Dental Hygienist

Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners

1560 Broadway, Suite 1310

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 894-7758 or Hearing Impaired (303) 894-7880

 

 

Helpful Hints

 

  The Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners conducts a thorough evaluation of a number of items, including basic dental/dental hygiene credentials, national, regional and/or state examination results, malpractice history, and criminal or disciplinary history. This process takes time - anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending mostly upon how quickly the applicant complies with what is requested of him/her and the nature of any problems requiring closer scrutiny. In spite of the fact that there is NO guarantee of licensure, some applicants make commitments to start work at a certain time and later find the commitment cannot be kept. Please remember that the Board will not accelerate one application at the expense of another, nor will it forego any elements of its screening process. The following suggestions are offered to help those who apply for licensure, as well as those who recruit dental service personnel, to avoid problems which can be costly:

 

1. Give the Board enough time to do its job. For something as important as a dental or dental hygiene license, two months lead time is not unreasonable.

  2. Don’t make commitments on loans, practice start dates, home purchases, etc., until a license is granted and you have it in your possession. Not all dentists or dental hygienists who apply will receive a license, and others will be licensed only with restrictions. Don’t set yourself or colleagues up for disappointment or financial setbacks based on mere speculation.

  3. Make sure all application materials are sent to the Board office as quickly as possible, in accordance with the directions set forth in the application packet. Deadlines are strictly enforced. Don’t waste valuable time assuming that an exception will be made or that a requirement will be waived for you.

  4. If there are items on the application about which the Board desires additional information, or if there is a malpractice history, the application will take longer to get through the review process.

  5. We recommend that applicants handle their own applications without delegating this task to someone else. In our experience, delegation frequently does not work well, especially if one is in a hurry. When things break down, it is the  applicant who suffers. The process seem to work more smoothly when individual applicants personally take charge of the process.

6. It is state policy to handle large sums of money in the most efficient manner possible. The licensure process requires you to send your entire packet of information to a lockbox for processing at a bank. After funds are deposited, your application packet is annotated as having paid the required fees, forwarded to the accounting department of Regulatory Agencies for additional processing, and then forwarded to the Dental Board licensure desk. This process takes 5-7 working days. Please plan the submission of your application packet with this time frame in mind.

  7. In general, overnight delivery services will not deliver to a lock box address. This mail is rerouted and arrives later than normal mail services. Overnight delivery to a lock box does NOT expedite the processing of your application.

 

 

     REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTISTS AND DENTAL HYGIENIST LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION

 

The licensure process By CRDTS examination takes a minimum of 30 days to complete after the approval date plan your application time accordingly.

  All questions on the application must be answered. ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE MAILED IN THE SAME PACKAGE TO THE BOARD OFFICE. If your application is not received with all of the required documents included, it will be returned to you.

 

                              SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

 

 In order to verify your compliance with the requirements please submit:

  1. Completed application form accompanied by a fee of $200.00 (for dentists) and $100.00 (for dental hygienists). Fees are subject to change every July 1st. Your application will not be processed unless the fee and all supporting documents are received. Checks or money orders are acceptable. FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

  2. An official letter from each state(s) in which you are currently licensed or have been previously licensed to practice dentistry/dental hygiene or as another health care practitioner. This letter must indicate the date of licensure and that your license is in good standing or that it was in good standing when you chose to discontinue it. The letter must also indicate any disciplinary charges made against you by the licensing board or any other state agency and the result of these actions. You should contact each state for applicable fees for these services. This letter must be submitted IN THE ORIGINAL SEALED ENVELOPE FROM THE BOARD FROM EACH LICENSING STATE. Note: Check for fees and how to be paid before requesting this information, you may not open the envelope(s).

  3. An Official Transcript from an approved school by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation showing the date dental/dental hygiene degree was conferred. You should contact the school for applicable fees for these services. This transcript must be in THE ORIGINAL SEALED ENVELOPE FROM THE COLLEGE.

  4. National Board Scores from the Joint Commission on National Dental examinations. Please submit the National Board Scorecard. DO NOT SUBMIT THE NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATE. Please submit a copy as originals cannot be returned. The passing score is 75.

