The adult benefit year runs July 1 through June 30. DentaQuest says emergency treatment and dentures do not count toward the annual limit.
Who this adult benefit summary covers
The DentaQuest adult dental summary applies to eligible Health First Colorado members age 21 and over. It does not establish that a person is currently enrolled, and it does not replace the different rules for children, CHP+, waiver-only benefits, or Cover All Coloradans.
Current adult materials state that covered dental services have no member copay or deductible. That does not make a noncovered service or an out-of-network visit payable, and it does not guarantee that a proposed treatment meets program rules.
The new July–June annual limit
Beginning July 1, 2026, Health First Colorado will pay up to $3,000 of covered adult dental services during each benefit year. The benefit year resets July 1, not January 1.
Current DentaQuest materials state that emergency treatment and dentures are not subject to the $3,000 limit. Other clinical, frequency, authorization, and network rules still apply, and the way a service is coded matters.
Examples from the current adult benefit summary
These examples summarize the July 2026 document and are not approval for treatment. Your provider should check the current code, tooth, date history, clinical criteria, and prior-authorization rule.
- Periodic oral exams and routine cleanings: currently listed up to two per year
- Covered fillings: frequency rules apply by tooth surface
- Crowns and root canals: tooth-specific criteria and frequency limits apply
- Periodontal treatment: clinical criteria and frequency rules apply
- Complete or partial removable dentures: currently listed as a benefit with separate frequency rules
- Simple and surgical extractions: currently listed, with one-per-tooth and other program rules
Before a larger treatment plan
- 1
Request a complete exam and written plan
A dentist needs to diagnose the problem and identify reasonable treatment options.
- 2
Ask which services need prior authorization
The provider, not the member, usually sends the clinical records and request.
- 3
Check benefit-year spending
Use the DentaQuest member portal or call Member Services; an office estimate may not include claims still being processed.
- 4
Do not delay urgent evaluation
Emergency rules differ from routine care. Contact a dentist promptly for swelling, trauma, severe pain, or suspected infection.
Primary sources
Verify the details that affect your care
We use official program materials and clearly identify Star Dental pages. Policies and personal benefit status can change.
- July 2026 adult dental benefit summary
- Adult benefit-limit change notice
- Health First Colorado benefits and services