Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Dental Hygienist Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental hygienist in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Hygienist 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 agency
- 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 agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$106,730 median (13% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#5 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of 106,730, Dental Hygienists in Colorado earn 13% above the national median of $94,260. Colorado ranks #5 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
$106,730Hourly estimate
$51.3113% above national median
Difference: +$12,470
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Hygienist Salary Ranking
#5 of 50 statesfor Dental Hygienist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | 129,760 |
| #2 | Washington | 125,370 |
| #3 | California | 121,080 |
| #4 | Oregon | 118,280 |
| #5 | Colorado | 106,730 |
Nearby States Comparison
Dental Hygienist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $106,730 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $82,220 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $84,400 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $82,060 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $95,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $96,410 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $97,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $82,610 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| 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
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 Assistant | $47,770 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist 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 Hygienists in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Hygienists.
What education do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Dental Hygienist licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Dental Hygienists in Colorado is 106,730. Salaries range from $78,070 (10th percentile) to $126,000 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Dental Hygienists in Colorado earn 13% above the national median of $94,260, with a state median of 106,730.
How many Dental Hygienists work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 4,470 Dental Hygienists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist 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 Hygienists in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Dental.