  5. Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) Scorecard showing a passing score of 70. If you took CRDTS prior to the issuance of scorecards, please request a copy of the letter verifying you passed. The applicant is responsible for submitting CRDTS or the Western Regional Boards (WREB) information with the application materials. CRDTS does not provide individual verification. Dentists Only: Effective Spring 1995 the passing score on the CRDTS/CORE Exam is 75. Please note: Colorado became a member of CRDTS on May 9, 1974. Pursuant to Rule III (A) of the Dental Practice Law, applicants must have completed this exam while Colorado was a member. Dentists: If you completed and passed this exam before Colorado was a member, you will be required to retake the exam unless you qualify for licensure by credentials. You can request the credential packet from the Board office. Dental Hygienists: If you completed and passed the exam before Colorado was a member, hold an active license in another jurisdiction, have actively engaged in the practice of dental hygiene or have taught dental hygiene one year out of the last three years immediately preceding your application, and have completed and passed another regional or clinical exam, you are eligible to apply for licensure by endorsement. You can request the endorsement packet from the Board office.

  6. Verification from the Western Regional Examining Board Test Results. If you took the WREB commencing June 1, 1980, (when Colorado was a member) through the September 1983 exam. You must make a written request to the testing agency to have your scores sent directly to the Board office. There is a processing fee. This is the only time that the Board will accept materials under separate cover. You can contact the Western Regional Board at: 2400 W. Dunlap Ave., Ste. 155, Phoenix, AZ 85021; (602) 944-3315. THE CANDIDATE LETTER OR COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The passing score is 70.

 

     7. Verification from the Combined Regional Examination (CORE). In Spring 1995, the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS) and the Northeast Regional Boards (NERB) administered a jointly developed Combined Regional Examination (CORE) for Dentists. As a member of the Central Regional, Colorado will accept this exam as a prerequisite for licensure. In November 1995, the Board concurred with CRDTS decision to dissolve the CORE Exam. All individuals who began the CORE exam and desire to receive a license in Colorado must have completed the failed or retaken portions at a CRDTS exam site within 16 months of having started the exam process. The Board will not, however, accept the NERB exam retroactively prior to the implementation of the CORE Exam. Nor will it accept the preliminary CORE exams conducted in NERB states in 1994.

  8. Jurisprudence Exam enclosed for your completion. 70 is considered a passing score. Should you fail, you will be furnished with another exam to retake until you pass.

  9. Black and White or Color Photograph 2"x3" taken within the last 12 months, signed in ink across the bottom edge on the front of the picture below the face. Passport photos are preferred.

10. Copy of Court Document or Affidavit explaining any discrepancy of the applicant’s name if documents submitted bear other name(s). [i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal name change, et al.]

 

Note 1  If you have not taken the Central Regional Examination and wish additional information, you should contact that office at the following address: Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc., 1725 Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS  66604, Telephone: (913) 273-0380.

  Note 2 - Examination Retakes Pursuant to Rule III (C)(1), a dental applicant may take the regional clinical examination three (3) times before remedial training is required. If a dental applicant fails once, he/she can retake the examination two (2) more times. Pursuant to Rule III (C)(2), after failing the examination for a third (3rd) time, and prior to the FOURTH attempt of the examination a dental applicant must submit to the board proof of satisfactory completion of remedial training equivalent to an additional year of study from a school approved by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

 

Note 3 - Dental Hygienists: If you intend to administer local anesthesia or nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation, you must complete an application for Qualification for the Administration of Local Anesthesia by a Dental Hygienist or an application for the Administration of Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Inhalation application which are enclosed. You must complete the minimum amount of training as required under Rule XVII, or XVIII as appropriate. Completion of either form is NOT a prerequisite for licensure and they may be sent in later. Please note the approval process will take place after licensure is granted and can take 4-6 weeks.

 

Note 4 - ALL: If you relocate during the time that your application is being processed, reviewed and/or approved, you must notify the Board of your new address in writing or by fax .

 

NOTE 5 - TIMING: Applications sent to the Lockbox (see address below) take 5-7 days to process through the bank, accounting, and then to our office. Please plan on this time delay when trying to meet application deadlines. P. O. Box and the Lockbox CANNOT accept express mail, or certified mail, etc., this will only delay the processing of your application.

 

NOTE 6 - Applications Requiring Board Review.  Although your application may be complete, if there is a history of any disciplinary actions, malpractice claims, or legal charges, the Board must review the application before granting licensure.  The application must first by reviewed by the Board staff on or before the application deadline.  After the initial review, a memorandum indicating the area(s) of concern will be attached, and the application will be presented to the Program Administrator for review.  After the Program Administrator's review, the application will be placed on the next agenda for action. 

 

NOTE 7 - Board Review - If the application requires Board review and it is approved for licensure at the Board meeting, you can expect written notification of licensure 7-10 work days after the Board meeting is held. If additional information and review is required, you will also be notified in writing 7-10 days after the board meeting is held.

 

In either case, DO NOT CALL for the status of your license application. Staff will notify you as soon as possible.

