Colorado Dental Assistant License
Colorado Dental Board
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Age — A valid government-issued ID showing you are at least 18 years old.
- High School Diploma or GED — Proof of secondary education completion.
- CPR/BLS Certification Card — A current certificate in Basic Life Support or CPR for healthcare providers.
- Radiography Training Certificate — Proof of completion of a board-approved X-ray course or a passing score on the DANB RHS exam.
How to Apply
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Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements ▾Ensure you are at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
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Obtain CPR/BLS Certification ▾Complete a hands-on training course in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for healthcare providers. This must be maintained throughout your employment.
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Complete Radiography Training ▾To legally take X-rays, you must either complete a Colorado Dental Board-approved 8.5-hour training course (3.5 hours lecture, 5 hours clinical) or pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
View Radiography Requirements -
Secure Employment ▾Apply for dental assistant positions. In Colorado, the supervising dentist is responsible for ensuring that all dental assistants in their office are properly trained and meet state requirements.
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Maintain Training Records ▾Keep copies of your high school diploma, CPR card, and X-ray training certificate. Your employer is required to keep these documents on file for inspection by the Board.
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Pursue Expanded Duties (Optional) ▾Complete an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) course to perform advanced tasks such as coronal polishing or monitoring nitrous oxide, although no separate state license is issued.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Colorado Dental Board for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Radiography Training ▾Confirm that your previous training meets Colorado's 8.5-hour requirement (3.5 lecture/5 clinical). If not, you must complete a supplemental Board-approved course.
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Confirm DANB Certification Status ▾If you hold a current DANB CDA or RHS credential, this satisfies Colorado's radiography requirements without further state-specific training.
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Update BLS Certification ▾Ensure your CPR/BLS certification is current and meets Colorado's standards for healthcare providers.
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Provide Records to Colorado Employer ▾Since there is no state registration, simply provide your training and certification records to your new Colorado employer for their files.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
N/A - No general license or renewal
Compact
No
Board
Colorado Dental Board
Keeping Your License Active
Colorado Dental Assistant licenses renew N/A - No general license or renewal. Contact the Colorado Dental Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
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Slow Downs
Course Availability
▾
Board-approved radiography courses may have limited schedules or locations, delaying your ability to perform X-rays.
Exam Scheduling
▾
If choosing the DANB RHS pathway, waiting for an available testing center appointment can take several weeks.
Missing Documentation
▾
Failure to keep physical copies of training certificates can cause delays when starting a new job or during office audits.
Questions
Does Colorado require a license for dental assistants?
▾
No. Colorado does not license, register, or certify dental assistants at the state level. Requirements are met through training and supervised practice.
What are the requirements to perform X-rays in Colorado?
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You must be at least 18 years old and either complete a board-approved 8.5-hour training course or pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
Is there a state-issued certificate for Expanded Duties (EDDA)?
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No. While 'Expanded Duties' training exists and allows assistants to perform more tasks, the Colorado Dental Board does not issue a separate EDDA credential or license.
How do I verify a dental assistant's credentials?
▾
Since there is no state license, there is no online verification portal. Employers must verify training certificates and CPR cards directly with the employee.
Who regulates dental assistants in Colorado?
▾
The Colorado Dental Board regulates the tasks dental assistants may perform under Rule 10 (formerly Rule X) of the Dental Practice Law.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes