A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning the continuation of the "Dental Practice Act".
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
Sunset Process - Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The bill makes changes to the "Dental Practice Act" (act) by:
- Continuing the act for 9 years, until 2034;
- Updating and adding definitions;
- Changing the makeup of the Colorado dental board (board);
- Requiring the attorney general, in addition to counseling the board, to counsel and advise the board's consultants;
- Adding and updating the grounds for which the board may take disciplinary action against an applicant for licensure or a licensee;
- Allowing a licensee's submission to a mental or physical examination to satisfy the requirement to notify the board of a condition that would impair the licensee's ability to practice;
- Adding as exemptions to the act the volunteer practice of dentistry and dental hygiene under specific conditions;
- Repealing the exceptions that allow a dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant to perform certain dentistry practices and including additional tasks to the list of items included in the practice of dentistry;
- Clarifying that a dental assistant, dental hygienist, and dental therapist may perform tasks consistent with rules adopted by the board;
- Requiring providers who perform itinerant surgery to develop and maintain protocols for emergency follow-up care;
- Authorizing licensed dentists to prescribe orders electronically;
- Requiring a peer health assistance program selected as a designated provider for the dentist peer health assistance program to provide training and calibration to dentists who practice monitoring services;
- Authorizing dentists to self-refer to participate in a peer health assistance program or be referred by the board;
- Requiring an applicant for dental, dental hygienist, or dental therapy licensure to pass a jurisprudence examination that tests the applicant's knowledge of the act;
- Removing a requirement that dental education schools and programs must be accredited or approved by a specific entity;
- Requiring the board to adopt rules that allow for expedited, temporary licensure during a public health emergency;
- Repealing specific tasks that are currently authorized to be performed by a dental therapist;
- Updating procedures for the construction of dental devices by an unlicensed technician;
- Updating the list of practices that are considered to be the practice of unsupervised dental hygiene;
- Repealing the specific dosages of certain drugs that a dental hygienist may prescribe;
- Authorizing the board to adopt rules that identify safe prescribing alternatives to silver diamine fluoride as a treatment for strengthening teeth and preventing tooth decay;
- Identifying tasks that are deemed to be practicing supervised dental hygiene;
- Requiring a dental hygienist performing an interim therapeutic restoration to confirm a referral for follow-up care with a dentist;
- Limiting the number of dental hygienists that a dentist may supervise; and
- Authorizing a dental therapist to perform specific tasks.
This Unofficial Version Includes Committee
Amendments Not Yet Adopted on Second Reading
Page 3, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 3, Line 2SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-104, amend
Page 3, Line 3(1), (4), (9)(a), and (10)(a); add(5.2), (10.5), and (14.5); and add with amended and relocated provisions (5.3) as follows:
Page 3, Line 412-220-104. Definitions - rules. As used in this article 220, unless the context otherwise requires:
Page 3, Line 5(1) "Accredited" means a program that is nationally recognized for
Page 3, Line 6specialized accrediting for dental, dental therapy, dental hygiene, and
Page 3, Line 7dental auxiliary programs by the Commission on Dental
Page 3, Line 8Accreditation or a specialty accrediting organization
Page 3, Line 9recognized by the United States department of education or by a successor organization of the commission.
Page 3, Line 10(4) "Dental hygiene" means the delivery of preventive,
Page 3, Line 11educational, and clinical services supporting total health for the control
Page 3, Line 12of oral disease; the impact of the disease, disorder, or condition on
Page 3, Line 13the human body; and the promotion of oral health provided by a dental
Page 3, Line 14hygienist within the scope of the dental hygienist's education, training, and experience and in accordance with applicable law.
Page 3, Line 15(5.2) "Dental hygiene laboratory work order" means the
Page 3, Line 16documented order of a dental hygienist licensed in this state
Page 4, Line 1authorizing another person to construct, reproduce, or repair an oral medicament carrier.
Page 4, Line 2(5.3) [Formerly 12-220-104 (11)] "Dental laboratory work
Page 4, Line 3order" means the
written instructions documented order of a dentistPage 4, Line 4licensed in Colorado authorizing another person to construct, reproduce,
Page 4, Line 5or repair any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to
Page 4, Line 6function in the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and associated regions.
Page 4, Line 7(9) (a) (I) "Indirect supervision" means the supervision of those
Page 4, Line 8tasks or procedures that do not require the presence of the dentist in the
Page 4, Line 9office or on the premises at the time the tasks or procedures are being
Page 4, Line 10performed but do require that the tasks be performed with the prior knowledge and consent of the dentist.
Page 4, Line 11(II) A dentist who provides indirect supervision must have
Page 4, Line 12an active license in good standing in this state or in a contiguous state.
Page 4, Line 13(10) (a) "Interim therapeutic restoration" or "ITR" means a direct
Page 4, Line 14provisional restoration placed to stabilize a tooth until a licensed dentist or dental therapist can assess the need for further definitive treatment.
Page 4, Line 15(10.5) "Itinerant surgery" means the elective oral and
Page 4, Line 16maxillofacial surgery performed in nonaccredited surgical or
Page 4, Line 17treatment facilities other than the facility or facilities owned
Page 4, Line 18or leased by the professional practice employing the
Page 4, Line 19practitioner or specialty-level surgical care performed by a
Page 4, Line 20practitioner who is not a graduate of an accredited surgical specialty training program in a treatment facility.
Page 4, Line 21(14.5) (a) "Teledentistry" means telehealth methodologies
Page 5, Line 1and systems that are used in a manner that is compliant with the
Page 5, Line 2federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Page 5, Line 3of 1996", 42 U.S.C. secs. 1320d to 1320d-9, as amended, to deliver
Page 5, Line 4oral health services in dentistry, including informational and
Page 5, Line 5electronic communication technologies, remote monitoring
Page 5, Line 6technologies, and store-and-forward transfers, to facilitate
Page 5, Line 7the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, counseling, and
Page 5, Line 8education of, or treatment planning for, a patient while the
Page 5, Line 9patient is located at an originating site without a dental
Page 5, Line 10practitioner, and the dental practitioner providing the service is at a distant site.
Page 5, Line 11(b) As used in this subsection (14.5), "telehealth" means a
Page 5, Line 12broad variety of technologies and tactics to deliver virtual
Page 5, Line 13medical, health, and education services. "Telehealth" is not a
Page 5, Line 14specific service but a collection of means to enhance care and education delivery.
Page 5, Line 15SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-105, amend(1)(b)(II)(A) and (5) as follows:
Page 5, Line 1612-220-105. Colorado dental board - qualifications of board
Page 5, Line 17members - quorum - panel - rules - review of functions - repeal of
Page 5, Line 18article - repeal. (1) (b) (II) (A) Effective July 1, 2031, the board consists
Page 5, Line 19of seven dentist members,
two one dental therapistmembers, twoPage 5, Line 20member, three dental hygienist members, and two members from the
Page 5, Line 21public at large; except that the dental therapist seat shall remain
Page 5, Line 22open and a dental therapist member shall not be appointed until
Page 5, Line 23there are at least one hundred dental therapists actively
Page 5, Line 24engaged in clinical practice in this state. The governor shall
Page 6, Line 1appoint each member for a term of four years, and each member must
Page 6, Line 2have the qualifications provided in this article 220. A member shall not
Page 6, Line 3serve more than two consecutive terms of four years. Each board member
Page 6, Line 4holds office until the member's term expires or until the governor appoints a successor.
Page 6, Line 5(5)
(a) This article 220 is repealed, effective September 1,Page 6, Line 62034. Before the repeal,
of this article 220 pursuant to subsection (5)(b)Page 6, Line 7
of this section, all functions of the board are scheduled for review in accordance with section 24-34-104.Page 6, Line 8
(b) This article 220 is repealed, effective September 1, 2025.Page 6, Line 9SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-106, amend (1)(a) introductory portion and (2); and add (1)(a)(VI) as follows:
Page 6, Line 1012-220-106. Powers and duties of board - rules - limitation on
Page 6, Line 11authority. (1) The board shall exercise, in accordance with this article 220, the following powers and duties:
Page 6, Line 12(a)
Make Adopt, publish, declare, and periodically review reasonable rules pursuant to section 12-20-204, including rules regarding:Page 6, Line 13(VI) Criteria and procedures for recruiting, training, and
Page 6, Line 14calibrating practice monitors that assist licensees participating
Page 6, Line 15in peer health assistance programs described in sections 12-220-310 and 12-220-507;
Page 6, Line 16(2) The board may recognize those dental specialties defined by
Page 6, Line 17the
American Dental Association National Commission onPage 6, Line 18Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards or the United States department of education.
