Dental Hygienist in Colorado
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO
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.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Colorado
| Detail | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Colorado Dental Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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
Dental Hygienist Salary in Colorado
The median dental hygienist salary in Colorado is $106,730 per year, which is 13.2% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $78,070 |
| 25th | $100,130 |
| 50th (median) | $106,730 |
| 75th | $114,290 |
| 90th (experienced) | $126,000 |
Colorado employs approximately 4,470 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Colorado Worth It?
Factors to consider: Colorado's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.