Application Fee
See agencyDental 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
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 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
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Dental
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,770 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Dental and monitor board communications.
- 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)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$47,770Hourly estimate
$22.97Difference: +$470
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota | $64,630 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $57,960 |
| #3 | Oregon | $57,720 |
| #4 | Washington | $57,040 |
| #5 | Alaska | $55,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Dental Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $47,770 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $42,770 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $46,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-9 months |
| Kansas | $39,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $38,840 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $49,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $37,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-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
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
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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.