How to Become a Dentist in Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide

Bydentalicenses

Colorado is a compelling place to build a dental career. Known for its health-conscious population, rapidly growing cities, and wide stretches of rural communities in need of care, the Centennial State offers a practice environment that is as varied as its landscape. Whether you envision yourself in a modern Denver clinic or serving patients in a mountain town, this guide walks you through every step of the path to becoming a licensed dentist in Colorado.

Step 1: Complete Your Undergraduate Education

Your journey to dental school starts with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. There is no required major, but a strong foundation in the sciences is essential. Core coursework to focus on includes:

  • Biology and microbiology
  • General and organic chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics and statistics
  • English and communication

Dental school admissions are competitive, and your GPA will be one of the first things evaluated. Aim for a 3.5 or higher, and use your undergraduate years strategically — shadow practicing dentists, engage in research, and volunteer in community health settings. These experiences demonstrate genuine commitment to the field and give you meaningful material for your personal statement.

Step 2: Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

The DAT is a standardized examination required by all accredited U.S. dental schools. It tests scientific knowledge, academic reasoning, and perceptual ability. Most applicants take the DAT during their junior year of undergraduate study, allowing time for a retake before applications are due.

Approach your preparation with structure — use dedicated prep courses, high-quality review materials, and timed practice exams. A score of 19 or above on the Academic Average is generally considered competitive, though top programs often see applicants scoring higher.

Step 3: Apply to Dental School

Applications are submitted through the ADEA AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service), the centralized platform managed by the American Dental Education Association. A complete application includes:

  • DAT scores
  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement
  • Supplemental materials required by individual schools

Apply early — AADSAS opens in the spring, and earlier applications tend to receive earlier consideration. Apply to a thoughtful mix of in-state and out-of-state programs to maximize your options.

Step 4: Earn Your Dental Degree

Dental school is a four-year program leading to either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The two designations are equivalent — the difference is purely a matter of institutional convention. The first two years are typically devoted to biomedical sciences, while the final two years shift to hands-on clinical training, where you’ll treat patients under faculty supervision and develop the practical skills you’ll carry into your career.

Step 5: Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)

Colorado requires passage of the INBDE, a comprehensive board examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). The INBDE replaced the previous two-part National Board format and is designed to assess integrated clinical reasoning across the full breadth of dental knowledge. Most candidates sit for the exam during their fourth year of dental school or shortly after graduation.

Step 6: Complete a Clinical Examination

Alongside the INBDE, Colorado requires a clinical examination approved by the Colorado Dental Board. The state currently accepts results from CDCA-WREB-CITA (the merged regional testing body formerly known as WREB). Confirm the current list of accepted examinations directly with the Colorado Dental Board, as accepted agencies can change.

Step 7: Pass the Colorado Dental Practice Act Examination

Colorado has a state-specific jurisprudence requirement: the Colorado Dental Practice Act Examination. This exam ensures that all licensees have a working knowledge of Colorado dental law, regulations, and professional standards before entering practice. Study materials are available through the Colorado Dental Board.

Step 8: Apply for Your Colorado Dental License

With your degree, examination scores, and jurisprudence results in hand, you’re ready to apply for licensure through the Colorado Dental Board. Your application will require:

  • Proof of dental school graduation
  • INBDE scores
  • Clinical examination scores
  • Colorado Dental Practice Act Examination results
  • A background check
  • Any additional documentation specified by the Board

Submit your application well ahead of your intended start date, as processing timelines can vary.

Step 9: Consider Specialization (Optional)

Colorado’s growing urban population and strong referral culture make it a solid environment for specialists. If you’re interested in a specialty — such as orthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, or pediatric dentistry — you’ll need to complete an accredited postdoctoral residency program and obtain any additional certifications your specialty requires. Residency programs range from two to six years in length depending on the field.

Step 10: Fulfill Continuing Education Requirements

Colorado requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. While this is lower than many other states, the requirement exists to ensure practitioners stay current with evolving clinical standards, infection control protocols, and regulatory updates. Many Colorado dentists exceed the minimum, using continuing education as an opportunity to expand their skill set and explore new areas of practice.

Dental Schools in Colorado

Colorado has one accredited dental school:

University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine — Aurora, CO Located on the Anschutz Medical Campus, one of the most advanced health sciences campuses in the country. Degree: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

The program is well-regarded for its innovative curriculum, interprofessional approach to healthcare education, and access to a large, diverse patient population through the university’s clinical network.

For students open to out-of-state options, strong regional programs include:

  • University of Utah School of Dentistry — Salt Lake City, UT
  • Creighton University School of Dentistry — Omaha, NE
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry — Lincoln, NE

What Makes Dentistry in Colorado Unique

A Health-Conscious Patient Population Coloradans rank among the healthiest populations in the country, with high rates of physical activity and preventive healthcare engagement. This shapes patient expectations in meaningful ways — Colorado patients tend to be proactive about their health, interested in preventive care, and receptive to patient education. For dentists who enjoy building long-term relationships through ongoing care rather than reactive treatment, it’s a rewarding environment.

Sports Dentistry Opportunities Colorado’s culture is deeply tied to outdoor and athletic activity — skiing, cycling, climbing, trail running, and team sports are woven into everyday life. This creates real demand for sports dentistry expertise, from mouthguard fabrication to the management of dental trauma. Dentists with interest in this niche will find a receptive market.

Rural Practice and Workforce Shortages Outside of Denver and the Front Range, many Colorado communities — particularly in the mountain regions and Eastern Plains — face significant shortages of dental professionals. Dentists willing to practice in these areas often find strong patient demand and may qualify for state or federal loan repayment programs. If serving underserved communities is part of your vision, rural Colorado offers an opportunity to do that work meaningfully.

An Entrepreneurial Practice Culture Colorado has a well-documented entrepreneurial spirit, and the dental sector reflects it. Innovative practice models, group practices, and niche specializations are more common here than in many other states. New dentists who are interested in building something beyond a traditional solo practice will find a culture that supports that ambition.

The Colorado Dental Association (CDA) Joining the CDA is one of the best early investments a new Colorado dentist can make. The association provides continuing education, networking opportunities, practice management resources, and advocacy at the state legislative level — all valuable as you establish yourself in the profession.

Final Thoughts

The path to becoming a dentist in Colorado demands real dedication — the education is rigorous, the licensure process is thorough, and the profession rewards those who commit to continuous growth. But Colorado offers something distinct in return: a practice environment that aligns quality of life with professional purpose, whether that means working in a thriving urban market or making a genuine difference in a community that has too few dental providers.

Seek out mentors who are already practicing in the state. Connect with the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, attend Colorado Dental Association events, and stay in regular contact with the Colorado Dental Board to ensure your information stays current.

Your future patients in the Centennial State are out there — and they need exactly what you’re working toward.