Page 6, Line 19SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-220-108
Page 6, Line 20as follows:
Page 7, Line 112-220-108. Attorney general shall represent board and
Page 7, Line 2members. The attorney general of the state of Colorado shall counsel
Page 7, Line 3with and advise the board members and the board's consultants in
Page 7, Line 4connection with
its the board's duties and responsibilitiesunderPage 7, Line 5described in this article 220. If litigation is brought against the board or
Page 7, Line 6any of its individual members or consultants in connection with
Page 7, Line 7actions taken by the board or any of its members under this article 220
Page 7, Line 8and the actions are free of malice, fraud, or willful neglect of duty, the
Page 7, Line 9attorney general shall defend the litigation without cost to the board or to any individual member of the board.
Page 7, Line 10SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-201, amend
Page 7, Line 11(1)(n), (1)(s), (1)(ii), and (1)(oo); and add (1)(qq), (1)(rr), and (1)(ss) as follows:
Page 7, Line 1212-220-201. Grounds for disciplinary action - definition.
Page 7, Line 13(1) The board may take disciplinary action against an applicant or
Page 7, Line 14licensee in accordance with sections 12-20-4.04 and 12-220-202 for any of the following causes:
Page 7, Line 15(n) Refusing to make patient records available to a patient,
Page 7, Line 16patient representative, or previous or current treatment
Page 7, Line 17provider within seven calendar days after a written requestpursuant to a written authorization request under section 25-1-802;
Page 7, Line 18(s) Failing to furnish unlicensed persons with dental laboratory work orders pursuant to section 12-220-502;
Page 7, Line 19(ii) Advertising or otherwise holding oneself out to the public as
Page 7, Line 20practicing a dental specialty in which the dentist has not successfully
Page 7, Line 21completed the education specified for the dental specialty as defined by
Page 7, Line 22the
American Dental Association National Commission onPage 8, Line 1Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards or the United States department of education;
Page 8, Line 2(oo) Failing to comply with
sections 12-220-501 (1)(a)(II)(C) andPage 8, Line 3
12-220-503 (1)(g) section 12-220-503 (1)(g) and rules adopted pursuantPage 8, Line 4to
those sections that section regarding the application of silver diamine fluoride;orPage 8, Line 5(qq) Practicing outside the scope of an articulated plan
Page 8, Line 6developed in accordance with section 12-220-503 (1)(g)(V) or 12-220-508 (1)(b), (1)(c)(VII), or (2);
Page 8, Line 7(rr) Purchasing or using an electronic health record
Page 8, Line 8product that does not include integration of a tool that
Page 8, Line 9facilitates dentists' compliance with prescription drug
Page 8, Line 10monitoring standards as required by section 12-30-114 (1)(a)(VI); or
Page 8, Line 11(ss) The failure of a provider performing itinerant oral
Page 8, Line 12surgery to provide required follow-up care, including the
Page 8, Line 13failure to provide a care plan outlining follow-up care in a
Page 8, Line 14facility or to be performed by a different provider within a
Page 8, Line 15reasonable distance from the office where the procedure will be
Page 8, Line 16performed if the original treating provider is unavailable to
Page 8, Line 17provide the follow-up care. Referral to an urgent care center
Page 8, Line 18or hospital emergency department does not fulfill the
Page 8, Line 19requirement for follow-up care and would be in violation of this policy.
Page 8, Line 20SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-206, add (4) and (5) as follows:
Page 8, Line 2112-220-206. Mental and physical examinations. (4) A
Page 9, Line 1licensee's submission to a mental or physical examination by the
Page 9, Line 2qualified professional designated by the board satisfies any
Page 9, Line 3requirement to notify the board of a physical or mental health
Page 9, Line 4condition that may impact the licensee's ability to practice with
Page 9, Line 5reasonable skill and safety pursuant to section 12-30-108 (1), 12-220-201 (1)(j)(I), or 12-220-310 (3).
Page 9, Line 6(5) Notification requirements described in section
Page 9, Line 712-30-108 (1), 12-220-201 (1)(j)(I), or 12-220-310 (3) begin upon
Page 9, Line 8discharge of a licensee enrolled in inpatient treatment for a serious mental health or physical condition.
Page 9, Line 9SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-302, amend (1)(b), (1)(f), (1)(g), and (1)(j); and add (1)(k) and (1)(l) as follows:
Page 9, Line 1012-220-302. Persons exempt from operation of this article.
Page 9, Line 11(1) This article 220 does not apply to the following practices, acts, and operations:
Page 9, Line 12(b) The administration of an anesthetic for a dental operation
Page 9, Line 13by a qualified anesthetist licensed pursuant to article 240 of this
Page 9, Line 14title 12 or
registered a nursefor a dental operation licensed or registered pursuant to article 255 of this title 12;Page 9, Line 15(f) The practice of dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene by
Page 9, Line 16dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists licensed in good standing
Page 9, Line 17by other states or countries while appearing in accredited or
Page 9, Line 18board-approved programs of dental education or research, at the
Page 9, Line 19invitation of any group of licensed dentists, dental therapists, or dental
Page 9, Line 20hygienists in this state who are in good standing, so long as the practice
Page 9, Line 21is limited to five consecutive days in a twelve-month period and the name
Page 9, Line 22of each person engaging in the practice is submitted to the board, in
Page 10, Line 1
writing and on a form a format approved by the board, at least ten days before the person performs the practice;Page 10, Line 2(g) The filling of dental laboratory work orders of a licensed
Page 10, Line 3dentist, as provided by section 12-220-502, by any person, association,
Page 10, Line 4corporation, or other entity for the construction, reproduction, or repair
Page 10, Line 5of prosthetic dentures, bridges, plates, or appliances to be used or worn
Page 10, Line 6as substitutes for natural teeth or for restoration of natural teeth, or
Page 10, Line 7replacement of structures relating to the jaws, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and associated structures;
Page 10, Line 8(j) The practice of dentistry
dental therapy, or dental hygiene byPage 10, Line 9dentists
dental therapists, or dental hygienists licensed in good standingPage 10, Line 10by other states while providing care as a volunteer, at the invitation of any
Page 10, Line 11group of licensed dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists in this
Page 10, Line 12state who are in good standing, so long as the practice is limited to five
Page 10, Line 13consecutive days in a twelve-month period and the name of each person
Page 10, Line 14engaging in the practice is submitted to the board, in
writing and on aPage 10, Line 15
form a format approved by the board, at least ten days before the person performs the practice;Page 10, Line 16(k) The practice of dental therapy by dental therapists
Page 10, Line 17licensed in good standing by other states while providing care
Page 10, Line 18as a volunteer, at the invitation of any group of licensed
Page 10, Line 19dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists in this state
Page 10, Line 20who are in good standing, so long as the practice is limited to
Page 10, Line 21five consecutive days in a twelve-month period and the name of
Page 10, Line 22each person engaging in the practice is submitted to the board,
Page 10, Line 23in a format approved by the board, at least ten days before the
Page 10, Line 24person performs the practice, and the dental therapists treat
Page 11, Line 1patients only under direct supervision of a licensed dentist in compliance with section 12-220-508; or
Page 11, Line 2(l) The practice of dental hygiene by dental hygienists
Page 11, Line 3licensed in good standing by other states while providing care
Page 11, Line 4as a volunteer, at the invitation of any group of licensed
Page 11, Line 5dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists in this state
Page 11, Line 6who are in good standing, so long as the practice is limited to
Page 11, Line 7five consecutive days in a twelve-month period and the name of
Page 11, Line 8each person engaging in the practice is submitted to the board,
Page 11, Line 9in a format approved by the board, at least ten days before the
Page 11, Line 10person performs the practice, and the dental hygienists treat patients only under direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Page 11, Line 11SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-303, amend (2)(a) and (3)(d) as follows:
Page 11, Line 1212-220-303. Ownership of dental or dental hygiene practice -
Page 11, Line 13information to be posted - heir to serve as temporary proprietor -
Page 11, Line 14limitations - definitions. (2) (a) The name, license number, ownership
Page 11, Line 15percentage, and other information, as required by the board, of each
Page 11, Line 16proprietor of a dental or dental hygiene practice, including an unlicensed
Page 11, Line 17heir who is the temporary proprietor of the practice, as specified in
Page 11, Line 18subsection (3) of this section, must be immediately and publicly
Page 11, Line 19available at the
reception desk of the dental or dental hygiene practicePage 11, Line 20during the practice's hours of operation. The information required by this subsection (2)(a) must be available in a format approved by the board.
