License - foreign trained/licensed dentist/dental hygienist:
Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 9, 2025 / Licensure / Subscribe 0
We recommend foreign-trained/licensed dentists or dental hygienists seeking licensure in CO to contact the CO Dental Board or DORA for questions and guidance. Colorado currently does not offer a direct pathway for foreign-trained or licensed dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists to obtain licensure. However, many foreign-trained and licensed providers have successfully applied to and completed accredited dental hygiene programs in Colorado, subsequently becoming licensed registered dental hygienists in the state.
Currently, Colorado hosts five Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental hygiene college programs, with additional programs set to open in the next 1-2 years. A list of these programs in Colorado can be found on the CODHA website.
Each program has its own unique application process. For detailed information and to address specific questions or concerns, it's advisable to closely review the application procedures of each program and directly contact them.
Once you've reviewed the application processes for the dental hygiene programs, it's important to understand the overall licensure process for dental hygienists in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees the licensing of dental hygienists in Colorado and RDH licensure in Colorado follows the same process for all applicants. These are the general required steps and here is more detailed information:
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Complete an Accredited Program: Graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
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Pass the National Board Exam: Successfully complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which tests comprehensive knowledge in dental hygiene.
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Pass a Clinical Exam: Successfully complete a clinical examination administered by an accredited regional testing agency (ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, WREB, etc.).
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Submit an Application: Submit a completed application to the Colorado Dental Board, including all necessary documentation and fees. Application Check-list.
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Additional Permits (if applicable):
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Local Anesthesia Permit: REQUIRED to administer local anesthesia, in any and all clinical settings. Administering local anesthesia without a permit is illegal and can result in Dental Board review and potential suspension of dental hygiene licensure.
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Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR) Permit: REQUIRED for the placement of interim therapeutic restorations, in any and all clinical settings. Placement of ITR without a permit is illegal and can result in Dental Board review and potential suspension of dental hygiene licensure.
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Additional Verification of Education (if applicable):
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Laser certification: licensees utilizing lasers must meet certification requirements outlined in Rules and Regulations. It is the responsibility of the licensee to maintain record verification of this certification and supply this record to the Dental Board if requested.
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Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) certification: licensees administering SDF must meet educational requirements outlined in Rules and Regulations. It is the responsibility of the licensee to maintain record verification of this certification and supply this record to the Dental Board upon request.
By completing these steps, you can obtain your RDH license in Colorado and practice as a dental hygienist.
If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the licensure process, please feel free to reach out. We are happy to assist as needed. Additionally, you can contact the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for further information or support.
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