Blog

Transferring Your RDH License to Colorado:

Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 9, 2025  /  Licensure  /  Subscribe 0

Transferring Your RDH License to Colorado:

1. Submit a Licensure by Credential Application: Complete the application for licensure by credential through the Colorado Dental Board.
   

2. Provide Proof of Current Licensure: Submit verification of your active RDH license in good standing from your current state of licensure. This verification must come directly from your state’s licensing board.
   

3. National Board Exam: If you have not previously passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), you will need to provide proof of passing this exam. If you’ve already taken and passed it, no further testing is required.
   

4. Submit Transcripts: Provide transcripts from the dental hygiene program you completed. These should be sent directly from your school.

5. Proof of Liability Insurance: Provide proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 per claim and $300,000 aggregate per year, or qualify for an exemption.
   

6. BLS Certification: Maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers.
   

7. Additional Requirements: Depending on your state of licensure, there may be additional requirements such as proof of continuing education or completion of clinical exams. You will be notified if these apply to your specific situation.
   

8. Fees: Payment for the application process is required. Please refer to the Colorado Dental Board for current fees.
   
   

For further details, including application forms and fees, please visit the Colorado Dental Board’s official website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Dental 

Obtaining a Local Anesthesia Permit:

If you wish to administer local anesthesia or local anesthetic reversal agents under the indirect supervision of a dentist, you will need to apply for a Local Anesthesia Permit in Colorado. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Submit the Application: Complete and submit the Local Anesthesia Permit application to the Colorado Dental Board.
   

2. Required Training: You must have successfully completed 12 hours of didactic training and 12 hours of clinical training. The clinical training should include at least six infiltration and six block injections. The program must be from a CODA-accredited school.
   

3. Provide Documentation: Submit any required documentation with your application.
   

4. Pay the Application Fee: Ensure payment is included for the permit application fee as required by the Colorado Dental Board.
   

5. Maintain Active License: The Local Anesthesia Permit remains valid as long as your RDH license is active.
   
   

For further details, including application forms and fees, please visit the Colorado Dental Board’s official website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Dental 

Additional Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:

In Colorado, dental hygienists may also need additional CE for certain advanced procedures. While not as common, the following certifications require specific CE:

• Laser Use: RDHs wishing to use lasers must complete a board-approved laser certification program.
  

• Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): A separate CE course is required for RDHs wishing to apply SDF.
  

• Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR): A permit for placing ITRs requires completion of additional CE, typically available through the Colorado Dental Board.
  

For more details on these advanced CE requirements, please refer to the Colorado Dental Board or reach out directly for specific program details.

Upcoming Procedures Requiring Additional CE

While these procedures are now authorized in Colorado, they cannot be performed until the Colorado Dental Board has finalized the necessary rules and regulations. Once implemented, they will require additional CE:

• Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers
  

• Vaccine Administration
  

• Expanded Prescriptive Authority (Non-narcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics)
  

Please stay tuned for updates from the Colorado Dental Board regarding the approval of CE courses and the official implementation of these procedures.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with the transfer or Local Anesthesia Permit process, feel free to reach out. Additionally, you can contact the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for more guidance on the licensure process at https://dora.colorado.gov 

Return to list