First Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 25-0401.03 Kristen Forrestal x4217
SENATE BILL 25-194
Senate Committees House Committees
Health & Human Services
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING THE CONTINUATION OF THE "DENTAL PRACTICE ACT".101
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;
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Michaelson Jenet and Mullica, Cutter, Frizell
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Duran,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. ! 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
SB25-194
-2- 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.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-104, amend2
(1), (4), (9)(a), and (10)(a); add (10.5) and (14.5); and add with3
amended and relocated provisions (5.3) as follows:4
12-220-104. Definitions - rules. As used in this article 220, unless5
the context otherwise requires:6
(1) "Accredited" means a program that is nationally recognized for7
specialized accrediting for dental, dental therapy, dental hygiene, and8
dental auxiliary programs by
THE COMMISSION ON DENTAL9
A
CCREDITATION OR A SPECIALTY ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION10
RECOGNIZED BY the United States department of education OR BY A11
SUCCESSOR ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMISSION OR THE BOARD .12
(4) "Dental hygiene" means the delivery of preventive,13
educational, and clinical services supporting total health for the control14
of oral disease;
THE IMPACT OF THE DISEASE, DISORDER, OR CONDITION ON15
THE HUMAN BODY; and the promotion of oral health provided by a dental16
hygienist within the scope of the dental hygienist's education, training,17
and experience and in accordance with applicable law.18
(5.3) [Formerly 12-220-104 (11)] "D
ENTAL laboratory work19
order" means:20
SB25-194-3- (a) The written instructions DOCUMENTED ORDER of a dentist1
licensed in Colorado authorizing another person to construct, reproduce,2
or repair any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to3
function in the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and associated4
regions;
AND5
(b) T
HE DOCUMENTED ORDER OF A DENTAL HYGIENIST LICENSED6
IN THIS STATE AUTHORIZING ANOTHER PERSON TO CONSTRUCT ,7
REPRODUCE, OR REPAIR AN ORAL MEDICAMENT CARRIER .8
(9) (a) (I) "Indirect supervision" means the supervision of those9
tasks or procedures that do not require the presence of the dentist in the10
office or on the premises at the time the tasks or procedures are being11
performed but do require that the tasks be performed with the prior12
knowledge and consent of the dentist.13
(II) A
DENTIST WHO PROVIDES INDIRECT SUPERVISION MUST HAVE14
AN ACTIVE LICENSE IN GOOD STANDING AND A PHYSICAL PRACTICE15
LOCATION IN THIS STATE OR WITHIN A REASONABLE PROXIMITY OF THE16
LOCATION WHERE THE SUPERVISED SERVICES ARE DELIVERED IN ORDER TO17
PROVIDE NECESSARY EMERGENCY CARE OR FOLLOW -UP CARE.18
(10) (a) "Interim therapeutic restoration" or "ITR" means a direct19
provisional restoration placed to stabilize a tooth until a licensed dentist20
OR DENTAL THERAPIST can assess the need for further definitive treatment.21
(10.5) "I
TINERANT SURGERY" MEANS THE ELECTIVE ORAL AND22
MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY PERFORME D IN NONACCREDITED SURGICAL OR23
TREATMENT FACILITIES OTHER THAN THE FACILITY OR FACILITIES OWNED24
OR LEASED BY THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE EMPLOYING THE25
PRACTITIONER OR SPECIALTY-LEVEL SURGICAL CARE PERFORMED BY A26
PRACTITIONER WHO IS NOT A GRADUATE OF AN ACCREDITED SURGICAL27
SB25-194
-4- SPECIALTY TRAINING PROGRAM IN A TREATMENT FACILITY .1
(14.5) (a) "T
ELEDENTISTRY" MEANS TELEHEALTH METHODOLOGIES2
AND SYSTEMS THAT ARE USED IN A MANNER THAT IS COMPLIANT WITH THE3
FEDERAL "HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT4
OF 1996", 42 U.S.C. SECS. 1320d TO 1320d-9, AS AMENDED, TO DELIVER5
ORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN DENTISTRY, INCLUDING INFORMATIONAL AND6
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES , REMOTE MONITORING7
TECHNOLOGIES, AND STORE-AND-FORWARD TRANSFERS, TO FACILITATE8
THE ASSESSMENT, DIAGNOSIS, CONSULTATION, COUNSELING, AND9
EDUCATION OF, OR TREATMENT PLANNING FOR , A PATIENT WHILE THE10
PATIENT IS LOCATED AT AN ORIGINATING SITE WITHOUT A DENTAL11
PRACTITIONER, AND THE DENTAL PRACTITIONER PROVIDING THE SERVICE12
IS AT A DISTANT SITE.13
(b) A
S USED IN THIS SUBSECTION (14.5), "TELEHEALTH" MEANS A14
BROAD VARIETY OF TECHNOLOGIES AND TACTICS TO DELIVER VIRTUAL15
MEDICAL, HEALTH, AND EDUCATION SERVICES. "TELEHEALTH" IS NOT A16
SPECIFIC SERVICE BUT A COLLECTION OF MEANS TO ENHANCE CARE AND17
EDUCATION DELIVERY.18
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-105, amend19
(1)(b)(I), (1)(b)(III)(B), (1)(b)(III)(C), and (5); and repeal (1)(b)(II) and20
(1)(c)(II) as follows:21
12-220-105. Colorado dental board - qualifications of board22
members - quorum - panel - rules - review of functions - repeal of23
article. (1) (b) (I) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b)(II) of this
24
section, The board consists of seven dentist members, three dental25
hygienist members, and three members from the public at large. The26
governor shall appoint each member for a term of four years, and each27
SB25-194
-5- member must have the qualifications provided in this article 220. A1
member shall not serve more than two consecutive terms of four years.2
Each board member holds office until the member's term expires or until3
the governor appoints a successor. This subsection (1)(b)(I) is repealed,4
effective December 1, 2031.5
(II) (A) Effective July 1, 2031, the board consists of seven dentist6
members, two dental therapist members, two dental hygienist members,7
and two members from the public at large. The governor shall appoint8
each member for a term of four years, and each member must have the9
qualifications provided in this article 220. A member shall not serve more10
than two consecutive terms of four years. Each board member holds11
office until the member's term expires or until the governor appoints a12
successor.13
(B) A member serving on the board as of June 30, 2031, may14
serve the member's full term.15
(III) A person is qualified to be appointed to the board if the16
person:17
(B) Is currently licensed as a dentist dental therapist, or dental18
hygienist, if fulfilling that position on the board; and19
(C) Has been actively engaged in a clinical practice in this state20
for at least five years immediately preceding the appointment, if fulfilling21
the position of dentist dental therapist, or dental hygienist on the board. 22
(c) (II) (A) In making appointments of dental therapists to the23
board, the governor shall appoint individuals who are diverse with regard24
to race, ethnicity, immigration status, income, wealth, age, ability, sexual25
orientation, gender identity, and geography.26
(B) In considering the racial and ethnic diversity of the dental27
SB25-194
-6- therapists appointed to the board, the governor shall attempt to ensure that1
at least one member is a person of color.2
(C) In considering the geographic diversity of the dental therapists3
appointed to the board, the governor shall attempt to appoint members4
from both rural and urban areas of the state.5
(5) (a) THIS ARTICLE 220 IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1,6
2034. Before the repeal, of this article 220 pursuant to subsection (5)(b)7