Page 11, Line 21(3) (d) The temporary proprietorship of a dental or dental hygiene
Page 11, Line 22practice by an unlicensed heir
does must not affect the exercise of thePage 11, Line 23independent professional judgment of the licensed dentist or dental hygienist providing care to patients on behalf of the practice.
Page 12, Line 1SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-304, amend (3) as follows:
Page 12, Line 212-220-304. Names and status under which dental practice
Page 12, Line 3may be conducted. (3) The practice of dentistry, dental therapy, or
Page 12, Line 4dental hygiene by a professional service corporation, limited
Page 12, Line 5liability company of licensees, or
by a limited liability partnership ofPage 12, Line 6licensees is permitted subject to the limitations and requirements, insofar
Page 12, Line 7as are applicable, set forth in section 12-240-138 relating to a
Page 12, Line 8professional service corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership for the practice of medicine.
Page 12, Line 9SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-305, amend
Page 12, Line 10(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), (1)(d), (1)(j), (1)(k), (1)(l), (1)(m), (1)(n), (1)(p), (1)(q), (1)(r), and (2); and add (1)(s), (1)(t), (1)(u), and (3) as follows:
Page 12, Line 1112-220-305. What constitutes practicing dentistry - rules. (1) A person is practicing dentistry if the person:
Page 12, Line 12(a) Performs or attempts or professes to perform any dental
Page 12, Line 13operation, oral surgery, or dental diagnostic or therapeutic services of any
Page 12, Line 14kind;
except that nothing in this subsection (1)(a) prohibits a dentalPage 12, Line 15
therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant from providing preventive dental or nutritional counseling, education, or instruction services;Page 12, Line 16(b) Is a proprietor of a place where dental operation, oral surgery,
Page 12, Line 17or dental diagnostic or therapeutic services are performed;
except thatPage 12, Line 18
nothing in this subsection (1)(b) prohibits a dental therapist, dentalPage 12, Line 19
hygienist, or dental assistant from performing those tasks and procedures consistent with section 12-220-501;Page 12, Line 20(c) Directly or indirectly, by any means or method, takes a
Page 13, Line 1physical or digital impression or scan of the human tooth, teeth,
Page 13, Line 2jaws, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and associated structures; performs
Page 13, Line 3any phase of any operation incident to the replacement of a part of a
Page 13, Line 4tooth; or supplies artificial substitutes for the natural teeth, jaws, or
Page 13, Line 5adjacent and associated structures;
except that nothing in this subsectionPage 13, Line 6
(1)(c) prohibits a dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistantPage 13, Line 7
from performing tasks and procedures consistent with sections 12-220-501 (3)(b)(III), 12-220-503 (1)(d), and 12-220-508;Page 13, Line 8(d) Furnishes, supplies, constructs, reproduces, or repairs
any aPage 13, Line 9prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to be worn in the
Page 13, Line 10human mouth or upon the jaws, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and
Page 13, Line 11associated structures other than on the
written dental laboratory work order of a duly licensed and practicing dentist;Page 13, Line 12(j) Extracts or attempts to extract human teeth or corrects, or
Page 13, Line 13attempts to correct, malformations of human teeth or jaws;
except thatPage 13, Line 14
this subsection (1)(j) does not prohibit a dental therapist from performing tasks and procedures consistent with section 12-220-508;Page 13, Line 15(k) Repairs or fills cavities in human teeth;
except that thisPage 13, Line 16
subsection (1)(k) does not prohibit a dental therapist from performing tasks and procedures consistent with section 12-220-508;Page 13, Line 17(l) Prescribes ionizing radiation or the use of an X ray for the
Page 13, Line 18purpose of taking dental X rays;
or roentgenograms; except that nothingPage 13, Line 19
in this subsection (1)(l) prohibits these procedures from being delegatedPage 13, Line 20
to appropriately trained personnel in accordance with this article 220 and rules of the board;Page 13, Line 21(m) Gives or professes to give interpretations or readings of dental
Page 13, Line 22X rays,
or roentgenograms, CT scans, or other diagnostic methodologies;Page 14, Line 1
except that nothing in this subsection (1)(m) prohibits a dental hygienistPage 14, Line 2
from performing tasks and procedures consistent with sectionsPage 14, Line 3
12-220-503 and 12-220-504 or a dental therapist from performing tasks consistent with section 12-220-508;Page 14, Line 4(n) Represents
himself or herself themself to an individual or thePage 14, Line 5general public as practicing dentistry by using the words "dentist" or
Page 14, Line 6"dental surgeon" or by using the letters "D.D.S.", "D.M.D.",
Page 14, Line 7"D.D.S./M.D.", or "D.M.D./M.D.";
Nothing in this subsection (1)(n)Page 14, Line 8
prohibits a dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant fromPage 14, Line 9
performing tasks and procedures consistent with section 12-220-501 (2), (2.5), or (3)(b).Page 14, Line 10(p) Prescribes drugs or medications and administers local
Page 14, Line 11anesthesia, analgesia including nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation,
Page 14, Line 12medication prescribed or administered for the relief of anxiety or
Page 14, Line 13apprehension, minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, or
Page 14, Line 14general anesthesia as necessary for the proper practice of dentistry;
except that nothing in this subsection (1)(p) prohibits:Page 14, Line 15
(I) A dental hygienist from performing those tasks and proceduresPage 14, Line 16
consistent with sections 12-220-501, 12-220-503 (1)(e) and (1)(g), andPage 14, Line 17
12-220-504 (1)(c), and in accordance with rules promulgated by the board; orPage 14, Line 18
(II) A dental therapist from performing those tasks and proceduresPage 14, Line 19
consistent with sections 12-220-501 (2.5) and 12-220-508 and in accordance with rules promulgated by the board.Page 14, Line 20(q) Prescribes, induces, and sets dosage levels for inhalation
Page 14, Line 21anesthesia; except that nothing in this subsection (1)(q) prohibits the
Page 14, Line 22delegation of monitoring and administration to dental hygienists and
Page 15, Line 1appropriately trained unlicensed personnel in accordance with this article 220 and rules of the board, including requiring training;
Page 15, Line 2(r) Gives or professes to give interpretations or readings of dental
Page 15, Line 3charts or records or gives treatment plans or interpretations of treatment
Page 15, Line 4plans derived from examinations, patient records, or dental X rays;
orPage 15, Line 5
roentgenograms; except that nothing in this subsection (1)(r) prohibits aPage 15, Line 6dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant from performing
Page 15, Line 7tasks and procedures consistent with sections 12-220-501
(2), (2.5) and (3), 12-220-503, 12-220-504, and 12-220-508;Page 15, Line 8(s) Maintains patient clinical records, dental charts,
Page 15, Line 9images, treatment plans, interpretations, or other
Page 15, Line 10documentation, except when undergoing a transition in practice ownership as permitted in section 12-220-303 (2);
Page 15, Line 11(t) (I) Pursuant to rules adopted by the state board of
Page 15, Line 12health created in section 25-1-103 and provided to the Colorado
Page 15, Line 13dental board, orders and administers immunizations to patients
Page 15, Line 14six years of age or older. The Colorado dental board shall
Page 15, Line 15adopt rules regarding delegation of immunization
Page 15, Line 16administration by a licensed dentist to a dental therapist or dental hygienist.
