Please note: These data are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as a legal opinion about dental practice in any state. To verify, or if you have questions, please contact your state's dental board.
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiologic procedures in the state of Colorado, a dental assistant must: (1) Be at least 18 years of age AND (2) Successfully complete minimum safety, education and training for operating machine sources of ionizing radiation and administering such radiation to patients. Approved education or training includes completion of five hours of practical or clinical experience and three hours of lecture for a total of eight hours from a program accredited by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education, the Private Occupational School Division (or the equivalent in any other state) OR (3) Education and training may be provided on-the-job by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist provided that the educational module used is approved by the Colorado State Board of Dentistry OR (4) Successfully complete the national DANB Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) exam or the national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam.
Some dental assistants in the state of Colorado may choose to complete an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) educational program. The EDDA designation is not recognized by the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners and does not qualify a dental assistant to perform expanded duties in the state.
Note: To administer and induce conscious analgesia solely by means of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation techniques, a dental assistant must complete a course in a CODA-accredited institution or an institution certified by the Colorado Department of Higher Education Division of Private Occupational Schools. The course must have a minimum of 16 hours, including 4 patient contact hours. The dental assistant must submit proof of compliance to the Board.
Note: Dental assistants who render patient care services in a dental setting where anesthesia/sedation and/or nitrous oxide/oxygen is administered must have proof of current basic life support knowledge and skills.
For information on DANB-administered exams, contact DANB. For information on state requirements, contact the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners at 303/894-7776 or send an email to dental@dora.state.co.us. You may also contact the University of Colorado Dental School at 303/315-7603 or the Colorado Dental Association at 303/740-6900.
Website: www.dora.state.co.us/DENTAL
DANB's State Fact Booklet: A Complete Listing by State of Required DANB Examinations and Excerpts from State Practice Acts provides valuable dental assisting information by state as a resource for dental assisting professionals and other communities of interest.
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