Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Colorado, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Dental
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- 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 (4)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Dental.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of 47,770, Dental Assistants in Colorado earn 1% above the national median of 47300. Colorado ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$47,770Hourly estimate
$22.971% above national median
Difference: +$470
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
| 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 | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $42,770 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $46,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $39,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $38,840 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $49,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $37,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Dental
1560 Broadway, Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $69,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Hygienist | $106,730 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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 36750 (10th percentile) to 63230 (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 47300, with a state median of 47,770.
How many Dental Assistants work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 7720 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.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Dental.