Personal license obligations
These are things your Colorado license requires you to know. Not a checklist — just things every Colorado dentist must be aware of.
PDMP registration — required
You hold a DEA registration, so you must register and maintain an active user account with the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Failure to do so means any prescribing of controlled substances falls outside legitimate professional practice and violates CRS §12-220-201(1)(c).
CO Board Rules 08.30.25 · Rule 1.9(D); CRS §12-280-403(2)(a)
Drug or alcohol arrest — 30-day self-referral
If you are arrested for a drug or alcohol related offense, Colorado law requires you to self-refer to the Board's peer health assistance program within 30 days of the arrest. If you self-refer, the evaluation is confidential and cannot be used as evidence except before the Board.
CO Board Rules 08.30.25 · Rule 1.6(A)(4)
Health condition — 30-day Board notification
If a physical illness, physical condition, or behavioral or mental health disorder impacts your ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety, you must notify the Board in writing within 30 days. The notification must include your diagnosis, date first diagnosed, current treatment provider documentation, and description of any practice modifications. Failure to self-report eliminates your eligibility for a confidential agreement and may result in discipline.
CO Board Rules 08.30.25 · Rule 1.29
Malpractice judgment or settlement — 90-day reporting
If a court enters a final judgment against you, or if you settle a malpractice claim for an amount exceeding the actual cost of dental services provided, you must report it to the Board in writing within 90 days. This applies to dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists.
CO Dental Practice Act 2025 · CRS §12-220-201(1)(q-r); Board Rule 1.4(F)
Benzodiazepine prescribing — 30-day supply limit
For any patient to whom you have not prescribed a benzodiazepine in the past 12 months, you must limit the initial prescription to a 30-day supply. Before issuing a second fill, you must comply with CRS §12-280-404(4). Exceptions apply for epilepsy, seizure disorders, spasticity, alcohol withdrawal, and neurological conditions including post-traumatic brain injury or catatonia.
CO Board Rules 08.30.25 · Rule 1.31
Address update — 30-day requirement
You must notify the Board in writing within 30 days of any change to your name, business address, email address, or preferred mailing address. All Board communications — including renewal notices and investigation correspondence — go to the address on file. The Board will not update your information without explicit written notification from you.
CO Board Rules 08.30.25 · Rule 1.6(A)(5)
Specialty advertising — disclosure required
If you are a general dentist and advertise performing specialty procedures without a CODA-approved specialty residency, you must clearly state "General Dentistry" in print that is larger, bolder, and noticeably more prominent than any specialty procedure advertised. If you do hold an ADA-recognized specialty, you must disclose the full name of the CODA-approved school where your residency was completed in all advertising.
CO Board Rules 08.30.25 · Rule 1.17(C)(2-5)