Page 15, Line 17(II) Dentists and dental hygienists:
Page 15, Line 18(A) Are not authorized to provide medical exemptions for any required immunizations;
Page 15, Line 19(B) Shall enter all immunization-related administration
Page 15, Line 20information into the Colorado immunization information system created pursuant to part 24 of article 4 of title 25; and
Page 15, Line 21(C) Who administer immunizations shall disclose their
Page 16, Line 1medical training related to pediatric administration, including
Page 16, Line 2the ability to manage side effects or adverse outcomes, to patients as part of the patient consent process.
Page 16, Line 3(u) Orders and administers neuromodulators and dermal
Page 16, Line 4fillers to dental patients of record for therapeutic and
Page 16, Line 5cosmetic purposes pursuant to rules adopted by the board
Page 16, Line 6regarding required training, ongoing competency, record keeping, and delegation to dental hygienists.
Page 16, Line 7(2)
A licensed dentist may prescribe orders electronically. This section does not prohibit:Page 16, Line 8(a) A dental assistant from performing tasks and
Page 16, Line 9procedures consistent with section 12-220-501 and in accordance with rules adopted by the board;
Page 16, Line 10(b) A dental hygienist from performing tasks and
Page 16, Line 11procedures consistent with sections 12-220-501, 12-220-503, and
Page 16, Line 1212-220-504 and in accordance with rules adopted by the board; or
Page 16, Line 13(c) A dental therapist from performing tasks and
Page 16, Line 14procedures consistent with sections 12-220-501 and 12-220-508 and in accordance with rules adopted by the board.
Page 16, Line 15(3) A provider performing itinerant surgery shall develop
Page 16, Line 16and maintain a written protocol for emergency follow-up care
Page 16, Line 17with appropriately trained practitioners for all patients
Page 16, Line 18treated. The plan shall be provided to each patient undergoing
Page 16, Line 19treatment and must be available immediately at the request of
Page 16, Line 20the board. The written protocol must include a provision that
Page 16, Line 21requires the provider to include in a plan of care follow-up
Page 17, Line 1treatment in a permanently established treatment facility
Page 17, Line 2within a reasonable proximity of the location where itinerant
Page 17, Line 3surgical treatment was performed. This follow-up treatment
Page 17, Line 4shall be provided by the itinerant surgical treatment operator
Page 17, Line 5or an appropriately trained practitioner who has agreed in
Page 17, Line 6writing to participate in the emergency follow-up care plan for
Page 17, Line 7the itinerant surgical treatment operator. The appropriately
Page 17, Line 8trained practitioner must be available when the itinerant surgical operator is not available.
Page 17, Line 9SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-306, amend (1)(a)(III) and (1)(b); and add (3) as follows:
Page 17, Line 1012-220-306. Dentists may prescribe drugs - surgical operations
Page 17, Line 11- anesthesia - limits on prescriptions - rules. (1) (a) A licensed dentist is authorized to:
Page 17, Line 12(III) Administer, pursuant to a permit required by section
Page 17, Line 1312-220-411 and pursuant to board rules, local anesthesia, analgesia
Page 17, Line 14including nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation, medication prescribed or
Page 17, Line 15administered for the relief of anxiety or apprehension, minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia; and
Page 17, Line 16(b) A dentist shall not prescribe, distribute, or give to any person,
Page 17, Line 17including
the dentist themself, any habit-forming drug or any controlledPage 17, Line 18substance, as defined in section 18-18-102 (5) or as contained in schedule
Page 17, Line 19II of 21 U.S.C. sec. 812, other than in the course of legitimate dental
Page 17, Line 20practice and pursuant to the rules
promulgated adopted by the boardPage 17, Line 21regarding controlled substance record keeping and in compliance with
Page 17, Line 22the electronic prescribing of controlled substances as required
Page 17, Line 23by section 12-30-111.
Page 18, Line 1(3) A licensed dentist may prescribe orders electronically.
Page 18, Line 2SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-310, amend (1)(a), (1)(b)(IV), (2)(b), and (5); and add (2)(d) and (4.5) as follows:
Page 18, Line 312-220-310. Dentist peer health assistance program - fees -
Page 18, Line 4rules. (1) (a)
Effective July 1, 2004, as a condition of renewal in thisPage 18, Line 5
state, every An applicant for a dentist license or a dentist applyingPage 18, Line 6to renew or reinstate the dentist's license must, at the time of
Page 18, Line 7application, pay to the administering entity that has been selected by the
Page 18, Line 8board pursuant to subsection (1)(b) of this section
an amount a fee not toPage 18, Line 9exceed fifty-nine dollars per year, which maximum amount may be
Page 18, Line 10adjusted on January 1, 2005, and annually thereafter by the board to
Page 18, Line 11reflect changes in the United States department of
labor, labor's bureauPage 18, Line 12of labor statistics consumer price index, or a successor index, for
Page 18, Line 13Denver-Aurora-Lakewood for all urban consumers or goods.
or itsPage 18, Line 14
successor index. The fee shall be used to support designated providersPage 18, Line 15that have been selected by the board to provide assistance to dentists
Page 18, Line 16needing help in dealing with physical, emotional, or psychological
Page 18, Line 17problems that may be detrimental to their ability to practice dentistry. The fee
shall must not exceed one hundred dollars per year per licensee.Page 18, Line 18(b) The board shall select one or more peer health assistance
Page 18, Line 19programs as designated providers. To be eligible for designation by the board, a peer health assistance program must:
Page 18, Line 20(IV) Monitor the status of a dentist who has been referred for
Page 18, Line 21treatment, including providing training and calibration to dentists providing practice monitoring services;
Page 18, Line 22(2) (b) Notwithstanding sections 12-220-201 and 24-4-104, the
Page 19, Line 1board may immediately suspend the license of
any a dentist who isPage 19, Line 2referred to a peer health assistance program by the board and who fails to
Page 19, Line 3attend or complete the program. If the dentist objects to the suspension,
Page 19, Line 4the dentist may submit a
written request to the board, in a formatPage 19, Line 5approved by the board, for a formal hearing on the suspension within
Page 19, Line 6ten days after receiving notice of the suspension, and the board shall grant
Page 19, Line 7the request. In the hearing, the dentist bears the burden of proving that the dentist's license should not be suspended.
Page 19, Line 8(d) A dentist may self-refer to participate in the peer
Page 19, Line 9health assistance program or may be referred by the board. A
Page 19, Line 10dentist who self-refers to the peer health assistance program
Page 19, Line 11may do so confidentially and without direct notification to the
Page 19, Line 12board. Such self-referral to the peer health assistance program
Page 19, Line 13satisfies board notification requirements set forth in section
Page 19, Line 1412-220-207 and subsection (3) of this section; except that the peer
Page 19, Line 15health assistance program shall report knowledge of a
Page 19, Line 16dentist's violation of this article 220 or rules of the board,
Page 19, Line 17excluding omissions solely related to violations of section 12-220-201 (1)(e) or (1)(f).
Page 19, Line 18(4.5) Before the renewal of a peer assistance vendor
Page 19, Line 19contract, the board shall conduct a review of the services
Page 19, Line 20provided under the contract and needs among the licensee
Page 19, Line 21community, which must include a process to receive input from stakeholders and the public.
Page 19, Line 22(5) The board
is authorized to promulgate may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.Page 19, Line 23SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-402, amend (1)(a) as follows:
Page 20, Line 112-220-402. Dentist academic license. (1) (a) A dentist who is
Page 20, Line 2employed at an accredited school or college of dentistry in this state and
Page 20, Line 3who practices dentistry in the course of the dentist's employment
Page 20, Line 4responsibilities must either
make written file an application to the boardPage 20, Line 5for an academic license in accordance with this section, in a format
Page 20, Line 6approved by the board, or otherwise become licensed pursuant to sections 12-220-401 and 12-220-403, as applicable.
