Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Colorado

This guide outlines the pathways and requirements for obtaining a dental license in the state of Colorado.

Pathways to Licensure

There are three main pathways to obtain a dental license in Colorado:

1. Examination
2. Credentials (Licensure by Credentials)
3. Licensure by Endorsement

1. Examination Pathway

This is the most common path for new graduates.

Requirements:

• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental school
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Pass a clinical examination accepted by the Colorado Dental Board (ADEX, CDCA, CRDTS, SRTA, or WREB)
• Pass the Colorado Dental Law Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application to the Colorado Dental Board
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit NBDE or INBDE scores
5. Submit clinical examination scores
6. Pass the Colorado Dental Law Examination
7. Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history record check

2. Credentials Pathway (Licensure by Credentials)

This pathway is for dentists who are already licensed and practicing in another state.

Requirements:

• Hold a current, active license in good standing in another state
• Have engaged in at least 300 hours of active dental practice per year for five years immediately preceding application
• Have no disciplinary actions against your license
• Pass the Colorado Dental Law Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by credentials
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license
4. Submit proof of active practice hours
5. Provide a letter of good standing from each state where licensed
6. Pass the Colorado Dental Law Examination
7. Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history record check

3. Licensure by Endorsement

This pathway is for dentists licensed in another state who do not meet the practice requirements for licensure by credentials.

Requirements:

• Hold a current, active license in good standing in another state
• Have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Have passed a clinical examination substantially equivalent to Colorado’s requirements
• Pass the Colorado Dental Law Examination

Steps:

1. Submit an application for licensure by endorsement
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Provide verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license
4. Submit proof of dental school graduation
5. Provide evidence of passing a clinical examination
6. Pass the Colorado Dental Law Examination
7. Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history record check

Additional Information

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
• The Colorado Dental Law Examination covers Colorado dental laws and rules.
• Licenses must be renewed biennially, and continuing education requirements must be met for renewal.
• Colorado requires dentists to maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Colorado offers an Academic License for dentists employed at accredited schools of dentistry for teaching and research purposes.
• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by a board-approved credentialing service and may need to complete additional requirements, including passing an English proficiency exam and completing a program at a CODA-accredited dental school.

For the most up-to-date information and specific details, please visit the Colorado Dental Board website or contact them directly.