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Dental Assistant
Total cost: $0
Governing Authority
Colorado Dental Board (under DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations)
Official website →5 sources cited · Last verified March 2026 · Every number on this page links to its official source
None
Credential
Not Required
DANB CDA
Not Required
Radiology Cert
Available
Expanded Functions
0 hrs
CE Hours
$0
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Program Type
No formal program required; OJT allowed; dentist responsible for ensuring competency
CODA Accreditation Not Required
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Allowed
Program Length
N/A
Minimum Education
No state-mandated minimum
Many states allow dental assistants to enter the profession through on-the-job training (OJT), while others require completion of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. Requirements vary significantly by state and credential level.
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DANB CDA, Radiology & State Exams
VerifiedNot Required
DANB CDA Certification
Not Required
Radiology Certification
DANB CDA Details
DANB CDA is voluntary and not referenced in state regulations; employers may prefer it
Radiology Certification Details
No separate radiology certification required by the state; supervising dentist delegates radiography duties and ensures competency
CPR Certification Not Required
No State-Specific Exam
The DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is the nationally recognized standard, though not all states require it. Radiology certification is commonly required to take dental X-rays. CPR certification is required in most states.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — DANB CDA
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Allowable Expanded Duties
VerifiedAllowed
Coronal Polishing
Not Allowed
Sealant Application
Allowed
Fluoride Application
Allowed
Impressions
Not Allowed
Temporaries
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
No Separate EFDA Certification Required
Expanded functions allow dental assistants to perform additional procedures beyond basic chairside duties. Some states require a separate Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) credential, additional training, or specific coursework to perform these duties.
Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervision Levels
Dentist delegation model; duties defined by statute but no separate supervision tiers for dental assistants
Direct Supervision Procedures
All expanded duties as delegated by the supervising dentist
Dental assistants work under varying levels of supervision depending on the procedure. Direct supervision means the dentist must be physically present and authorize the procedure. Indirect supervision means the dentist is on-site. General supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedures but need not be on the premises.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | None |
License Fee | None |
Renewal Fee | None |
Radiology Cert Fee | None |
Total Initial Fees Colorado does not require registration, certification, or licensure for dental assistants - no state fees apply | $0 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedN/A
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
CPR Renewal
Renewal Fee
None
Regulatory Board
Dental assistant credentials must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, radiology safety, and dental practice updates. CPR certification renewal is required in most jurisdictions.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
Portability Details
No state credential exists, so reciprocity is not applicable. Any dental assistant may work in Colorado without state approval.
Reciprocity Requirements
Dental assistant credential reciprocity varies by state. States with similar requirements may offer endorsement pathways, while others require a full application including verification of education, certification, and work experience.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Colorado with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Colorado is one of the few states with a recent, deliberate policy analysis (CDA Sunrise Review submission to DORA) that concluded dental assistants should remain unregulated. The state regulates what tasks dental assistants may perform but does not regulate the individuals themselves - a key distinction from most other states.
Colorado is fully unregulated for dental assistants - no registration, certification, or licensure required.
The Colorado Dental Board regulates the tasks dental assistants may perform but does not regulate the individuals themselves.
CDA (Colorado Dental Association) submitted a Sunrise Review application to DORA addressing potential expansion of dental assistant scope, but as of 2025, dental assistants remain unregulated.
The supervising dentist is responsible for determining competency and delegating duties.
Expanded duties are determined entirely by dentist delegation within the bounds of Colorado dental practice law.
Dental Assistant requirements in nearby states
See how Colorado compares: Dental Assistant License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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How does Colorado compare to other states for dental assistant? See the full comparison →
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Dental Assistant Schools in Colorado
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the DANB CDA certification exam.
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Official Sources
Dental Assistant requirements in Colorado verified against Colorado Dental Board (under DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations), March 2026.
Moving to Colorado? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Assistant license to Colorado →
Transfer your Dental Assistant license from Colorado to: Arizona → | Kansas → | Nebraska → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma → | Utah → | Wyoming →
Colorado has specific certification requirements for dental assistants. An on-the-job training pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Colorado Dental Board (under DORA / Division of Professions and Occupations).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.