Dentist License Renewal Deadline and Requirements

Becky O'GuinFeatured News, Featured News

Dentist and dental hygienist licenses must be renewed by Feb. 29. The Colorado Dental Board oversees this process and you can renew your license by logging into your DORA account HERE.

You must have 30 hours of CE credit to renew your dental license. If a license is issued within one year of a renewal date, no CE will be required for that first renewal period. If a license is issued outside of one year of a renewal date, then 15 hours of Colorado Dental Board-approved CE will be required for that first renewal period.  

16 Hours of Clinical/Science-Based Credits
At least 16 of the required 30 CE hours must be clinical or science-based, or eight of the required 15 if licensed outside of one year of the renewal date.

50% of CE Must be Live and Interactive
At least 50% of the required CE hours must be live and interactive. This may include web-based courses. Interaction meeting this requirement includes the opportunity and ability for course participants to ask questions in real-time, and for the instructor to answer participant questions in real-time.

Two Hours of Basic Life Support for Renewing Licenses
To ensure licensure renewal, you must have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Successful completion of BLS training grants a maximum of two hours of continuing education credit (excluding anesthesia permit renewal). Initial training mandates a minimum of three hours, covering skills practice and testing. For renewals, a minimum of two hours, including skills practice and testing, is required.
One Hour of Controlled Substance Use Prevention Training
All dentists, regardless of DEA licensing, must complete one hour per license period.
Dentists and Academic Dentists who meet one of the following conditions may be exempt from Substance Use Prevention Training:

  • Maintain a national board certification that requires equivalent substance use prevention training; or 
  • Attests to the Board that they do not prescribe opioids

Licensees may be subject to a Board audit of compliance after each license period ends.

Make Licensure Renewal Less Stressful
You can upload the verification of participation to the Member CE depository for tracking purposes or conveniently store all your CE transcripts in one spot with the ADA Member App! Keep your CE and credentials at your fingertips. Just log in with your ADA number and password.

Have Questions?
If you have technical issues when renewing your license online, email dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us. For all other inquiries regarding your renewal or if you cannot access online services, call DORA’s license renewal support office at 303-894-7800.If you have questions about continuing education requirements set by the state board, feel free to visit: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Dental/CE.

Please Note: The CDA is not directly involved in license renewal, but we strive to keep you informed. Licensure is crucial to your dental practice. If you plan to discontinue dentistry, consider converting your license to retired or inactive for easier reinstatement. Learn more