of this section, all functions of the board are scheduled for review in8
accordance with section 24-34-104.9
(b) This article 220 is repealed, effective September 1, 2025.10
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-106, amend11
(1)(a) introductory portion and (2); and add (1)(a)(VI) as follows:12
12-220-106. Powers and duties of board - rules - limitation on13
authority. (1) The board shall exercise, in accordance with this article14
220, the following powers and duties:15
(a) Make ADOPT, publish, declare, and periodically review16
reasonable rules pursuant to section 12-20-204, including rules regarding:17
(VI) C
RITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR RECRUITING , TRAINING, AND18
CALIBRATING PRACTICE MONITORS THAT ASSIST LICENSEES PARTICIPATING19
IN PEER HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS DESCRIBED IN SECTIONS20
12-220-310
AND 12-220-507;21
(2) The board may recognize those dental specialties defined by22
the American Dental Association
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON23
R
ECOGNITION OF DENTAL SPECIALTIES AND CERTIFYING BOARDS OR THE24
U
NITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION .25
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-220-10826
as follows:27
SB25-194
-7- 12-220-108. Attorney general shall represent board and1
members. The attorney general of the state of Colorado shall counsel2
with and advise the board
MEMBERS AND THE BOARD 'S CONSULTANTS in3
connection with its
THE BOARD'S duties and responsibilities under4
DESCRIBED IN this article 220. If litigation is brought against the board or5
any of its individual members
OR CONSULTANTS in connection with6
actions taken by the board or any of its members under this article 2207
and the actions are free of malice, fraud, or willful neglect of duty, the8
attorney general shall defend the litigation without cost to the board or to9
any individual member of the board.10
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-201, amend11
(1)(n), (1)(s), (1)(ii), and (1)(oo); and add (1)(qq), (1)(rr), and (1)(ss) as12
follows:13
12-220-201. Grounds for disciplinary action - definition.14
(1) The board may take disciplinary action against an applicant or15
licensee in accordance with sections 12-20-4.04 and 12-220-202 for any16
of the following causes:17
(n) Refusing to make patient records available to a patient,18
PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE , OR PREVIOUS OR CURRENT TREATMENT19
PROVIDER WITHIN SEVEN CALENDAR DAYS AFTER A WRITTEN REQUEST20
pursuant to a written authorization request under section 25-1-802;21
(s) Failing to furnish unlicensed persons with
DENTAL laboratory22
work orders pursuant to section 12-220-502;23
(ii) Advertising or otherwise holding oneself out to the public as24
practicing a dental specialty in which the dentist has not successfully25
completed the education specified for the dental specialty as defined by26
the American Dental Association
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON27
SB25-194
-8- RECOGNITION OF DENTAL SPECIALTIES AND CERTIFYING BOARDS OR THE1
U
NITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ;2
(oo) Failing to comply with sections 12-220-501 (1)(a)(II)(C) and
3
12-220-503 (1)(g) SECTION 12-220-503 (1)(g) and rules adopted pursuant4
to those sections THAT SECTION regarding the application of silver5
diamine fluoride; or6
(qq) P
RACTICING OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF AN ARTICULATED PLAN7
DEVELOPED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 12-220-503 OR 12-220-5088
(2);9
(rr) P
URCHASING OR USING AN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD10
PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE INTEGRATION OF A TOOL THAT11
FACILITATES DENTISTS' COMPLIANCE WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUG12
MONITORING STANDARDS AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 12-30-114 (1)(a)(VI);13
OR14
(ss) T
HE FAILURE OF A PROVIDER PERFORMING ITINERANT ORAL15
SURGERY TO PROVIDE REQUIRED FOLLOW -UP CARE, INCLUDING THE16
FAILURE TO PROVIDE A CARE PLAN OUTLINING FOLLOW -UP CARE IN A17
FACILITY OR TO BE PERFORMED BY A DIFFERENT PROVIDER WITHIN A18
REASONABLE DISTANCE FROM THE OFFICE WHERE THE PROCEDURE WILL BE19
PERFORMED IF THE ORIGINAL TREATING PROVIDER IS UNAVAILABLE TO20
PROVIDE THE FOLLOW-UP CARE. REFERRAL TO AN URGENT CARE CENTER21
OR HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DOES NOT FULFILL THE22
REQUIREMENT FOR FOLLOW-UP CARE AND WOULD BE IN VIOLATION OF THIS23
POLICY.24
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-206, add (4)25
and (5) as follows:26
12-220-206. Mental and physical examinations. (4) A27
SB25-194
-9- LICENSEE'S SUBMISSION TO A MENTAL OR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION BY THE1
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD SATISFIES ANY2
REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY THE BOARD OF A PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH3
CONDITION THAT MAY IMPACT THE LICENSEE 'S ABILITY TO PRACTICE WITH4
REASONABLE SKILL AND SAFETY PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-30-108 (1),5
12-220-201 (1)(j)(I),
OR 12-220-310 (3).6
(5) N
OTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN SECTION7
12-30-108
(1), 12-220-201 (1)(j)(I), OR 12-220-310 (3) BEGIN UPON8
DISCHARGE OF A LICENSEE ENROLLED IN INPATIENT TREATMENT FOR A9
SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH OR PHYSICAL CONDITION .10
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-302, amend11
(1)(b), (1)(f), (1)(g), and (1)(j); and add (1)(k) and (1)(l) as follows:12
12-220-302. Persons exempt from operation of this article.13
(1) This article 220 does not apply to the following practices, acts, and14
operations:15
(b) The administration of an anesthetic
FOR A DENTAL OPERATION16
by a qualified anesthetist
LICENSED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 240 OF THIS17
TITLE 12 or registered
A nurse for a dental operation LICENSED OR18
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 255 OF THIS TITLE 12;19
(f) The practice of dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene by20
dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists licensed in good standing21
by other states or countries while appearing in
ACCREDITED OR22
BOARD-APPROVED programs of dental education or research, at the23
invitation of any group of licensed dentists, dental therapists, or dental24
hygienists in this state who are in good standing, so long as the practice25
is limited to five consecutive days in a twelve-month period and the name26
of each person engaging in the practice is submitted to the board, in27
SB25-194
-10- writing and on a form A FORMAT approved by the board, at least ten days1
before the person performs the practice;2
(g) The filling of DENTAL laboratory work orders of a licensed3
dentist, as provided by section 12-220-502, by any person, association,4
corporation, or other entity for the construction, reproduction, or repair5
of prosthetic dentures, bridges, plates, or appliances to be used or worn6
as substitutes for natural teeth or for restoration of natural teeth, or7
replacement of structures relating to the jaws, maxillofacial area, or8
adjacent and associated structures;9
(j) The practice of dentistry dental therapy, or dental hygiene
by10
dentists dental therapists, or dental hygienists licensed in good standing11
by other states while providing care as a volunteer, at the invitation of any12
group of licensed dentists, dental therapists, or dental hygienists in this13
