A provider can accept Health First Colorado while a particular procedure still has limits or requires authorization.
Finding a dentist
- 1
How do I find a Denver dentist who accepts Medicaid?
Star Dental accepts Health First Colorado for adults and children in Denver. You can request an appointment with Star Dental, or use DentaQuest’s directory to compare other enrolled providers. Confirm the specific service and appointment time before care.
- 2
Does a directory listing guarantee an appointment?
No. Network directories and scheduling systems change on different timelines. Confirm directly with the office and report an inaccurate listing to DentaQuest.
- 3
What is a Dental Home?
DentaQuest describes it as the dental practice where a member receives ongoing care. Members can view Dental Home information in the secure member portal.
- 4
Can I use an out-of-network dentist?
Current benefit summaries say Health First Colorado covers enrolled providers and does not provide an out-of-network dental benefit. Ask DentaQuest for help locating care.
Coverage and cost
- 1
Do adults have an annual dental limit?
Yes. Starting July 1, 2026, adult members age 21 and over have a $3,000 limit for each July–June benefit year. DentaQuest says emergency treatment and dentures are not subject to that limit.
- 2
Do children have the same limit?
No. The standard Health First Colorado children's summary says members age 0–20 do not have an annual limit, though service rules apply. CAC children age 0–18 have a separate $1,100 July–June limit beginning July 1, 2026.
- 3
Are there dental copays?
Current adult and standard children's summaries say covered dental care has no member copay or deductible. Noncovered or out-of-network care is different, so verify before treatment.
- 4
Are implants, bridges, or braces covered for adults?
The July 2026 standard adult summary lists implants, fixed bridges, and adult orthodontia as noncovered. Specialized waiver benefits can differ and should be checked separately.
Treatment and authorization
- 1
Are fillings, crowns, and root canals covered?
They are listed benefit categories, but tooth, age, frequency, diagnosis, medical necessity, authorization, and annual-limit rules determine coverage for a specific procedure.
- 2
Does Medicaid cover wisdom-tooth removal?
Simple and surgical extractions are listed benefits. A wisdom-tooth extraction must still be clinically indicated and meet the exact coding, documentation, network, and authorization rules.
- 3
Who requests prior authorization?
The dental provider usually submits the procedure and clinical documentation to DentaQuest. Ask for the decision before non-emergency treatment starts.
- 4
Does prior authorization guarantee payment?
No. Eligibility, provider status, benefit limits, coordination with other coverage, accurate billing, and the actual service delivered still matter.
Emergencies, applications, and rides
- 1
Does emergency dental care need prior authorization?
Current adult and children's summaries say no. The claim must still meet emergency rules. Call 911 for dangerous breathing or swallowing problems, rapidly spreading swelling, major trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding.
- 2
How do I apply?
Begin at Health First Colorado's official Apply Now page. It links to PEAK and lists phone, mail, county-office, and application-assistance options.
- 3
Can Medicaid help with a ride to the dentist?
A member without transportation may qualify for NEMT to a covered appointment. Denver-metro scheduling moved to MediDrive on July 1, 2026; confirm the trip on the official NEMT page.
- 4
Can I get help in Spanish?
State Relay 711 and official member services can help with language access. Star Dental also publishes a Spanish-language services page; ask the office what interpretation is available for your visit.
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.
- DentaQuest Health First Colorado dental plan
- Adult dental benefit summary
- Children's dental benefit summary
- Health First Colorado NEMT