Dental Hygienist in Colorado
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.
Jobs (CO)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a dental hygienist in Colorado
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Colorado, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, or WREB), and the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Colorado Dental Board. Additionally, applicants must maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification with a hands-on component and attest to holding professional liability insurance. Colorado is also part of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which aims to streamline licensure across participating states once active.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Colorado. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Colorado requirements
| Licensing body | Colorado Dental Board |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, WREB), and the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application fee | $135 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Colorado offers licensure by endorsement; the dental compact is not yet active for practice.Reciprocal states: Colorado participates in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which, once active, will allow licensed dental hygienists to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses. For licensure by endorsement, applicants must submit a licensure by credential application, proof of current licensure in good standing from another state, and proof of liability insurance. |
| Notes | Requires passing the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam. Must maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification with a mandatory hands-on component. Online-only BLS courses are not accepted. Initial BLS training is a minimum of 3 hours, and renewal is a minimum of 2 hours. Licensees must attest to holding professional liability insurance. A background check is likely required as part of the application process. |
Source: Colorado Dental Board
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Colorado? See whether Colorado recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Dental Hygienist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)
Compare Dental Hygienist head-to-head
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