Dental care in Colorado is expensive but more help exists than most people realize. Whether youāre on Medicaid, uninsured, a veteran, or simply canāt afford a private dentist, this guide covers every legitimate option available to Colorado residents, what each program actually covers, and exactly how to apply.
Health First Colorado ā Coloradoās Medicaid Dental Coverage
If youāre enrolled in Health First Colorado (Coloradoās Medicaid program), you already have dental coverage and itās significantly better than most people expect.
As of July 1, 2023, Colorado removed the previous $1,500 annual dental cap for adults 21 and older. There is now no annual dollar limit on covered dental services.
What Health First Colorado Covers for Adults
| Service | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Annual dental exams | Yes |
| Teeth cleanings | Yes |
| X-rays | Yes |
| Fillings | Yes |
| Tooth extractions | Yes |
| Root canals | Yes (prior auth required) |
| Crowns | Yes (prior auth required) |
| Partial dentures | Yes (prior auth required) |
| Complete dentures | Yes (prior auth required) |
| Periodontal scaling | Yes (prior auth required) |
| Dental implants | Not covered for most adults |
Note on dentures: Replacement of lost, stolen, or broken dentures is a once-per-lifetime benefit.
How to Use Your Health First Colorado Dental Benefits
Colorado partners with DentaQuest to administer dental benefits for Medicaid members. You must see a dentist who accepts Health First Colorado. Out-of-network providers are not covered.
- Find a dentist: Visit DentaQuest.com or call 1-855-225-1729 (MonāFri, 8amā5pm MT)
- Member Contact Center: 1-800-221-3943
- TTY: 711
If youāre not sure whether you qualify for Health First Colorado, income limits vary by household size. You can check eligibility and apply at Colorado PEAK.
Donated Dental Services (DDS) ā For Those Who Donāt Qualify for Medicaid
The Donated Dental Services program, run by the Dental Lifeline Network, connects people with volunteer dentists who provide free comprehensive dental treatment. This is Coloradoās most substantial program for adults who earn too much for Medicaid but still canāt afford care.
Who qualifies:
- Adults with a permanent disability, or
- Adults aged 65 or older, or
- Adults who are medically compromised
You also need to demonstrate financial need and lack of alternative dental coverage.
Note: Applicants from Alamosa, Bent, Huerfano, Rio Grande, San Miguel, Sedgwick, and Yuma counties are not eligible for DDS in Colorado.
How to apply: Complete the application at dentallifeline.org/donated-dental-services-dds-application
Veterans can apply through a separate form at dentallifeline.org/veterans
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Up to 50% Less Than Private Clinics
The CU School of Dental Medicine in Aurora is the only dental school in the Rocky Mountain region and one of the most underused resources for affordable dental care in Colorado.
What it costs: Student clinic fees run up to 50% below local private practice rates.
They accept: Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Delta Dental, and most major insurance plans. Medicare is not accepted.
Free for new patients: A dental screening exam and X-rays at no cost ā call 303-724-6900 (option 2) to schedule.
Types of clinics available:
| Clinic Type | Who Treats You | Price Level | Health First Colorado Accepted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Provider Clinic | Dental students under faculty supervision | Up to 50% below private | Yes |
| Advanced Care Clinics | Dental residents under supervision | Reduced | Yes |
| Faculty Practice | Experienced faculty dentists | Standard | No |
Address: 13065 E. 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045 Phone: 303-724-6900 Hours: MondayāFriday, 8amā5pm
Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) ā Annual Free Dental Clinic
COMOM is a two-day event held annually that provides free dental care on a first-come, first-served basis ā no appointment, no application form required. Services typically include exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Who qualifies:
- Adults without dental insurance
- Adults without a regular dentist
- Low-income individuals and families
Dates and locations change each year.
Give Kids a Smile Day ā Free Dental Care for Children
Held every year on the first Friday of February, Give Kids a Smile Day provides free dental care to children from low-income families. This is one of the largest active programs for children in Colorado.
Families can register at adafoundation.org/give-kids-a-smile.
Low-Fee Dental Clinics Across Colorado
The Colorado Dental Association maintains a list of low-fee clinics statewide. Some key options by area:
| Clinic | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| CU School of Dental Medicine | Aurora | 303-724-6900 |
| Project Worthmore Dental Clinic | Aurora | 720-460-0995 |
| Stride Community Health Center | Aurora | 303-778-7433 |
| Childrenās Hospital Colorado Healthy Smiles | Aurora | 720-777-6788 |
| Dental Aid | Boulder | 303-499-7072 |
| Valley-Wide Health Systems | Alamosa | 719-589-9691 |
For a full statewide list: cdaonline.org/welcome/lowcostcare/lowfee
Cosmetic Dental Grants in Colorado
Cosmetic dental procedures ā veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, and sometimes orthodontics ā are not covered by Medicaid. However, the Cosmetic Dentistry Grant (CDG) program provides partial funding through participating dentists. The application is free, but most patients pay a portion of the cost.
Procedures that may qualify include:
- Veneers
- Bonding
- Teeth whitening
- Select orthodontic treatments
Health First Colorado does not cover cosmetic procedures. CDG is the primary option for low-income adults seeking cosmetic work.
Dental Implant Grants in Colorado
Dental implants are not covered under standard Health First Colorado for most adults. There are limited pathways to reduced-cost implants:
- Clinical trials at CU School of Dental Medicine ā occasionally offered for research purposes. Search current trials at clinicaltrials.gov, filtering by Colorado and dental implants.
- CU Advanced Care Clinics ā residents offer implant consultations at reduced rates under faculty supervision.
- Donated Dental Services ā volunteer dentists occasionally provide implant treatment for qualifying disabled or elderly patients.
How to Apply for Dental Grants in Colorado ā Step by Step
-
- Check your Medicaid eligibility first ā visit colorado.gov/PEAK. If you qualify, Health First Colorado covers the broadest range of services at no cost.
- If you donāt qualify for Medicaid, check DDS eligibility at dentallifeline.org ā this is the best option for disabled and elderly adults.
- Contact the CU School of Dental Medicine for a free screening ā this works for almost anyone, regardless of insurance status.
- Check the COMOM schedule for the annual free clinic event.
- Search the CDA low-fee clinic list for a provider near you
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Health First Colorado cover dental implants? Not for most adults. Standard Health First Colorado covers exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and dentures ā but not implants. Exceptions may apply for medically necessary cases with prior authorization.
Is there an income limit for Health First Colorado dental coverage? Eligibility is based on income relative to the federal poverty level and varies by household size. Check your eligibility at Colorado PEAK.
Can I get free dental care in Colorado without Medicaid? Yes. The Donated Dental Services program, COMOM annual clinics, and the CU School of Dental Medicine all serve patients without Medicaid, subject to eligibility criteria.
What happened to the $1,500 dental cap on Colorado Medicaid? It was removed on July 1, 2023. Adult Health First Colorado members now have no annual dollar limit on covered dental services.
How do I find a dentist who accepts Health First Colorado? Call DentaQuest at 1-855-225-1729 or search at DentaQuest.com.
Dental Grants by State
See Also