Page 20, Line 7SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-403, amend (1) as follows:
Page 20, Line 812-220-403. Examination - how conducted - dentist license
Page 20, Line 9issued to successful applicants. (1) An applicant for dental licensure
Page 20, Line 10must submit to the board proof that the applicant successfully passed the following:
Page 20, Line 11(a) The examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations;
andPage 20, Line 12(b) An examination or other methodology, as determined by the
Page 20, Line 13board, designed to test the applicant's clinical skills and knowledge, which may include residency and portfolio models; and
Page 20, Line 14(c) A jurisprudence examination approved by the board
Page 20, Line 15and designed to test the applicant's knowledge of this article 220.
Page 20, Line 16SECTION 15. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-405, amend (1)(a) introductory portion as follows:
Page 20, Line 1712-220-405. Application for dental hygienist license - fee.
Page 20, Line 18(1) Every person who desires to qualify for practice as a dental hygienist
Page 20, Line 19within this state must file with the board:
Page 21, Line 1(a)
A written An application for a license, in a format approved by the board, on which application the applicant shall list:Page 21, Line 2SECTION 16. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-406, amend (1) as follows:
Page 21, Line 312-220-406. Dental hygienist examinations - license. (1) Every
Page 21, Line 4applicant for dental hygiene licensure must submit to the board proof that the applicant successfully completed the following:
Page 21, Line 5(a) An examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations;
andPage 21, Line 6(b) An examination designed to test the applicant's clinical skills
Page 21, Line 7and knowledge, which must be administered by a regional testing agency
Page 21, Line 8composed of at least four states or an examination of another state, or a
Page 21, Line 9methodology adopted by the board by rule that is designed to test the applicant's clinical skills and knowledge; and
Page 21, Line 10(c) A jurisprudence examination approved by the board
Page 21, Line 11and designed to test the applicant's knowledge of this article 220.
Page 21, Line 12SECTION 17. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-407.2, amend (1)(a) introductory portion and (1)(b) as follows:
Page 21, Line 1312-220-407.2. Application for dental therapist license - fee -
Page 21, Line 14rules. (1) Effective May 1, 2023, every person who desires to qualify for practice as a dental therapist within this state must file with the board:
Page 21, Line 15(a)
A written An application for a license, in a format approved by the board, on whichapplication the applicant must list:Page 21, Line 16(b) Satisfactory proof that the applicant:
Page 21, Line 17(I) Graduated from a school of dental therapy that, at the time of
Page 21, Line 18the applicant's graduation, was accredited;
by the American DentalPage 22, Line 1
Association's commission on dental accreditation or its successor organization; orPage 22, Line 2(II) Graduated from a dental therapy education program developed
Page 22, Line 3prior to February 6, 2015, that, at the time of the applicant's graduation,
Page 22, Line 4was
accredited recognized by the Minnesota board of dentistry orPage 22, Line 5certified by the Alaska community health aide program certification board.
Page 22, Line 6SECTION 18. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-407.5, amend (1) as follows:
Page 22, Line 712-220-407.5. Dental therapist examinations - license.
Page 22, Line 8(1) Every applicant for a dental therapy license must submit to the board proof that the applicant successfully completed:
Page 22, Line 9(a) A clinical examination for dental therapy that:
Page 22, Line 10
(a) (I) Is designed to test the applicant's clinical dental therapy skills and knowledge;Page 22, Line 11
(b) (II) Includes dental therapy restorative and dental hygiene clinical skill evaluation; andPage 22, Line 12
(c) (III) Is administered by a regional testing agency composed of at least four states or an examination of another state; andPage 22, Line 13(b) A jurisprudence examination approved by the board
Page 22, Line 14and designed to test the applicant's knowledge of this article 220.
Page 22, Line 15SECTION 19. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-409, add (6) as follows:
Page 22, Line 1612-220-409. Inactive dental, dental therapist, or dental
Page 22, Line 17hygienist license - rules. (6) The board shall adopt rules that
Page 22, Line 18allow an expedited, temporary licensure during public health
Page 23, Line 1emergencies and acute workforce shortages for a dentist,
Page 23, Line 2dental hygienist, or dental therapist who has maintained a
Page 23, Line 3license in good standing with no past disciplinary history prior to obtaining an inactive license. The rules must address:
Page 23, Line 4(a) Supervision or practice monitoring requirements;
(b) Liability coverage requirements;
Page 23, Line 5(c) Other conditions of or limitation on practice; and
Page 23, Line 6(d) Temporary license terms, administrative approvals, timelines, and renewal options.
Page 23, Line 7SECTION 20. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-410, add (7) as follows:
Page 23, Line 812-220-410. Retired dental, dental therapist, and dental
Page 23, Line 9hygienist licenses - rules. (7) The board shall adopt rules that
Page 23, Line 10allow an expedited, temporary licensure during public health
Page 23, Line 11emergencies and acute workforce shortages for a dentist,
Page 23, Line 12dental hygienist, or dental therapist who has maintained a
Page 23, Line 13license in good standing with no past disciplinary history prior to obtaining an inactive license. The rules must address:
Page 23, Line 14(a) Supervision or practice monitoring requirements;
(b) Liability coverage requirements;
Page 23, Line 15(c) Other conditions of or limitation on practice; and
Page 23, Line 16(d) Temporary license terms, administrative approvals, timelines, and renewal options.
Page 23, Line 17SECTION 21. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-411, amend (1) and (5)(a) as follows:
Page 23, Line 1812-220-411. Anesthesia and sedation permits - dentists, dental
Page 23, Line 19therapists, and dental hygienists - training and experience
Page 24, Line 1requirements - office inspections - rules. (1) (a) Upon application in a
Page 24, Line 2form and manner determined by the board and payment of the applicable
Page 24, Line 3fees established by the board, the board may issue an anesthesia or
Page 24, Line 4sedation permit to a licensed dentist or a local anesthesia permit to a dental therapist or dental hygienist in accordance with this section.
Page 24, Line 5(b) The board shall design and implement an expedited
Page 24, Line 6application and permitting process for a dentist who has
Page 24, Line 7completed an accredited residency program in general
Page 24, Line 8anesthesia or a postdoctoral training program that provides
Page 24, Line 9comprehensive and appropriate training necessary to administer
Page 24, Line 10and manage moderate sedation or deep sedation and general anesthesia according to industry-accepted standards.
Page 24, Line 11(5) The board shall establish, by rule, criteria and procedures for
Page 24, Line 12an office inspection program to be completed upon application and renewal of anesthesia or sedation permits, which must include:
Page 24, Line 13(a) Designation of qualified anesthesia inspectors who
arePage 24, Line 14
experts in dental outpatient deep sedation/general anesthesia andPage 24, Line 15
moderate sedation; have more than five years of experiencePage 24, Line 16providing anesthesia services and hold an active anesthesia
Page 24, Line 17permit to provide either dental outpatient deep
Page 24, Line 18sedation/general anesthesia or moderate sedation. An
Page 24, Line 19anesthesia inspector who holds an active anesthesia permit to
Page 24, Line 20provide moderate sedation may only provide office anesthesia
Page 24, Line 21inspections for providers who request moderate sedation
Page 24, Line 22privileges for both initial and renewal permit applications. An
Page 24, Line 23anesthesia inspector who holds an active anesthesia permit to
Page 24, Line 24provide deep sedation/general anesthesia may provide office
Page 25, Line 1anesthesia inspections for any level of sedation for both initial
Page 25, Line 2and renewal permit applications. An anesthesia inspector shall
Page 25, Line 3complete an anesthesia inspector calibration program created
Page 25, Line 4and updated by the board once every five years. The anesthesia
Page 25, Line 5inspector recertification may be completed in conjunction with an anesthesia permit renewal.