 

                         TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION, WRITE OR CALL:

 

Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners

1560 Broadway, Suite 1310

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 894-7758 or Hearing Impaired (303) 894-7880

 

  Dental Hygiene Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement

 

Information provided on the application is public information and subject to the Open Records Act, except the social security number.

  To be eligible for endorsement, an applicant must have worked 12 full months out of the last 3 years immediately preceding application. If you took the Central Regional examination you must apply by examination. Please contact the Boards office for an application.

  All questions on the application must be answered. ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE MAILED IN THE SAME PACKAGE TO THE BOARD OFFICE. If your application is not received with all of the required documents included, it will be returned to you.

 

                              SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

 

In order to verify your compliance with the requirements, you will be required to submit:

  1. Completed Application Form accompanied by a fee of $90.00 (subject to change every July 1st). Your application will not be processed unless the fee and all supporting documents are received. Checks or money orders are acceptable. FEES ARE NON REFUNDABLE.

  2. An Official Letter from each state(s) in which you are currently licensed or have been previously licensed to practice dental hygiene. This letter must indicate the date of licensure and that your license is in good standing or that it was in good standing when you chose to discontinue it. The letter must also indicate any disciplinary charges made against you by the licensing board or any other state agency and the result of these actions. You should call each state board about fees for these services. This letter must be submitted IN THE ORIGINAL SEALED ENVELOPE FROM THE BOARD FROM EACH LICENSING STATE.

  3. An Official or Student Transcript from an approved school by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation showing the date dental hygiene degree was conferred. You should contact the school for applicable fees for these services. The transcript must be IN THE ORIGINAL SEALED ENVELOPE FROM THE COLLEGE.

  4. National Board Scores from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. Please submit the National Board Scorecard. DO NOT SUBMIT THE NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATE. Please submit a copy as originals cannot be returned. The passing score is 75%.

  5. Clinical or Regional Examination showing a passing grade applicable to that state or regional guidelines. If you completed the Western Regional Examination (WREB) when Colorado was member from May 1980 to September 1983, you must make a written request to the testing agency to have your scores sent directly to the Board office. There is a processing fee. The candidate letter will not be accepted. (The passing score for the WREB is 70%.) You may contact the Western Regional Board at: 2400 W. Dunlap Ave., Suite 155, Phoenix, Arizona, 85021, (602) 944-3315. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THE BOARD WILL ACCEPT SCORE VERIFICATION UNDER SEPARATE COVER.

  6. Jurisprudence Exam -- 70% is considered a passing score. Should you fail, you will be furnished with another exam to retake until you pass.

  7. Copy of the Court Document or Affidavit explaining the discrepancy of the applicant’s name if documents submitted bear other name(s) (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal name change et al.)

  NOTE 1: If you completed the Central Regional Examination, you are required to apply for licensure by examination although you may fulfill the prerequisite for endorsement by either engaging in the clinical practice or in teaching dental hygiene or dentistry in an accredited program for at least 12 months out of the last three years pursuant to C.R.S. 12-35-124(4)(b)(III).

You will need to contact the Board office at (303) 894-7758 ext. 307 for the proper application.

 

NOTE 2: Dental Hygienists: If you intend to administer local anesthesia or nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation, you must complete an application for Qualification for the Administration of Local Anesthesia by a Dental Hygienist or an application for the Administration of Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Inhalation application which are enclosed. You must complete the minimum amount of training as required under Rule XVII, or XVIII as appropriate. Completion of either form is NOT a prerequisite for licensure and they may be sent in later. Please note the approval process can take 4-6 weeks after receipt in the board office.

Rule XVII. Administration of Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Inhalation

  H. Delegating under direct supervision the monitoring and administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen to appropriately trained personnel pursuant to 12-35-110 (n):

  1. The supervising dentist is responsible for determining the maximum dosage of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia and must record the dosage in the patient's dental chart prior to delegation.

  2. The supervising dentist delegating must be approved by the Board under this rule to administer nitrous oxide/oxygen.

 3. The dental hygienist or dental auxiliary accepting the delegation of the administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide/oxygen under direct supervision shall ensure the that dentist is approved by the Board to administer nitrous oxide/oxygen.

4. Education/Training Requirements for dental hygienists and auxiliaries administering and monitoring nitrous oxide/oxygen under direct supervision:

  a. As of February 1, 1998, in order to administer and induce conscious analgesia solely by means of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation techniques, a dental hygienist or a dental auxiliary shall complete a course(s) conducted at an institution accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Education of certified by the Colorado Department of Higher Education Division of Private Occupational Schools. The course(s) must have a minimum of 16 hours, including 4 patient contact hours. The dental hygienist and dental auxiliary shall certify to the Board, on a form approved by the Board, compliance with the educational requirement.

