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Retired RDH License

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

To practice as a dental hygienist in Colorado, an individual must have an active license. A retired license status means that the licensee is not authorized to engage in patient care or perform any acts that constitute dental hygiene practice. The Colorado Dental Practice Act and associated rules clearly define that dental hygienists with a retired license cannot provide direct care to patients. If a dental hygienist wishes to return to active practice, they must reinstate their license.

You can refer to the Colorado Dental Practice Act (CRS 12-220-104 and related sections) and the Code of Colorado Regulations (3 CCR 709-1) for detailed information about licensure status and regulations regarding inactive or retired licenses.

1. Licensure & Retired Status

• A dental hygienist with a retired license cannot perform any clinical duties, including providing patient care or supervision of dental procedures.

• To return to active status, the dental hygienist must apply for reinstatement, meet continuing education requirements, and pay the necessary fees to re-activate the license.

2. Scope of Practice

• The practice act and rules clearly state that only those with an active license are permitted to provide direct patient care. Those with inactive or retired licenses are restricted from engaging in such activities until the license is reinstated.

Key Sections from the Colorado Dental Practice Act and Rules & Regulations:

3. Title 12 - Professions and Occupations, Article 220 - Dental Practice (CRS 12-220)
   
   

• Section 12-220-211: Unauthorized Practice - Penalties

1. This section states that practicing dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene without an active license issued under this article 220 is unlawful and subject to penalties .

• Section 12-220-301: Persons Entitled to Practice Dentistry, Dental Therapy, or Dental Hygiene

1. It specifies that only individuals who are duly licensed as dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists are authorized to practice these professions in Colorado .

• 12-220-409. Inactive dental, dental therapist, or dental hygienist license

1. If a licensee on inactive status wishes to resume practicing in any capacity, they must file an application to return to active status, pay the relevant license fees, and meet any financial responsibility and professional liability insurance requirements and continuing education requirements set by the board.

2. It’s also important to note that dental hygiene licensure does NOT include local anesthesia permit and dental hygienists reinstating their license are also responsible for reinstating their local anesthesia permit if they will be administering local anesthesia in any capacity. 

4. 3 CCR 709-1 - Rules and Regulations (Colorado Dental Board DENTISTS, DENTAL THERAPISTS & DENTAL HYGIENISTS RULES AND REGULATIONS)

• Rule 3 CCR 709-1, Section 1.6: This section details the requirements for licensure and includes the different licensure statuses. A retired status indicates that the individual is not permitted to practice, provide care, or perform any duties under the scope of dental hygiene practice.

1. Section 1.6 A. General Requirements for Licensees and Applicants 1. Any person who practices or offers or attempts to practice dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene without an active license issued under the Dental Practice Act and in accordance with Board Rules commits a class 2 misdemeanor for the first offense and a class 6 felony for the second or any subsequent offense. 

• Rule 3 CCR 709-1, Section 1.6 Reinstatement/Reactivation Requirements for Dentists, Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists with Expired, Inactive, or Retired Licenses 1. In order to reinstate or reactivate a license back into active status, each applicant shall submit a completed Board approved application along with the required fee in order to be considered for licensure approval and must also verify that the applicant: 

1. This section describes how to reinstate a license from an inactive or retired status to active status. It includes the procedures and requirements for reactivation, which may involve fulfilling continuing education requirements and paying renewal fees.

Reporting to the Dental Board and CODHA's Support

If there are concerns about licensure status, including practicing without an active license or other violations of the Dental Practice Act, it is important to report these to the Colorado Dental Board. The board is responsible for investigating and taking disciplinary actions when violations occur. However, some individuals may feel uncomfortable reporting directly to the Board due to concerns about anonymity or safety.

To address this, CODHA provides a confidential form for individuals who wish to share their concerns without directly reporting to the Board. While CODHA does not take disciplinary action or report on behalf of the individual, we track these complaints to better understand trends and offer support for those who may feel unsafe in directly communicating with the Board.

For those wishing to maintain their anonymity, CODHA is here to provide a safe avenue for sharing concerns. Please note, we cannot act on behalf of the individual or report directly to the Board, but we encourage anyone with concerns to use this option for tracking and support.

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