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Dental Assistant Licensing in Colorado

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Colorado

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    The Board also does not license based upon specialty.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Dental

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $47,770 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #21 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Dental and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Colorado

With a median salary of $47,770, Dental Assistants in Colorado earn 1% above the national median of $47,300. Colorado ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,540

Median annual salary

$47,770

Hourly estimate

$22.97
1% above national median

Difference: +$470

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,750
  • P2525th percentile$44,570
  • P50Median$47,770
  • P7575th percentile$59,480
  • P9090th percentile$63,230

State vs National Median

State: $47,770
National: $47,300

Total employment: 7,720 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Assistant Salary Ranking

#21 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota$64,630
#2Massachusetts$57,960
#3Oregon$57,720
#4Washington$57,040
#5Alaska$55,950

Nearby States Comparison

Dental Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Colorado$47,770Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Wyoming$42,770Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$46,660Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-9 months
Kansas$39,840Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$44,450Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
New Mexico$38,840Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$49,000Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$37,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Colorado50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kansas56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Dental

1560 Broadway, Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202

Phone: 3038947800

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Colorado?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Dental Assistants in Colorado?

Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Colorado?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Dental Assistant licensure in Colorado.

What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Colorado?

The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Colorado is $47,770. Salaries range from $36,750 (10th percentile) to $63,230 (90th percentile).

How does the Dental Assistant salary in Colorado compare to the national average?

Dental Assistants in Colorado earn 1% above the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $47,770.

How many Dental Assistants work in Colorado?

Colorado employs approximately 7,720 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Colorado from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Colorado?

The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Dental. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Colorado?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.