How to Get Your Dental Hygienist License in Colorado (2026)

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Colorado Colorado's combination of strong population growth in the Denver-Boulder corridor and persistent rural dental shortages makes it an attractive state for dental hygienist licensure. The Colorado Dental Board, a division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), oversees RDH licensure and has established clear requirements for both new graduates and endorsement applicants from other states. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program Colorado requires graduation from a dental hygiene program accredited by CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). Colorado's CODA-accredited programs include those at Community College of Denver, Pueblo Community College, and others. Most award an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene over approximately two years. Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) programs are also available at some Colorado universities. Confirm CODA accreditation status directly before enrolling. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination) Colorado requires a passing NBDHE score for licensure. This 350-question, computer-based exam covers dental hygiene and biomedical sciences as well as patient case studies. It is administered through Pearson VUE testing centers by the JCNDE with an exam fee of approximately $450. A passing score is required before you can apply for clinical examination eligibility and state licensure. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical (Practical) Examination Colorado accepts both the **ADEX (American Dental Licensing Examination / CSCE)** and the **WREB (Western Regional Examining Board)** clinical examinations. WREB is particularly convenient for candidates in or near western states, with testing sites throughout the region. Both are patient-based exams assessing periodontal instrumentation, patient assessment, radiographic technique, and infection control. Check the Colorado Dental Board for the current list of accepted clinical examinations before scheduling. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License Submit your application to the **Colorado Dental Board**. Application fees typically range from **$75 to $100**. Required materials include: - Official transcripts from your CODA-accredited dental hygiene program - NBDHE passing score verification - ADEX or WREB clinical exam passing score verification - Criminal background check - Current CPR/BLS certification - Completed application and fee payment Colorado also offers a streamlined endorsement pathway for RDHs already licensed in other states who meet equivalency standards. Contact DORA for current endorsement eligibility criteria. ### Continuing Education Requirements Colorado dental hygienists must complete **30 hours of continuing education every two years** for license renewal — one of the higher CE requirements nationally. Acceptable CE topics include infection control, pharmacology, radiographic technique, and clinical updates. Colorado allows CE to be completed through a variety of approved providers, including the Colorado Dental Hygienists' Association, university programs, and national online platforms. Maintain all CE documentation for potential renewal audits. ### Colorado Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Colorado dental hygienists typically earn between **$65,000 and $97,000 annually**. Denver and Boulder metropolitan area practices pay at the higher end of this range, driven by competitive demand and higher cost of living. Colorado Springs and Fort Collins are mid-range markets. Mountain resort towns (Aspen, Vail, Steamboat Springs) may carry location premiums. Rural eastern and western slope Colorado communities may qualify for dental health shortage area incentives including NHSC loan repayment. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Colorado **Dental service organizations (DSOs):** Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, and Smile Brands have significant Colorado footprints, particularly in the Front Range metro corridor. DSOs are a major source of employment for new graduates and hygienists seeking predictable scheduling. **UCHealth and Centura Health:** Colorado's largest health systems maintain dental and oral health components that integrate dental hygienists into broader healthcare delivery. **Denver Health:** Denver Health's federally qualified community health network employs dental hygienists across multiple sites serving underserved Denver metro populations. NHSC loan repayment may be available. **Veterans Affairs:** The Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora and associated outpatient clinics employ dental hygienists as federal employees with full benefits packages. **Private dental practices:** The Front Range corridor — Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Boulder, and Fort Collins — hosts a dense concentration of independent and group practices that collectively represent the largest employment segment for Colorado RDHs.