state who are in good standing, so long as the practice is limited to five14
consecutive days in a twelve-month period and the name of each person15
engaging in the practice is submitted to the board, in writing and on a16
form A FORMAT approved by the board, at least ten days before the person17
performs the practice;18
(k) T
HE PRACTICE OF DENTAL THERAPY BY DENTAL THERAPISTS19
LICENSED IN GOOD STANDING BY OTHER STATES WHILE PROVIDING CARE20
AS A VOLUNTEER, AT THE INVITATION OF ANY GROUP OF LICENSED21
DENTISTS, DENTAL THERAPISTS, OR DENTAL HYGIENISTS IN THIS STATE22
WHO ARE IN GOOD STANDING , SO LONG AS THE PRACTICE IS LIMITED TO23
FIVE CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN A TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE NAME OF24
EACH PERSON ENGAGING IN THE PRACTICE IS SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD ,25
IN A FORMAT APPROVED BY THE BOARD , AT LEAST TEN DAYS BEFORE THE26
PERSON PERFORMS THE PRACTICE , AND THE DENTAL THERAPISTS TREAT27
SB25-194
-11- PATIENTS ONLY UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED DENTIST IN1
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 12-220-508; OR2
(l) T
HE PRACTICE OF DENTAL HYGIENE BY DENTAL HYGIENISTS3
LICENSED IN GOOD STANDING BY OTHER STATES WHILE PROVIDING CARE4
AS A VOLUNTEER, AT THE INVITATION OF ANY GROUP OF LICENSED5
DENTISTS, DENTAL THERAPISTS, OR DENTAL HYGIENISTS IN THIS STATE6
WHO ARE IN GOOD STANDING , SO LONG AS THE PRACTICE IS LIMITED TO7
FIVE CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN A TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE NAME OF8
EACH PERSON ENGAGING IN THE PRACTICE IS SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD ,9
IN A FORMAT APPROVED BY THE BOARD , AT LEAST TEN DAYS BEFORE THE10
PERSON PERFORMS THE PRACTICE , AND THE DENTAL HYGIENISTS TREAT11
PATIENTS ONLY UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED DENTIST .12
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-303, amend13
(2)(a) and (3)(d) as follows:14
12-220-303. Ownership of dental or dental hygiene practice -15
information to be posted - heir to serve as temporary proprietor -16
limitations - definitions. (2) (a) The name, license number, ownership17
percentage, and other information, as required by the board, of each18
proprietor of a dental or dental hygiene practice, including an unlicensed19
heir who is the temporary proprietor of the practice, as specified in20
subsection (3) of this section, must be
IMMEDIATELY AND PUBLICLY21
available at the reception desk of the
dental or dental hygiene practice22
during the practice's hours of operation. The information required by this23
subsection (2)(a) must be available in a format approved by the board.24
(3) (d) The temporary proprietorship of a dental or dental hygiene25
practice by an unlicensed heir does MUST not affect the exercise of the26
independent professional judgment of the licensed dentist or dental27
SB25-194
-12- hygienist providing care to patients on behalf of the practice.1
SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-304, amend2
(3) as follows:3
12-220-304. Names and status under which dental practice4
may be conducted. (3) The practice of dentistry, dental therapy, or5
dental hygiene by a
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION , limited6
liability company of licensees, or by a
limited liability partnership of7
licensees is permitted subject to the limitations and requirements, insofar8
as are applicable, set forth in section 12-240-138 relating to a9
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CORPORATION , limited liability company, or10
limited liability partnership for the practice of medicine.11
SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-305, amend12
(1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), (1)(j), (1)(k), (1)(l), (1)(m), (1)(n), (1)(p), (1)(q),13
(1)(r), and (2); and add (1)(s), (1)(t), (1)(u), and (3) as follows:14
12-220-305. What constitutes practicing dentistry - rules.15
(1) A person is practicing dentistry if the person:16
(a) Performs or attempts or professes to perform any dental17
operation, oral surgery, or dental diagnostic or therapeutic services of any18
kind; except that nothing in this subsection (1)(a) prohibits a dental
19
therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant from providing preventive20
dental or nutritional counseling, education, or instruction services;21
(b) Is a proprietor of a place where dental operation, oral surgery,22
or dental diagnostic or therapeutic services are performed; except that23
nothing in this subsection (1)(b) prohibits a dental therapist, dental24
hygienist, or dental assistant from performing those tasks and procedures25
consistent with section 12-220-501;26
(c) Directly or indirectly, by any means or method, takes
A27
SB25-194
-13- PHYSICAL OR DIGITAL impression OR SCAN of the human tooth, teeth,1
jaws, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and associated structures; performs2
any phase of any operation incident to the replacement of a part of a3
tooth; or supplies artificial substitutes for the natural teeth, jaws, or4
adjacent and associated structures; except that nothing in this subsection5
(1)(c) prohibits a dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant6
from performing tasks and procedures consistent with sections7
12-220-501 (3)(b)(III), 12-220-503 (1)(d), and 12-220-508;8
(j) Extracts or attempts to extract human teeth or corrects, or9
attempts to correct, malformations of human teeth or jaws; except that10
this subsection (1)(j) does not prohibit a dental therapist from performing11
tasks and procedures consistent with section 12-220-508;12
(k) Repairs or fills cavities in human teeth; except that this13
subsection (1)(k) does not prohibit a dental therapist from performing14
tasks and procedures consistent with section 12-220-508;15
(l) Prescribes ionizing radiation or the use of an X ray for the16
purpose of taking dental X rays; or roentgenograms; except that nothing17
in this subsection (1)(l) prohibits these procedures from being delegated18
to appropriately trained personnel in accordance with this article 220 and19
rules of the board;20
(m) Gives or professes to give interpretations or readings of dental21
X rays, or roentgenograms, CT scans, or other diagnostic methodologies;22
except that nothing in this subsection (1)(m) prohibits a dental hygienist23
from performing tasks and procedures consistent with sections24
12-220-503 and 12-220-504 or a dental therapist from performing tasks25
consistent with section 12-220-508;26
(n) Represents himself or herself THEMSELF to an individual or the27
SB25-194
-14- general public as practicing dentistry by using the words "dentist" or1
"dental surgeon" or by using the letters "D.D.S.", "D.M.D.",2
"D.D.S./M.D.", or "D.M.D./M.D."; Nothing in this subsection (1)(n)3
prohibits a dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant from4
performing tasks and procedures consistent with section 12-220-501 (2),5
(2.5), or (3)(b).6
(p) Prescribes drugs or medications and administers local7
anesthesia, analgesia including nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation,8
medication prescribed or administered for the relief of anxiety or9
apprehension, minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, or10
general anesthesia as necessary for the proper practice of dentistry; except11
that nothing in this subsection (1)(p) prohibits:12
(I) A dental hygienist from performing those tasks and procedures13