Page 25, Line 6SECTION 22. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-412, amend (1) as follows:
Page 25, Line 712-220-412. Change of address - duplicate licenses and
Page 25, Line 8certificates. (1)
Every A person licensed under this article 220, uponPage 25, Line 9changing the licensee's place of business or contact information, shall
Page 25, Line 10furnish to the board the licensee's new mailing address and email address within thirty days after the change.
Page 25, Line 11SECTION 23. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-501, amend
Page 25, Line 12(1)(a), (3)(a)(VI), (3)(b) introductory portion, and (3)(b)(III); and repeal (2) as follows:
Page 25, Line 1312-220-501. Tasks authorized to be performed by dental
Page 25, Line 14therapists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants - rules.
Page 25, Line 15(1) (a)
(I)Except as provided in subsection (1)(a)(II) of this section, ThePage 25, Line 16responsibility for dental diagnosis, dental treatment planning, or the
Page 25, Line 17prescription of therapeutic measures in the practice of dentistry remains
Page 25, Line 18with a licensed dentist and may not be assigned to
any a dental therapist,or dental hygienist, or dental assistant.Page 25, Line 19
(II) A dental hygienist may:Page 25, Line 20
(A) Perform dental hygiene assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis,Page 25, Line 21
and dental hygiene treatment planning for dental hygiene servicesPage 25, Line 22
pursuant to section 12-220-503 (1)(f);Page 26, Line 1
(B) Identify dental abnormalities for immediate referral to a dentist as described in section 12-220-503 (1)(f); andPage 26, Line 2
(C) In collaboration with a licensed dentist, prescribe, administer,Page 26, Line 3
and dispense, as described in section 12-220-503 (1)(g): Fluoride,Page 26, Line 4
fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, antimicrobial solutions forPage 26, Line 5
mouth rinsing, other nonsystemic antimicrobial agents, and resorbable antimicrobial agents pursuant to rules of the board.Page 26, Line 6
(D) Repealed.Page 26, Line 7(2)
Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, a dentalPage 26, Line 8
hygienist may perform any dental task or procedure assigned to thePage 26, Line 9
hygienist by a licensed dentist that does not require the professional skillPage 26, Line 10
of a licensed dentist; except that the dental hygienist may perform the taskPage 26, Line 11
or procedure only under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist or as authorized in sections 12-220-503 and 12-220-504.Page 26, Line 12(3) (a) A dental assistant shall not perform the following tasks:
Page 26, Line 13(VI) Scaling (supra and sub-gingival);
as it pertains to the practice of dental hygiene;Page 26, Line 14(b) A dental assistant may perform the following tasks under the
Page 26, Line 15indirect supervision of a licensed dentist or the direct supervision of a licensed dental therapist or a licensed dental hygienist:
Page 26, Line 16(III) Gathering and assembling information, including but not
Page 26, Line 17limited to fact-finding and patient history, oral inspection, and
Page 26, Line 18recording of dental and periodontal charting as dictated by a licensee;
Page 26, Line 19SECTION 24. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-220-502 as follows:
Page 26, Line 2012-220-502. Construction of dental devices by unlicensed
Page 27, Line 1technician. (1) (a) A licensed dentist who uses the services of an
Page 27, Line 2unlicensed technician for the purpose of constructing, altering, repairing,
Page 27, Line 3or duplicating
any denture, bridge, splint, or orthodontic or prostheticPage 27, Line 4
appliance a laboratory-fabricated intraoral or maxillofacialPage 27, Line 5dental prosthesis, product, or appliance shall furnish the unlicensed
Page 27, Line 6technician with a
written or electronic dental laboratory work order inPage 27, Line 7a form
approved by that complies with rules of the board, which formPage 27, Line 8shall be dated and signed by the dentist for each separate and individual
Page 27, Line 9piece of work. The dentist shall make the dental laboratory work order
Page 27, Line 10in a
reproducible documented form, and the dentist and the unlicensedPage 27, Line 11technician shall each retain a copy
in a permanent file for two years as aPage 27, Line 12permanent part of the patient record. The laboratory
Page 27, Line 13technician shall retain a copy of the dental laboratory work
Page 27, Line 14order in a file for a minimum of two years. The permanent files of
Page 27, Line 15the licensed dentist and the unlicensed technician must be open to
Page 27, Line 16inspection at any reasonable time by the board or its duly constituted
Page 27, Line 17agent. The licensed dentist that furnishes the dental laboratory work
Page 27, Line 18order must have appropriate training, education, and experience related
Page 27, Line 19to the prescribed treatment and is responsible for directly supervising all intraoral treatment rendered to the patient.
Page 27, Line 20(b) If a patient's care requires that multiple
Page 27, Line 21laboratory-fabricated intraoral or maxillofacial dental
Page 27, Line 22prostheses or appliances be fabricated at the same time, it is
Page 27, Line 23permissible to incorporate those products or appliances into a single dental laboratory work order.
Page 27, Line 24
(b) (c) An unlicensed technician that possesses a valid dentalPage 27, Line 25laboratory work order may provide extraoral construction, manufacture,
Page 28, Line 1fabrication, supply, or repair of identified dental and orthodontic devices
Page 28, Line 2but shall not provide intraoral service in a human mouth except under the
Page 28, Line 3direct supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with section 12-220-501 (3)(d).
Page 28, Line 4(2) If the dentist fails to keep permanent records of dental
Page 28, Line 5laboratory work orders as required in subsection (1)(a) of this section, the
Page 28, Line 6dentist is subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the board.
Page 28, Line 7(3) If an unlicensed technician fails to have in the technician's
Page 28, Line 8possession a dental laboratory work order signed by a licensed dentist
Page 28, Line 9with each denture, bridge, splint, or orthodontic or prosthetic appliance
Page 28, Line 10in the technician's possession, the absence of the dental laboratory work
Page 28, Line 11order is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section and constitutes
Page 28, Line 12the practice of dentistry without an active license in violation of, and subject to the penalties specified in, section 12-220-211.
Page 28, Line 13SECTION 25. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-503, amend
Page 28, Line 14(1) introductory portion, (1)(d)(II), (1)(d)(IV), (1)(d)(V), (1)(f), (1)(g)(I),
Page 28, Line 15(1)(g)(III)(A), (1)(g)(III)(B), (1)(g)(III)(C), (1)(g)(IV) introductory
Page 28, Line 16portion, (2), and (4); repeal (1)(g)(II)(A); and add (1)(d)(VI), (1)(e.5), (1)(g)(V), and (1)(h) as follows:
Page 28, Line 1712-220-503. What constitutes practicing unsupervised dental
Page 28, Line 18hygiene - rules. (1) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this
Page 28, Line 19section, unless licensed to practice dentistry,
a person an individual isPage 28, Line 20deemed to be practicing unsupervised dental hygiene when the
personPage 28, Line 21individual, within the scope of the
person's individual's education, training, and experience:Page 28, Line 22(d) Gathers and assembles information, including but not limited to:
Page 29, Line 1(II)
Preparation Provision of study castsfor the purpose ofPage 29, Line 2
fabricating a permanent record of the patient's present condition; as aPage 29, Line 3
visual aid for patient education, dental hygiene diagnosis, and dentalPage 29, Line 4
hygiene treatment planning; and to provide assistance during forensic examination or digital scans;Page 29, Line 5(IV) Dental charting and periodontal probing and charting;
andPage 29, Line 6(V) Radiographic and X-ray survey for the purpose of assessing
Page 29, Line 7and diagnosing dental hygiene-related conditions for treatment planning
Page 29, Line 8for dental hygiene services as described in this section and identifying
Page 29, Line 9dental hard and soft tissue abnormalities for
immediate referral to a dentist or appropriate specialist; andPage 29, Line 10(VI) Additional screening or screening tests for further
Page 29, Line 11investigation of any oral or systemic health-related concern pertinent to the scope of practice for dental hygiene; and
Page 29, Line 12(e.5) Administers local anesthesia in compliance with
Page 29, Line 13section 12-220-411 and rules adopted by the board, including
Page 29, Line 14minimum education requirements and procedures for local anesthesia administration;
Page 29, Line 15(f) Performs dental hygiene assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis,
Page 29, Line 16and dental hygiene treatment planning for hard and soft tissue for
Page 29, Line 17dental hygiene services as described in this section and identifies dental
Page 29, Line 18abnormalities for
immediate referral to a dentist or appropriate specialist; orPage 29, Line 19(g) (I) Prescribes, administers, and dispenses fluoride, fluoride
Page 29, Line 20varnish, silver
diamine fluoride fluorides in accordance with subsectionPage 29, Line 21(1)(g)(IV) of this section, antimicrobial solutions for mouth rinsing,
otherPage 30, Line 1nonsystemic antimicrobial agents, and related emergency drugs and
Page 30, Line 2reversal agents.
in collaboration with a licensed dentist. The board, byPage 30, Line 3rule, may further define the permissible and appropriate emergency drugs
Page 30, Line 4and reversal agents.
