Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public SafetyColorado

Dental Assistant in Colorado

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Colorado's Dental Assistant pathway prepares students for careers in dental offices and clinics. Colorado's healthcare sector, with numerous dental practices, creates strong demand for dental assistants.

Students develop competency in chairside assisting, patient care, dental terminology, sterilization, OSHA compliance, and administrative functions. They gain hands-on experience in dental labs and through partnerships.

Graduates work as dental assistants in general dentistry or specialty practices. Many pursue Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. Strong demand ensures good prospects.

Dental Assistant at a Glance

3

Courses

8

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

Colorado's dental assisting standards align with DANB competencies and state dental regulations. Standards cover chairside and administrative competencies.

Students complete hands-on assessments in chairside procedures, sterilization, patient communication, and office functions. Assessment includes CDA certification exam preparation.

View Colorado CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Dental Terminology and Anatomy
Chairside Dental Assisting
Administrative Assisting and Advanced Skills

View Colorado course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

Career Opportunities

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.

Dental Assistant

Entry Level
$44,570in Colorado
National: $39,520+13%

Salary range: $44,570 - $59,480

-3% growth1,600 openings/yr
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Certified Dental Assistant

Experienced
$47,770in Colorado
National: $47,300+1%

Salary range: $44,570 - $59,480

-3% growth1,600 openings/yr
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Dental Office Manager

Experienced
$136,260in Colorado
National: $172,790-21%

Salary range: $84,990 - $181,010

-6.6% growth1,100 openings/yr
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Clinical Coordinator

Experienced
$51,070in Colorado
National: $48,360+6%

Salary range: $45,810 - $61,520

-3.4% growth50,700 openings/yr
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Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students intern at dental practices, specialty offices, dental clinics, and dental labs throughout Colorado.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.

How Sage Helps Colorado CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

Colorado Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with Colorado's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as Colorado standards and industry needs evolve

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Pharmacy Technician

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