consistent with sections 12-220-501, 12-220-503 (1)(e) and (1)(g), and14
12-220-504 (1)(c), and in accordance with rules promulgated by the15
board; or16
(II) A dental therapist from performing those tasks and procedures17
consistent with sections 12-220-501 (2.5) and 12-220-508 and in18
accordance with rules promulgated by the board.19
(q) Prescribes, induces, and sets dosage levels for inhalation20
anesthesia; except that nothing in this subsection (1)(q) prohibits the21
delegation of monitoring and administration to
DENTAL HYGIENISTS AND22
appropriately trained
UNLICENSED personnel in accordance with this23
article 220 and rules of the board,
INCLUDING REQUIRING TRAINING;24
(r) Gives or professes to give interpretations or readings of dental25
charts or records or gives treatment plans or interpretations of treatment26
plans derived from examinations, patient records,
OR dental X rays; or
27
SB25-194
-15- roentgenograms; except that nothing in this subsection (1)(r) prohibits a1
dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant from performing2
tasks and procedures consistent with sections 12-220-501 (2), (2.5) and3
(3), 12-220-503, 12-220-504, and 12-220-508;4
(s) M
AINTAINS PATIENT CLINICAL RECORDS , DENTAL CHARTS,5
IMAGES, TREATMENT PLANS , INTERPRETATIONS , OR OTHER6
DOCUMENTATION, EXCEPT WHEN UNDERGOING A TRANSITION IN PRACTICE7
OWNERSHIP AS PERMITTED IN SECTION 12-220-303 (2);8
(t) P
URSUANT TO RULES ADOPTED BY THE STATE BOARD OF9
HEALTH CREATED IN SECTION 25-1-103 AND PROVIDED TO THE COLORADO10
DENTAL BOARD, ORDERS AND ADMINISTERS IMMUNIZATIONS TO DENTAL11
PATIENTS OF RECORD IF THE PATIENTS ARE SIX YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER OR12
TO DENTAL PATIENTS OF RECORD UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE IF THE13
PATIENTS ARE RECEIVING IMMUNIZATIONS IN CERTAIN HEALTH -CARE14
SETTINGS. THE COLORADO DENTAL BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES15
REGARDING DELEGATION OF IMMUNIZATION ADMINISTRATION BY A16
LICENSED DENTIST TO A DENTAL THERAPIST OR DENTAL HYGIENIST .17
(u) O
RDERS AND ADMINISTERS NEUROMODULATORS AND DERMAL18
FILLERS TO DENTAL PATIENTS OF RECORD FOR THERAPEUTIC AND19
COSMETIC PURPOSES PURSUANT TO RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD20
REGARDING REQUIRED TRAINING , ONGOING COMPETENCY , RECORD21
KEEPING, AND DELEGATION TO DENTAL HYGIENISTS .22
(2) A licensed dentist may prescribe orders electronically.
THIS23
SECTION DOES NOT PROHIBIT:24
(a) A
DENTAL ASSISTANT FROM PERFORMING TASKS AND25
PROCEDURES CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 12-220-501 AND IN ACCORDANCE26
WITH RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD ;27
SB25-194
-16- (b) A DENTAL HYGIENIST FROM PERFORMING TASKS AND1
PROCEDURES CONSISTENT WITH SECTIONS 12-220-501, 12-220-503, AND2
12-220-504
AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD ;3
OR4
(c) A
DENTAL THERAPIST FROM PERFORMING TASKS AND5
PROCEDURES CONSISTENT WITH SECTIONS 12-220-501 AND 12-220-5086
AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD .7
(3) A
PROVIDER PERFORMING ITINERANT SURGERY SHALL DEVELOP8
AND MAINTAIN A WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR EMERGENCY FOLLOW -UP CARE9
WITH APPROPRIATELY TRAINED PRACTITIONERS FOR ALL PATIENTS10
TREATED. THE PLAN SHALL BE PROVIDED TO EACH PATIENT UNDERGOING11
TREATMENT AND MUST BE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY AT THE REQUEST OF12
THE BOARD. THE WRITTEN PROTOCOL MUST INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT13
REQUIRES THE PROVIDER TO INCLUDE IN A PLAN OF CARE FOLLOW -UP14
TREATMENT IN A PERMANENTLY ESTABLISHED TREATMENT FACILITY15
WITHIN A REASONABLE PROXIMITY OF THE LOCATION WHERE ITINERANT16
SURGICAL TREATMENT WAS PERFORMED . THIS FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT17
SHALL BE PROVIDED BY THE ITINERANT SURGICAL TREATMENT OPERATOR18
OR AN APPROPRIATELY TRAINED PRACTITIONER WHO HAS AGREED IN19
WRITING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EMERGENCY FOLLOW -UP CARE PLAN FOR20
THE ITINERANT SURGICAL TREATMENT OPERATOR . THE APPROPRIATELY21
TRAINED PRACTITIONER MUST BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE ITINERANT22
SURGICAL OPERATOR IS NOT AVAILABLE .23
SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-306, amend24
(1)(a)(III) and (1)(b); and add (3) as follows:25
12-220-306. Dentists may prescribe drugs - surgical operations26
- anesthesia - limits on prescriptions - rules. (1) (a) A licensed dentist27
SB25-194
-17- is authorized to:1
(III) Administer, pursuant to
A PERMIT REQUIRED BY SECTION2
12-220-411
AND PURSUANT TO board rules, local anesthesia, analgesia3
including nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation, medication prescribed or4
administered for the relief of anxiety or apprehension, minimal sedation,5
moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia; and6
(b) A dentist shall not prescribe, distribute, or give to any person,7
including the dentist
THEMSELF, any habit-forming drug or any controlled8
substance, as defined in section 18-18-102 (5) or as contained in schedule9
II of 21 U.S.C. sec. 812, other than in the course of legitimate dental10
practice and pursuant to the rules promulgated ADOPTED by the board11
regarding controlled substance record keeping
AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH12
THE ELECTRONIC PRESCRIBING OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AS REQUIRED13
BY SECTION 12-30-111.14
(3) A
LICENSED DENTIST MAY PRESCRIBE ORDERS15
ELECTRONICALLY.16
SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-310, amend17
(1)(a), (1)(b)(IV), (2)(b), and (5); and add (2)(d) and (4.5) as follows:18
12-220-310. Dentist peer health assistance program - fees -19
rules. (1) (a) Effective July 1, 2004, as a condition of renewal in this
20
state, every AN APPLICANT FOR A DENTIST LICENSE OR A dentist applying21
to renew the dentist's license must,
AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, pay to22
the administering entity that has been selected by the board pursuant to23
subsection (1)(b) of this section an amount
A FEE not to exceed fifty-nine24
dollars per year, which maximum amount may be adjusted on January 1,25
2005, and annually thereafter by the board to reflect changes in the United26
States department of labor, LABOR'S bureau of labor statistics consumer27
SB25-194
-18- price index, OR A SUCCESSOR INDEX, for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood for all1
urban consumers or goods. or its successor index. The fee shall be used2
to support designated providers that have been selected by the board to3
provide assistance to dentists needing help in dealing with physical,4
emotional, or psychological problems that may be detrimental to their5
ability to practice dentistry. The fee shall MUST not exceed one hundred6
dollars per year per licensee.7
(b) The board shall select one or more peer health assistance8
programs as designated providers. To be eligible for designation by the9
board, a peer health assistance program must:10
(IV) Monitor the status of a dentist who has been referred for11
treatment,
INCLUDING PROVIDING TRAINING AND CALIBRATION TO12
DENTISTS PROVIDING PRACTICE MONITORING SERVICES ;13
(2) (b) Notwithstanding sections 12-220-201 and 24-4-104, the14
board may immediately suspend the license of any
A dentist who is15
referred to a peer health assistance program by the board and who fails to16
attend or complete the program. If the dentist objects to the suspension,17
