The practice of dentistry, dental therapy, and dental hygiene in this state is declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation and control in the public interest. It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that the dental profession merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists be permitted to practice dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene in this state. It is the purpose of this article 220 to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the practice of dentistry, dental therapy, and dental hygiene and to ensure that no one practices dentistry, dental therapy, or dental hygiene without qualifying under this article 220. The provisions of this article 220 relating to licensure by credentials are not intended to reduce competition or restrain trade with respect to the oral health needs of the public. All provisions of this article 220 relating to the practice of dentistry, dental therapy, and dental hygiene shall be liberally construed to carry out these objects and purposes.Amended by 2022 Ch. 381, § 2, eff. s of this article 220 relating to the practice of dentistry, dental therapy, and dental hygiene shall be liberally construed to carry out these objects and purposes.Amended by 2022 Ch. 381, § 2, eff. 1/1/2023.Amended by 2020 Ch. 64, § 1, eff. 9/14/2020.Renumbered from C.R.S. § 12-35-102 and amended by 2019 Ch. 136, § 1, eff. 10/1/2019.This section is similar to former § 12-220-102 as it existed prior to 2020. 2022 Ch. 381, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3). For the legislative declaration in SB 22-219, see section 1 of chapter 381, Session Laws of Colorado 2022.
Colorado Legal Code