Steps to get licensed in Colorado
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Hold current BLS certification.
- Apply to the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations.
Board exams for Colorado licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Colorado accepts ADEX or CRDTS.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Not required
Colorado doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Colorado requires a separate local anesthesia authorization, which you get after approved local anesthesia training.
Moving to Colorado with a license from another state
Colorado is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Once the compact commission starts issuing privileges, a hygienist licensed in one member state will be able to practice in the others. It isn't issuing them yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Colorado?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 5 schools with dental hygiene programs in Colorado, all offer an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Colorado
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Colorado?
Not automatically yet. Colorado has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Colorado require a jurisprudence exam?
No. Colorado doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Colorado?
Colorado requires a separate local anesthesia authorization, which you get after approved local anesthesia training.
Which clinical exams does Colorado accept?
Colorado accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dpo.colorado.gov /Dental/Applications
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations before you rely on them. Official board site