Getting your Initial RDH Licensure in CO! - New Graduates
Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 9, 2025 / Licensure / Subscribe 0
Recent Graduates & RDHs Moving To Colorado!
Getting your Initial RDH Licensure in CO!
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 (optional, 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 (optional but required, 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 if requested by the Dental Board.
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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 if requested by the Dental Board.
By completing these steps, you can obtain your RDH license in Colorado and practice as a dental hygienist.
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:
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Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers
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Vaccine Administration
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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 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.
Learn more about Getting Licensed in Colorado with the NEW informational sheet from CODHA. ALL the links you need compiled into one document for you!
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