the dentist may submit a written request to the board, IN A FORMAT18
APPROVED BY THE BOARD, for a formal hearing on the suspension within19
ten days after receiving notice of the suspension, and the board shall grant20
the request. In the hearing, the dentist bears the burden of proving that the21
dentist's license should not be suspended.22
(d) A
DENTIST MAY SELF-REFER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PEER23
HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OR MAY BE REFERRED BY THE BOARD . A24
DENTIST WHO SELF-REFERS TO THE PEER HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM25
MAY DO SO CONFIDENTIALLY AND WITHOUT DIRECT NOTIFICATION TO THE26
BOARD. SUCH SELF-REFERRAL TO THE PEER HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM27
SB25-194
-19- SATISFIES BOARD NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN SECTION1
12-220-207
AND SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION; EXCEPT THAT THE PEER2
HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SHALL REPORT KNOWLEDGE OF A3
DENTIST'S VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE 220 OR RULES OF THE BOARD,4
EXCLUDING OMISSIONS SOLELY RELATED TO VIOLATIONS OF SECTION5
12-220-201 (1)(e)
OR (1)(f).6
(4.5) B
EFORE THE RENEWAL OF A PEER ASSISTANCE VENDOR7
CONTRACT, THE BOARD SHALL CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THE SERVICES8
PROVIDED UNDER THE CONTRACT AND NEEDS AMONG THE LICENSEE9
COMMUNITY, WHICH MUST INCLUDE A PROCESS TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM10
STAKEHOLDERS AND THE PUBLIC .11
(5) The board is authorized to promulgate
MAY ADOPT rules12
necessary to implement this section.13
SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-402, amend14
(1)(a) as follows:15
12-220-402. Dentist academic license. (1) (a) A dentist who is16
employed at an accredited school or college of dentistry in this state and17
who practices dentistry in the course of the dentist's employment18
responsibilities must either make written FILE AN application to the board19
for an academic license in accordance with this section,
IN A FORMAT20
APPROVED BY THE BOARD , or otherwise become licensed pursuant to21
sections 12-220-401 and 12-220-403, as applicable.22
SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-403, amend23
(1) as follows:24
12-220-403. Examination - how conducted - dentist license25
issued to successful applicants. (1) An applicant for dental licensure26
must submit to the board proof that the applicant successfully passed the27
SB25-194
-20- following:1
(a) The examination administered by the Joint Commission on2
National Dental Examinations; and3
(b) An examination or other methodology, as determined by the4
board, designed to test the applicant's clinical skills and knowledge,5
which may include residency and portfolio models;
AND6
(c) A
JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE BOARD7
AND DESIGNED TO TEST THE APPLICANT 'S KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ARTICLE8
220.9
SECTION 15. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-406, amend10
(1) as follows:11
12-220-406. Dental hygienist examinations - license. (1) Every12
applicant for dental hygiene licensure must submit to the board proof that13
the applicant successfully completed the following:14
(a) An examination administered by the Joint Commission on15
National Dental Examinations; and
16
(b) An examination designed to test the applicant's clinical skills17
and knowledge, which must be administered by a regional testing agency18
composed of at least four states or an examination of another state, or a19
methodology adopted by the board by rule that is designed to test the20
applicant's clinical skills and knowledge;
AND21
(c) A
JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE BOARD22
AND DESIGNED TO TEST THE APPLICANT 'S KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ARTICLE23
220.24
SECTION 16. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-407.2,25
amend (1)(a) introductory portion and (1)(b) as follows:26
12-220-407.2. Application for dental therapist license - fee -27
SB25-194
-21- rules. (1) Effective May 1, 2023, every person who desires to qualify for1
practice as a dental therapist within this state must file with the board:2
(a) A written AN application for a license, IN A FORMAT APPROVED3
BY THE BOARD, on which application the applicant must list:4
(b) Satisfactory proof that the applicant:5
(I) Graduated from a school of dental therapy that, at the time of6
the applicant's graduation, was accredited; by the American Dental7
Association's commission on dental accreditation or its successor8
organization; or9
(II) Graduated from a dental therapy education program developed10
prior to February 6, 2015, that, at the time of the applicant's graduation,11
was accredited RECOGNIZED by the Minnesota board of dentistry or12
certified by the Alaska community health aide program certification13
board.14
SECTION 17. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-407.5,15
amend (1) as follows:16
12-220-407.5. Dental therapist examinations - license.17
(1) Every applicant for a dental therapy license must submit to the board18
proof that the applicant successfully completed:19
(a) A clinical examination for dental therapy that:20
(a) (I) Is designed to test the applicant's clinical dental therapy21
skills and knowledge;22
(b) (II) Includes dental therapy restorative and dental hygiene23
clinical skill evaluation; and24
(c) (III) Is administered by a regional testing agency composed of25
at least four states or an examination of another state;
AND26
(b) A
JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE BOARD27
SB25-194
-22- AND DESIGNED TO TEST THE APPLICANT 'S KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ARTICLE1
220.2
SECTION 18. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-409, add (6)3
as follows:4
12-220-409. Inactive dental, dental therapist, or dental5
hygienist license - rules. (6) T
HE BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES THAT6
ALLOW AN EXPEDITED, TEMPORARY LICENSURE DURING PUBLIC HEALTH7
EMERGENCIES AND ACUTE WORKFORCE SHORTAGES FOR A DENTIST ,8
DENTAL HYGIENIST, OR DENTAL THERAPIST WHO HAS MAINTAINED A9
LICENSE IN GOOD STANDING WITH NO PAST DISCIPLINARY HISTORY PRIOR10
TO OBTAINING AN INACTIVE LICENSE. THE RULES MUST ADDRESS:11
(a) S
UPERVISION OR PRACTICE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS ;12
(b) L
IABILITY COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS ;13
(c) O
THER CONDITIONS OF OR LIMITATION ON PRACTICE ; AND14
(d) T
EMPORARY LICENSE TERMS , ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVALS ,15
TIMELINES, AND RENEWAL OPTIONS.16
SECTION 19. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-410, add (7)17
as follows:18
12-220-410. Retired dental, dental therapist, and dental19
hygienist licenses - rules. (7) T
HE BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES THAT20
ALLOW AN EXPEDITED, TEMPORARY LICENSURE DURING PUBLIC HEALTH21
EMERGENCIES AND ACUTE WORKFORCE SHORTAGES FOR A DENTIST ,22
DENTAL HYGIENIST, OR DENTAL THERAPIST WHO HAS MAINTAINED A23
LICENSE IN GOOD STANDING WITH NO PAST DISCIPLINARY HISTORY PRIOR24
TO OBTAINING AN INACTIVE LICENSE. THE RULES MUST ADDRESS:25
(a) S
UPERVISION OR PRACTICE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS ;26
(b) L
IABILITY COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS ;27
SB25-194
-23- (c) OTHER CONDITIONS OF OR LIMITATION ON PRACTICE ; AND1
(d) T
EMPORARY LICENSE TERMS , ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVALS ,2