An articulated plan with a collaborating dentist forPage 30, Line 5
dental hygiene prescribing must describe any protocols, restrictions orPage 30, Line 6
limitations, follow-up and referral mechanisms, notification andPage 30, Line 7
disclosure requirements, and any other requirements established by thePage 30, Line 8
board by rule. Dental hygienists shall maintain clear documentation in thePage 30, Line 9patient record of the drug or agent prescribed, administered, or dispensed;
Page 30, Line 10the date of the action; and the rationale for prescribing, administering, or dispensing the drug or agent.
Page 30, Line 11(II) A dental hygienist shall not prescribe, administer, or dispense the following:
Page 30, Line 12(A)
Drugs whose primary effect is systemic, with the exception ofPage 30, Line 13
fluoride supplements permitted under subsection (1)(g)(III)(A) of this section; andPage 30, Line 14(III) A dental hygienist may prescribe the following:
Page 30, Line 15(A) Fluoride supplements;
as follows, all using sodium fluoride:Page 30, Line 16
Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1.1 mg, or 2.2 mg; lozenges: 2.21 mg; and drops: 1.1 mL;Page 30, Line 17(B) Topical anti-caries treatments,
as follows, all using sodiumPage 30, Line 18
fluoride unless otherwise indicated: Toothpastes: 1.1% or less (orPage 30, Line 19
stannous fluoride 0.4%); topical gels: 1.1% or less (or stannous fluoridePage 30, Line 20
0.4%); oral rinses: 0.05%, 0.2%, 0.44%, or 0.5%; oral rinse concentratePage 30, Line 21
used in periodontal disease: 0.63% stannous fluoride; fluoride varnish:Page 30, Line 22
5%; silver diamine fluoride: 38%; and prophy pastes containingPage 30, Line 23
approximately 1.23% sodium fluoride and used for polishing proceduresPage 31, Line 1
as part of professional dental prophylaxis treatment including sodiumPage 31, Line 2fluoride, stannous fluoride, silver diamine fluoride, other
Page 31, Line 3silver fluorides, hydroxyapatite regeneration medicaments
Page 31, Line 4used for repairing cavities, and alternatives for strengthening
Page 31, Line 5teeth and preventing and arresting tooth decay. The board may
Page 31, Line 6adopt rules that identify safe prescribing alternatives to silver
Page 31, Line 7diamine fluoride as a treatment for strengthening teeth and preventing tooth decay.
Page 31, Line 8(C) Topical anti-infectives,
as follows: Chlorhexidine gluconatePage 31, Line 9
rinses: 0.12%; chlorhexidine gluconate periodontal chips for subgingivalPage 31, Line 10
insertion into a periodontal pocket/sulcus; tetracycline impregnated fibers,Page 31, Line 11
inserted subgingivally into a periodontal pocket/sulcus; doxycyclinePage 31, Line 12
hyclate periodontal gel, inserted subgingivally into a periodontalPage 31, Line 13
pocket/sulcus; and minocycline hydrochloride periodontal powder,Page 31, Line 14
inserted subgingivally into a periodontal pocket/sulcus includingPage 31, Line 15chlorhexidine gluconate rinse, periodontal chips, periodontal
Page 31, Line 16gels, periodontal powders, and impregnated fibers for periodontal treatment;
andPage 31, Line 17(IV) A dental hygienist may prescribe and apply silver diamine
Page 31, Line 18fluoride and other silver fluorides upon completion of a
Page 31, Line 19postsecondary course or continuing education course developed at the
Page 31, Line 20postsecondary level that satisfies the requirements established by the
Page 31, Line 21board and provides instructions on the use and limitations of applying
Page 31, Line 22silver diamine fluoride. A dental hygienist may complete the course described in this subsection (1)(g)(IV) through:
Page 31, Line 23(V) A dental hygienist may prescribe, dispense, and
Page 31, Line 24administer nonnarcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and
Page 32, Line 1antibiotics within the parameters of a written articulated plan,
Page 32, Line 2with the authorization of the supervising dentist, and upon
Page 32, Line 3completion of a postsecondary course or continuing education
Page 32, Line 4course developed at the postsecondary level that satisfies the
Page 32, Line 5requirements established by the board and that provides
Page 32, Line 6instruction on the use and limitations of nonnarcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics.
Page 32, Line 7(h) Directs dental assistants to assist in activities that
Page 32, Line 8are within the scope of practice for a dental hygienist under
Page 32, Line 9direct supervision of a dental hygienist only; except that dental
Page 32, Line 10assistants shall not perform activities disallowed under section 12-220-501 (3)(a).
Page 32, Line 11(2) A dental hygienist shall state in writing and require a patient
Page 32, Line 12to acknowledge by signature that any diagnosis or assessment is for the
Page 32, Line 13purpose of determining necessary dental hygiene services only.
and thatPage 32, Line 14
it is recommended by the American Dental Association, or any successorPage 32, Line 15
organizations, that a thorough dental examination be performed by a dentist twice each year.Page 32, Line 16(4) (a) Notwithstanding section 12-220-104 (13) or 12-220-305
Page 32, Line 17(1)(b), and consistent with section 12-220-303, a dental hygienist
Page 32, Line 18may be the proprietor of a place where supervised or unsupervised dental
Page 32, Line 19hygiene is performed and may purchase, own, or lease equipment,
Page 32, Line 20dental materials, and supplies necessary to perform supervised or unsupervised dental hygiene.
Page 32, Line 21(b) A dental hygienist proprietor, or a professional corporation,
Page 32, Line 22limited liability partnership, or professional limited liability
Page 32, Line 23corporation of dental hygienists, in addition to providing dental hygiene
Page 33, Line 1services, may enter into an agreement with one or more dentists for the
Page 33, Line 2lease or rental of equipment or office space in the same physical location
Page 33, Line 3as the dental hygiene practice, but only if the determination of necessary
Page 33, Line 4dental services provided by the dentist and professional responsibility for
Page 33, Line 5those services, including but not limited to dental records, appropriate
Page 33, Line 6medication, and patient payment, remain with the treating dentist. It is the
Page 33, Line 7responsibility of the dental hygienist to inform the patient as to whether
Page 33, Line 8there is a supervisory relationship between the dentist and the dental
Page 33, Line 9hygienist. An agreement under this subsection (4)(b) does not constitute
Page 33, Line 10employment and does not constitute cause for discipline pursuant to section 12-220-201 (1)(h).