 

 Rule XVIII. Administration of Local Anesthesia

  D. Local Anesthesia Administration by Regional Injection by a Dental Hygienist.

  1. A Colorado licensed dental hygienist shall administer local anesthesia agents by regional injection of drugs only under the direct supervision of a Colorado licensed dentist.

  2. A dental hygienist shall be qualified to administer local anesthetic agents upon successful completion of courses conducted by a school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Education which meets the following requirements:

  a. Twelve (12) hours of didactic training including but not limited to:

  1) Anatomy; and

2) Pharmacology; and

 3) Techniques; and

 4) Physiology; and

 5) Medical Emergencies AND

 b. Twelve (12) hours of clinical training which shall include the administration of at least six (6) infiltration and six (6) block injections.

 3. As of October 30, 1987, prior to the administration and inducement of local anesthesia by regional injection as provided for in this rule a dental hygienist licensed pursuant to the Colorado Dental Practice Law shall certify to the Board, on a form approved by the Board, compliance with all applicable requirements specified in Rule XVIII.

  NOTE 3: If you relocate during the time that your application is being processed, reviewed and/or approved, you must notify the Board of your new address in writing.

  NOTE 4: TIMING--Applications sent to the Lockbox (see address below) take 5-7 days to process through the bank, the accounting section, and then to our office. Please plan on this time delay when trying to meet application deadlines. The lockbox will reject certified, express, or Fed-Ex mail. If these forms of mailing are used, the mail will be redirected to the Board Office, causing further delay.

 

                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

 

                                Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners

                                     1560 Broadway, Suite 1310

                                         Denver, CO 80202

                                          (303) 894-7758

                                        Fax: (303) 894-7764

 

THE LICENSURE PROCESS WILL TAKE A MINIMUM OF 30 DAYS TO COMPLETE.

  License numbers will be mailed to you.

  Receipt of all requested information does not guarantee licensure. An application may be denied based upon irregularities in the application. The application will then be reviewed by the Dental Board.

 Helpful Application Hints:

  1) All applications should be NEATLY TYPED OR PRINTED.

  2) Application FEES are NON REFUNDABLE under ANY circumstances.

  3) Regardless of the date a license is issued, ALL Dental /Dental Hygiene licenses expire on February 28/29, of even numbered years.

  12-35-122.5. What constitutes practicing unsupervised dental hygiene. (1) Unless licensed to practice dentistry, any person shall be deemed to be practicing unsupervised dental hygiene who:

  (a) Removes deposits, accretions, and stains by scaling with hand, ultrasonic, or other devices from all surfaces of the tooth and smoothes and polishes natural and restored tooth surfaces;

  (b) Removes granulation and degenerated tissue from the gingival wall of the periodontal pocket through the process of gingival curettage;

 

(c) Provides preventive measures including the application of fluorides and other recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease;

 (d) Gathers and assembles information including, but not limited to, fact-finding and patient history, oral inspection, and dental and periodontal charting;

  (e) Administers a topical anesthetic to a patient in the course of providing dental care.

  (2) Unsupervised dental hygiene may be performed by licensed dentists and licensed dental hygienists without the supervision of a licensed dentist.

  (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 12-35-103 (5) or 12-35-110 (1) (b), a dental hygienist may be the proprietor of a place where supervised or unsupervised dental hygiene is performed and may purchase, own, or lease equipment necessary to perform supervised or unsupervised dental hygiene.

  12-35-122.6. What constitutes practicing supervised dental hygiene. (1) Unless licensed to practice dentistry, any person shall be deemed to be practicing supervised dental hygiene who:

  (a) Removes deposits, accretions, and stains by scaling with hand, ultrasonic, or other devices from all surfaces of the tooth and smoothes and polishes natural and restored tooth surfaces, including root planing;

  (b) Removes granulation and degenerated tissue from the gingival wall of the periodontal pocket through the process of gingival curettage. Such curettage may include the incidental removal of live epithelial tissue and is to be performed under the general supervision of a licensed dentist.

  (c) Provides preventive measures including, but not limited to, the application of fluorides and other recognized topical agents for the prevention of oral disease;

  (d) Gathers and assembles information including, but not limited to, fact-finding and patient history, radiographic and x-ray survey, preparation of study casts, oral inspection, and dental and periodontal charting;

  (e) Administers a topical anesthetic to a patient in the course of providing dental care;

  (f) Administers local anesthetic under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist pursuant to rules and regulations of the board, which rules shall include minimum education requirements and procedures for such administration.

  (2) Supervised dental hygiene may be performed by licensed dentists and, except for the administration of local anesthetic performed under paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of this section, by licensed dental hygienists under the general supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the board.