TIMELINES, AND RENEWAL OPTIONS.3
SECTION 20. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-412, amend4
(1) as follows:5
12-220-412. Change of address - duplicate licenses and6
certificates. (1) Every
A person licensed under this article 220, upon7
changing the licensee's place of business
OR CONTACT INFORMATION, shall8
furnish to the board the licensee's new mailing address
AND EMAIL9
ADDRESS within thirty days after the change.10
SECTION 21. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-501, amend11
(1)(a), (3)(a)(VI), and (3)(b)(III); and repeal (2) as follows:12
12-220-501. Tasks authorized to be performed by dental13
therapists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants - rules.14
(1) (a) (I)
Except as provided in subsection (1)(a)(II) of this section, The15
responsibility for dental diagnosis, dental treatment planning, or the16
prescription of therapeutic measures in the practice of dentistry remains17
with a licensed dentist and may not be assigned to any A dental therapist,18
or dental hygienist, OR DENTAL ASSISTANT.19
(II) A dental hygienist may:20
(A) Perform dental hygiene assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis,21
and dental hygiene treatment planning for dental hygiene services22
pursuant to section 12-220-503 (1)(f);23
(B) Identify dental abnormalities for immediate referral to a24
dentist as described in section 12-220-503 (1)(f); and25
(C) In collaboration with a licensed dentist, prescribe, administer,26
and dispense, as described in section 12-220-503 (1)(g): Fluoride,27
SB25-194
-24- fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, antimicrobial solutions for1
mouth rinsing, other nonsystemic antimicrobial agents, and resorbable2
antimicrobial agents pursuant to rules of the board.3
(D) Repealed.4
(2) Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, a dental5
hygienist may perform any dental task or procedure assigned to the6
hygienist by a licensed dentist that does not require the professional skill7
of a licensed dentist; except that the dental hygienist may perform the task8
or procedure only under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist or9
as authorized in sections 12-220-503 and 12-220-504.10
(3) (a) A dental assistant shall not perform the following tasks:11
(VI) Scaling (supra and sub-gingival); as it pertains to the practice12
of dental hygiene;13
(b) A dental assistant may perform the following tasks under the14
indirect supervision of a licensed dentist:15
(III) Gathering and assembling information, including but not16
limited to fact-finding and patient history, oral inspection, and17
RECORDING OF dental and periodontal charting AS DICTATED BY A18
LICENSEE;19
SECTION 22. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-220-50220
as follows:21
12-220-502. Construction of dental devices by unlicensed22
technician. (1) (a) A licensed dentist who uses the services of an23
unlicensed technician for the purpose of constructing, altering, repairing,24
or duplicating any denture, bridge, splint, or orthodontic or prosthetic
25
appliance A LABORATORY-FABRICATED INTRAORAL OR MAXILLOFACIAL26
DENTAL PROSTHESIS, PRODUCT, OR APPLIANCE shall furnish the unlicensed27
SB25-194
-25- technician with a written or electronic DENTAL laboratory work order in1
a form approved by THAT COMPLIES WITH RULES OF the board, which form2
shall be dated and signed by the dentist for each separate and individual3
piece of work. The dentist shall make the
DENTAL laboratory work order4
in a reproducible
DOCUMENTED form, and the dentist and the unlicensed5
technician shall each retain a copy in a permanent file for two years AS A6
PERMANENT PART OF THE PATIENT RECORD . THE LABORATORY7
TECHNICIAN SHALL RETAIN A COPY OF THE DENTAL LABORATORY WORK8
ORDER IN A FILE FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS . The permanent files of9
the licensed dentist and the unlicensed technician must be open to10
inspection at any reasonable time by the board or its duly constituted11
agent. The licensed dentist that furnishes the
DENTAL laboratory work12
order must have appropriate training, education, and experience related13
to the prescribed treatment and is responsible for directly supervising all14
intraoral treatment rendered to the patient.15
(b) I
F A PATIENT'S CARE REQUIRES THAT MULTIPLE16
LABORATORY-FABRICATED INTRAORAL OR MAXILLOFACIAL DENTAL17
PROSTHESES OR APPLIANCES BE FABRICATED AT THE SAME TIME , IT IS18
PERMISSIBLE TO INCORPORATE THOSE PRODUCTS OR APPLIANCES INTO A19
SINGLE DENTAL LABORATORY WORK ORDER .20
(b)
(c) An unlicensed technician that possesses a valid DENTAL21
laboratory work order may provide extraoral construction, manufacture,22
fabrication, supply, or repair of identified dental and orthodontic devices23
but shall not provide intraoral service in a human mouth except under the24
direct supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with section25
12-220-501 (3)(d).26
(2) If the dentist fails to keep permanent records of
DENTAL27
SB25-194
-26- laboratory work orders as required in subsection (1)(a) of this section, the1
dentist is subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the2
board.3
(3) If an unlicensed technician fails to have in the technician's4
possession a
DENTAL laboratory work order signed by a licensed dentist5
with each denture, bridge, splint, or orthodontic or prosthetic appliance6
in the technician's possession, the absence of the
DENTAL laboratory work7
order is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section and constitutes8
the practice of dentistry without an active license in violation of, and9
subject to the penalties specified in, section 12-220-211. 10
SECTION 23. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-503, amend11
(1) introductory portion, (1)(d)(II), (1)(d)(IV), (1)(d)(V), (1)(f), (1)(g)(I),12
(1)(g)(III)(A), (1)(g)(III)(B), (1)(g)(III)(C), (1)(g)(IV) introductory13
portion, (2), and (4); repeal (1)(g)(II)(A); and add (1)(d)(VI), (1)(e.5),14
and (1)(h) as follows:15
12-220-503. What constitutes practicing unsupervised dental16
hygiene - rules. (1) N
OTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS17
SECTION, unless licensed to practice dentistry, a person
AN INDIVIDUAL is18
deemed to be practicing unsupervised dental hygiene when the person19
INDIVIDUAL, within the scope of the person's INDIVIDUAL'S education,20
training, and experience:21
(d) Gathers and assembles information, including but not limited22
to:23
(II) Preparation PROVISION of study casts for the purpose of24
fabricating a permanent record of the patient's present condition; as a25
visual aid for patient education, dental hygiene diagnosis, and dental26
hygiene treatment planning; and to provide assistance during forensic27
SB25-194
-27- examination OR DIGITAL SCANS;1
(IV) Dental
CHARTING and periodontal PROBING AND charting; and
2
(V) Radiographic and X-ray survey for the purpose of assessing3
and diagnosing dental hygiene-related conditions for treatment planning4
for dental hygiene services as described in this section and identifying5
dental
HARD AND SOFT TISSUE abnormalities for immediate
referral to a6
dentist
OR APPROPRIATE SPECIALIST; AND7
(VI) A
DDITIONAL SCREENING OR SCREENING TESTS FOR FURTHER8
INVESTIGATION OF ANY ORAL OR SYSTEMIC HEALTH -RELATED CONCERN;9
AND10
(e.5) A
DMINISTERS LOCAL ANESTHESIA IN COMPLIANCE WITH11
SECTION 12-220-411 AND RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD , INCLUDING12
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR LOCAL13
