants attest to at least one hour of jurisprudence education on the Colorado Dental Practice Act before applying; the hour can count toward first-renewal CE.
- No jurisprudence exam
Is Colorado in the dental compact?
Colorado has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (2024), but no state issues compact privileges yet. Practicing here takes a Colorado license.
- Compact enacted, not issuing
Does Colorado require a sedation permit?
Colorado issues Minimal Sedation, Moderate Sedation and Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia permits. Moderate and deep sedation applicants first get a 90-day Inspection Permit to use only for the board's clinical onsite inspection, and must hold ACLS or PALS.
- Separate sedation permit
Does Colorado issue specialty licenses?
A licensed dentist may practice in all areas of dentistry. Advertising a specialty without completing the education recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards is grounds for discipline.
- No specialty license
What hygienists need to know in Colorado
Hygienists can be licensed by endorsement through the same portability program. Giving local anesthetic requires a one-time Local Anesthesia Permit after accredited coursework that includes 12 hours of didactic training.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
- Local anesthesia permit for hygienists
Do dental assistants need a Colorado registration?
The rules let dentists delegate tasks to dental assistants under supervision, including nitrous oxide monitoring and administration after appropriate training, but set no assistant license or registration.
- No assistant registration
Does Colorado offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
By invitation only, a dentist or hygienist licensed elsewhere can get a temporary license to serve patients through a Colorado government program or 501(c)(3) nonprofit. A military spouse temporary license also exists.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Colorado dental license renew?
Active licensees complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education in the two years before each renewal. A license issued within a year of the renewal date needs none for the first period; otherwise 15 hours.
- Renews every 2 years
- 30 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Colorado?
For a license, we prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, request your verifications, and track it to a decision; you complete, sign and submit the application. License by credentials is $799 per state.