Page 33, Line 11SECTION 26. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-220-504, as follows:
Page 33, Line 1212-220-504. What constitutes practicing supervised dental
Page 33, Line 13hygiene - rules. (1) Notwithstanding section 12-220-501 (3), unless
Page 33, Line 14licensed to practice dentistry, a person who performs any of the following
Page 33, Line 15tasks under the supervision of a licensed dentist is deemed to be practicing supervised dental hygiene:
Page 33, Line 16
(a) Performing a task described in section 12-220-503 (1);(b) Preparing study casts;Page 33, Line 17
(c) Administering local anesthesia under the indirect supervisionPage 33, Line 18
of a licensed dentist pursuant to rules of the board, including minimumPage 33, Line 19
education requirements and procedures for local anesthesia administration; or(e) Repealed.Page 33, Line 21(f) Placing interim therapeutic restorations pursuant to section 12-220-505; and
Page 34, Line 1(g) Administering and monitoring inhalation anesthesia
Page 34, Line 2under the indirect supervision of a dentist consistent with
Page 34, Line 3section 12-220-305 (1)(q) and pursuant to the rules of the board regarding training and minimum education requirements;
Page 34, Line 4(h) Utilizing a laser for dental hygiene purposes within defined scopes of practice in accordance with rules of the board;
Page 34, Line 5(i) (I) Pursuant to rules adopted by the state board of
Page 34, Line 6health created in section 25-1-103 and provided to the Colorado
Page 34, Line 7dental board, administering immunizations, under the direct
Page 34, Line 8supervision of a licensed dentist or the delegation of a licensed
Page 34, Line 9physician, pharmacist certified in immunization, or other
Page 34, Line 10delegated professional, to dental patients of record if the patients are six years of age or older.
Page 34, Line 11(II) Dentists and dental hygienists:
Page 34, Line 12(A) Are not authorized to provide medical exemptions for any required immunizations;
Page 34, Line 13(B) Shall enter all immunization-related administration
Page 34, Line 14information into the Colorado immunization information system created pursuant to part 24 of article 4 of title 25; and
Page 34, Line 15(C) Who administer immunizations shall disclose their
Page 34, Line 16medical training related to pediatric administration, including
Page 34, Line 17the ability to manage side effects or adverse outcomes, to patients as part of the patient consent process.
Page 34, Line 18(j) Administering neuromodulators and dermal fillers for
Page 34, Line 19therapeutic and cosmetic purposes under the direct supervision
Page 34, Line 20of a licensed dentist, or the delegation of a licensed physician or
Page 35, Line 1other delegated professional, pursuant to rules adopted by the
Page 35, Line 2board. The board shall adopt rules regarding the appropriate education and training, as applicable.
Page 35, Line 3(k) Prescribing, dispensing, and administering non-opioid
Page 35, Line 4analgesic drugs and antibiotic drugs under a written
Page 35, Line 5articulated plan and with the authority of a supervising licensed dentist.
Page 35, Line 6(2) A dental hygienist may perform any dental task or
Page 35, Line 7procedure assigned to the dental hygienist by a licensed dentist
Page 35, Line 8that does not require the professional skill of a licensed
Page 35, Line 9dentist; except that the dental hygienist may perform the task
Page 35, Line 10or procedure only under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist or as authorized in sections 12-220-503 and 12-220-504.
Page 35, Line 11SECTION 27. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-505, amend (1)(b), (1)(d), and (6)(a); and add (6)(c) as follows:
Page 35, Line 1212-220-505. Interim therapeutic restorations by dental
Page 35, Line 13hygienists - permitting process - rules - subject to review. (1) Upon
Page 35, Line 14application, accompanied by a fee in an amount determined by the
Page 35, Line 15director, the board shall grant a permit to place interim therapeutic restorations to any dental hygienist applicant who:
Page 35, Line 16(b) Has completed a course developed at the postsecondary
Page 35, Line 17educational level that complies with the rules adopted by the board. The
Page 35, Line 18course must be offered under the direct supervision of a member of the
Page 35, Line 19faculty of
a an accredited Colorado dental or dental hygiene school.Page 35, Line 20
accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or its successorPage 35, Line 21
agency. All faculty responsible for clinical evaluation of students must bePage 35, Line 22dentists with a faculty appointment at an accredited Colorado dental or dental hygiene school.
Page 36, Line 1(d) Furnishes, supplies, constructs, reproduces, or repairs any
Page 36, Line 2prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to be worn in the
Page 36, Line 3human mouth or upon the jaws, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and
Page 36, Line 4associated structures other than on the written dental laboratory work order of a duly licensed and practicing dentist;
Page 36, Line 5(6) (a) A dentist shall not supervise more than five full-time
Page 36, Line 6equivalent dental hygienists who place interim therapeutic restorations
Page 36, Line 7under telehealth supervision unless granted a waiver by the board
Page 36, Line 8pursuant to subsection (6)(b) of this section.
For purposes of patientPage 36, Line 9
referral for follow-up care, A dentist who supervises a dental hygienistPage 36, Line 10who provides interim therapeutic restorations under telehealth supervision
Page 36, Line 11must have an active license in good standing issued by the board.
and aPage 36, Line 12
physical practice location in Colorado or within reasonable proximity ofPage 36, Line 13
the location where the interim therapeutic restoration is placed BeforePage 36, Line 14providing interim therapeutic restorations, a dental hygienist
Page 36, Line 15shall confirm in communication to the supervising dentist a
Page 36, Line 16referral for follow-up care to a licensed dentist within
Page 36, Line 17reasonable physical proximity to the location where the interim therapeutic restoration is placed.
Page 36, Line 18(c) A dentist shall not supervise, in aggregate, more than
Page 36, Line 19five full-time equivalent dental hygienists or dental therapists
Page 36, Line 20performing procedures pursuant to subsection (6)(a) of this
Page 36, Line 21section and section 12-220-508, and limits on supervision of
Page 36, Line 22dental therapists must remain consistent with section 12-220-508 (3).
Page 36, Line 23SECTION 28. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-508, amend
Page 37, Line 1(1)(a) introductory portion, (1)(a)(VIII), (2)(a)(VI), and (3)(a); and add (1)(c)(IX) and (3)(d) as follows:
Page 37, Line 212-220-508. Practice of dental therapy - supervision
Page 37, Line 3requirement - rules. (1) (a) A dental therapist may perform the
Page 37, Line 4following tasks and procedures under the direct supervision of a
licensed dentist with an active license in good standing:Page 37, Line 5(VIII) Repair
defective prosthetic devices.Page 37, Line 6(c) A dental therapist licensed pursuant to this article 220 may
Page 37, Line 7perform the following tasks under the indirect supervision of a licensed
Page 37, Line 8dentist, regardless of the number of hours the dental therapist has practiced:
Page 37, Line 9(IX) Directing dental assistants to assist in activities
Page 37, Line 10that are within the scope of practice for a dental therapist
Page 37, Line 11under direct and indirect supervision of the dental therapist
Page 37, Line 12only; except that dental assistants shall not perform activities disallowed under section 12-220-501 (3)(a).
Page 37, Line 13(2) (a) An articulated plan between a dental therapist and a dentist must include:
Page 37, Line 14(VI) Consistent with dental assistants' scope of practice,
Page 37, Line 15policies for supervising dental assistants and working with dental hygienists and other dental practitioners and staff.
Page 37, Line 16(3) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b),
or (3)(c), or (3)(d)Page 37, Line 17of this section, a dentist may not simultaneously supervise more than three full-time or full-time-equivalent dental therapists.
Page 37, Line 18(d) A dentist shall not supervise in aggregate more than
Page 37, Line 19five full-time equivalent dental hygienists or dental therapists
Page 37, Line 20pursuant to this section and section 12-220-505 (6)(a), and limits
Page 38, Line 1on supervision of dental therapists must remain consistent with this subsection (3).
Page 38, Line 2SECTION 29. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-34-104, repeal (26)(a)(I); and add (35)(a)(VI) as follows:
Page 38, Line 324-34-104. General assembly review of regulatory agencies
Page 38, Line 4and functions for repeal, continuation, or reestablishment - legislative
Page 38, Line 5declaration - repeal. (26) (a) The following agencies, functions, or both, are scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2025:
Page 38, Line 6(I)
The Colorado dental board created in article 220 of title 12;Page 38, Line 7(35) (a) The following agencies, functions, or both, are scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2034:
Page 38, Line 8(VI) The Colorado dental board created in article 220 of title 12.
Page 38, Line 9SECTION 30. Repeal of relocated provisions. In Colorado Revised Statutes, repeal 12-220-104 (11).
Page 38, Line 10SECTION 31. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 38, Line 11takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
Page 38, Line 12ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except
Page 38, Line 13that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V
Page 38, Line 14of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this
Page 38, Line 15act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take
Page 38, Line 16effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
Page 38, Line 17November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.