ANESTHESIA ADMINISTRATION ;14
(f) Performs dental hygiene assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis,15
and dental hygiene treatment planning
FOR HARD AND SOFT TISSUE for16
dental hygiene services as described in this section and identifies dental17
abnormalities for immediate
referral to a dentist OR APPROPRIATE18
SPECIALIST; or19
(g) (I) Prescribes, administers, and dispenses fluoride, fluoride20
varnish, silver diamine fluoride FLUORIDES in accordance with subsection21
(1)(g)(IV) of this section, antimicrobial solutions for mouth rinsing, other22
nonsystemic antimicrobial agents, and related emergency drugs and23
reversal agents. in collaboration with a licensed dentist. The board, by24
rule, may further define the permissible and appropriate emergency drugs25
and reversal agents. An articulated plan with a collaborating dentist for26
dental hygiene prescribing must describe any protocols, restrictions or27
SB25-194
-28- limitations, follow-up and referral mechanisms, notification and1
disclosure requirements, and any other requirements established by the2
board by rule. Dental hygienists shall maintain clear documentation in the3
patient record of the drug or agent prescribed, administered, or dispensed;4
the date of the action; and the rationale for prescribing, administering, or5
dispensing the drug or agent.6
(II) A dental hygienist shall not prescribe, administer, or dispense7
the following:8
(A) Drugs whose primary effect is systemic, with the exception of9
fluoride supplements permitted under subsection (1)(g)(III)(A) of this10
section; and11
(III) A dental hygienist may prescribe the following:12
(A) Fluoride supplements; as follows, all using sodium fluoride:13
Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1.1 mg, or 2.2 mg; lozenges: 2.21 mg; and drops: 1.114
mL;15
(B) Topical anti-caries treatments, as follows, all using sodium16
fluoride unless otherwise indicated: Toothpastes: 1.1% or less (or17
stannous fluoride 0.4%); topical gels: 1.1% or less (or stannous fluoride18
0.4%); oral rinses: 0.05%, 0.2%, 0.44%, or 0.5%; oral rinse concentrate19
used in periodontal disease: 0.63% stannous fluoride; fluoride varnish:20
5%; silver diamine fluoride: 38%; and prophy pastes containing21
approximately 1.23% sodium fluoride and used for polishing procedures22
as part of professional dental prophylaxis treatment INCLUDING SODIUM23
FLUORIDE, STANNOUS FLUORIDE, SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE, AND OTHER24
SILVER FLUORIDES. THE BOARD MAY ADOPT RULES THAT IDENTIFY SAFE25
PRESCRIBING ALTERNATIVES TO SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE AS A26
TREATMENT FOR STRENGTHENING TEETH AND PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY .27
SB25-194
-29- (C) Topical anti-infectives, as follows: Chlorhexidine gluconate1
rinses: 0.12%; chlorhexidine gluconate periodontal chips for subgingival2
insertion into a periodontal pocket/sulcus; tetracycline impregnated fibers,3
inserted subgingivally into a periodontal pocket/sulcus; doxycycline4
hyclate periodontal gel, inserted subgingivally into a periodontal5
pocket/sulcus; and minocycline hydrochloride periodontal powder,6
inserted subgingivally into a periodontal pocket/sulcus INCLUDING7
CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE RINSE , PERIODONTAL CHIPS, PERIODONTAL8
GELS, PERIODONTAL POWDERS , AND IMPREGNATED FIBERS FOR9
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT ; and10
(IV) A dental hygienist may prescribe and apply silver diamine11
fluoride
AND OTHER SILVER FLUORIDES upon completion of a12
postsecondary course or continuing education course developed at the13
postsecondary level that satisfies the requirements established by the14
board and provides instructions on the use and limitations of applying15
silver diamine fluoride. A dental hygienist may complete the course16
described in this subsection (1)(g)(IV) through:17
(h) D
IRECTS DENTAL ASSISTANTS TO ASSIST IN ACTIVITIES THAT18
ARE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR A DENTAL HYGIENIST UNDER19
DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A DENTAL HYGIENIST ONLY; EXCEPT THAT DENTAL20
ASSISTANTS SHALL NOT PERFORM ACTIVITIES DISALLOWED UNDER SECTION21
12-220-501 (3)(a).22
(2) A dental hygienist shall state in writing and require a patient23
to acknowledge by signature that any diagnosis or assessment is for the24
purpose of determining necessary dental hygiene services only. and that
25
it is recommended by the American Dental Association, or any successor26
organizations, that a thorough dental examination be performed by a27
SB25-194
-30- dentist twice each year.1
(4) (a) Notwithstanding section 12-220-104 (13) or 12-220-3052
(1)(b),
AND CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 12-220-303, a dental hygienist3
may be the proprietor of a place where supervised or unsupervised dental4
hygiene is performed and may purchase, own, or lease equipment,5
DENTAL MATERIALS, AND SUPPLIES necessary to perform supervised or6
unsupervised dental hygiene.7
(b) A dental hygienist proprietor, or a professional corporation,8
LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP , or professional limited liability9
corporation of dental hygienists, in addition to providing dental hygiene10
services, may enter into an agreement with one or more dentists for the11
lease or rental of equipment or office space in the same physical location12
as the dental hygiene practice, but only if the determination of necessary13
dental services provided by the dentist and professional responsibility for14
those services, including but not limited to dental records, appropriate15
medication, and patient payment, remain with the treating dentist. It is the16
responsibility of the dental hygienist to inform the patient as to whether17
there is a supervisory relationship between the dentist and the dental18
hygienist. An agreement under this subsection (4)(b) does not constitute19
employment and does not constitute cause for discipline pursuant to20
section 12-220-201 (1)(h). 21
SECTION 24. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-220-504,22
as follows:23
12-220-504. What constitutes practicing supervised dental24
hygiene - rules. (1) N
OTWITHSTANDING SECTION 12-220-501 (3), unless25
licensed to practice dentistry, a person who performs any of the following26
tasks under the supervision of a licensed dentist is deemed to be27
SB25-194
-31- practicing supervised dental hygiene:1
(a) Performing a task described in section 12-220-503 (1);2
(b) Preparing study casts;3
(c) Administering local anesthesia under the indirect supervision4
of a licensed dentist pursuant to rules of the board, including minimum5
education requirements and procedures for local anesthesia6
administration; or7
(d) Placing interim therapeutic restorations pursuant to section8
12-220-505.9
(e) Repealed.10
(a) A
DMINISTERING AND MONITORING INHALATION ANESTHESIA11
UNDER THE INDIRECT SUPERVISION OF A DENTIST CONSISTENT WITH12
SECTION 12-220-305 (1)(q) AND PURSUANT TO THE RULES OF THE BOARD13
REGARDING TRAINING AND MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS ;14
(b) U
TILIZING A LASER FOR DENTAL HYGIENE PURPOSES WITHIN15
DEFINED SCOPES OF PRACTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES OF THE BOARD ;16
(c) P
URSUANT TO RULES ADOPTED BY THE STATE BOARD OF17
HEALTH CREATED IN SECTION 25-1-103 AND PROVIDED TO THE COLORADO18
DENTAL BOARD, ADMINISTERING IMMUNIZATIONS , UNDER THE DIRECT19
SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED DENTIST OR THE DELEGATION OF A LICENSED20
PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST CERTIFIED IN IMMUNIZATION , OR OTHER21
DELEGATED PROFESSIONAL , TO DENTAL PATIENTS OF RECORD IF THE22
PATIENTS ARE SIX YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER OR TO DENTAL PATIENTS OF23
RECORD UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE IF THE PATIENTS ARE RECEIVING24
IMMUNIZATION IN CERTAIN HEALTH -CARE SETTINGS;25
(d) A
DMINISTERING NEUROMODULATORS AND DERMAL FILLERS26
FOR THERAPEUTIC AND COSMETIC PURPOSES UNDER THE DIRECT27
SB25-194
-32- SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED DENTIST, OR THE DELEGATION OF A LICENSED1
PHYSICIAN OR OTHER DELEGATED PROFESSIONAL , PURSUANT TO RULES2
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD . THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT RULES REGARDING3
THE APPROPRIATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING , AS APPLICABLE.4
(e) P
RESCRIBING, DISPENSING, AND ADMINISTERING NON-OPIOID5
ANALGESIC DRUGS AND ANTIBIOTIC DRUGS UNDER A WRITTEN6
ARTICULATED PLAN AND WITH THE AUTHORITY OF A SUPERVISING7
LICENSED DENTIST.8
(2) A
DENTAL HYGIENIST MAY PERFORM ANY DENTAL TASK OR9
PROCEDURE ASSIGNED TO THE DENTAL HYGIENIST BY A LICENSED DENTIST10
THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE THE PROFESSIONAL SKILL OF A LICENSED11
DENTIST; EXCEPT THAT THE DENTAL HYGIENIST MAY PERFORM THE TASK12
OR PROCEDURE ONLY UNDER THE INDIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED13
DENTIST OR AS AUTHORIZED IN SECTIONS 12-220-503 AND 12-220-504.14
SECTION 25. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-505, amend15
(1)(b), (1)(d), and (6)(a); and add (6)(c) as follows:16
12-220-505. Interim therapeutic restorations by dental17
hygienists - permitting process - rules - subject to review. (1) Upon18
application, accompanied by a fee in an amount determined by the19
director, the board shall grant a permit to place interim therapeutic20
restorations to any dental hygienist applicant who:21
(b) Has completed a course developed at the postsecondary22
educational level that complies with the rules adopted by the board. The23
course must be offered under the direct supervision of a member of the24
faculty of a
AN ACCREDITED Colorado dental or dental hygiene school.25
accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or its successor26
agency. All faculty responsible for clinical evaluation of students must be27
SB25-194
-33- dentists with a faculty appointment at an accredited Colorado dental or1
dental hygiene school.2
(d) Furnishes, supplies, constructs, reproduces, or repairs any3
prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, or other structure to be worn in the4
human mouth or upon the jaws, maxillofacial area, or adjacent and5
associated structures other than on the written
DENTAL laboratory work6
order of a duly licensed and practicing dentist;7
(6) (a) A dentist shall not supervise more than five full-time8
equivalent dental hygienists who place interim therapeutic restorations9
under telehealth supervision unless granted a waiver by the board10
pursuant to subsection (6)(b) of this section. For purposes of patient
11
referral for follow-up care, A dentist who supervises a dental hygienist12
who provides interim therapeutic restorations under telehealth supervision13
must have an active license in good standing issued by the board. and a14
physical practice location in Colorado or within reasonable proximity of15
the location where the interim therapeutic restoration is placed BEFORE16
PROVIDING INTERIM THERAPEUTIC RESTORATIONS , A DENTAL HYGIENIST17
SHALL CONFIRM IN COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SUPERVISING DENTIST A18
REFERRAL FOR FOLLOW -UP CARE TO A LICENSED DENTIST WITHIN19
REASONABLE PHYSICAL PROXIMITY TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE INTERIM20
THERAPEUTIC RESTORATION IS PLACED .21
(c) A
DENTIST SHALL NOT SUPERVISE, IN AGGREGATE, MORE THAN22
FIVE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT DENTAL HYGIENISTS OR DENTAL THERAPISTS23
PERFORMING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (6)(a) OF THIS24
SECTION AND SECTION 12-220-508, AND LIMITS ON SUPERVISION OF25
DENTAL THERAPISTS MUST REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 12-220-50826
(3).27
SB25-194
-34- SECTION 26. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-220-508, amend1
(1)(a) introductory portion, (2)(a)(VI), and (3)(a); and add (1)(c)(IX) and2
(3)(d) as follows:3
12-220-508. Practice of dental therapy - supervision4
requirement - rules. (1) (a) A dental therapist may perform the5
following tasks and procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed6
dentist
WITH AN ACTIVE LICENSE IN GOOD STANDING :7
(c) A dental therapist licensed pursuant to this article 220 may8
perform the following tasks under the indirect supervision of a licensed9
dentist, regardless of the number of hours the dental therapist has10
practiced:11
(IX) D
IRECTING DENTAL ASSISTANTS TO ASSIST IN ACTIVITIES12
THAT ARE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR A DENTAL THERAPIST13
UNDER DIRECT AND INDIRECT SUPERVISION OF THE DENTAL THERAPIST14
ONLY; EXCEPT THAT DENTAL ASSISTANTS SHALL NOT PERFORM ACTIVITIES15
DISALLOWED UNDER SECTION 12-220-501 (3)(a).16
(2) (a) An articulated plan between a dental therapist and a dentist17
must include:18
(VI) C
ONSISTENT WITH DENTAL ASSISTANTS ' SCOPE OF PRACTICE,19
policies for supervising dental assistants and working with dental20
hygienists and other dental practitioners and staff.21
(3) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b), or
(3)(c), OR (3)(d)22
of this section, a dentist may not simultaneously supervise more than23
three full-time or full-time-equivalent dental therapists.24
(d) A
DENTIST SHALL NOT SUPERVISE IN AGGREGATE MORE THAN25
FIVE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT DENTAL HYGIENISTS OR DENTAL THERAPISTS26
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND SECTION 12-220-505 (6)(a), AND LIMITS27
SB25-194
-35- ON SUPERVISION OF DENTAL THERAPISTS MUST REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH1
THIS SUBSECTION (3).2
SECTION 27. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-34-104, repeal3
(26)(a)(I); and add (35)(a)(VI) as follows:4
24-34-104. General assembly review of regulatory agencies5
and functions for repeal, continuation, or reestablishment - legislative6
declaration - repeal. (26) (a) The following agencies, functions, or both,7
are scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2025:8
(I) The Colorado dental board created in article 220 of title 12;9
(35) (a) The following agencies, functions, or both, are scheduled10
for repeal on September 1, 2034:11
(VI) T
HE COLORADO DENTAL BOARD CREATED IN ARTICLE 220 OF12
TITLE 12.13
SECTION 28. Repeal of relocated provisions. In Colorado14
Revised Statutes, repeal 12-220-104 (11).15
SECTION 29. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act16
takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the17
ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except18
that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V19
of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this20
act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take21
effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in22
November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the23
official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.24
SB25-194
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