Action Items

Step-by-step checklist for accessing Medicaid dental care through Health First Colorado.

Phase 1: Verify Coverage

• Call DentaQuest at 855-225-1729 (Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm MT)
  • Ask: "Are implant-supported crowns (CDT codes D6065 or D6058) covered for adults when the implant fixture is already in place?"
  • Ask: "Is a flipper (interim removable partial denture) covered, or only a standard partial denture?"
  • Ask: "What is my Dental Home? Can I change it?"
  • Note the representative's name and any reference/case number
• Log into the DentaQuest Member Portal at memberaccess.dentaquest.com
  • Download the DentaQuest ID card
  • Check the assigned Dental Home
  • Review benefit details online
• Check Health First Colorado enrollment status
  • Confirm whether enrolled in standard Health First Colorado or Denver Health Medicaid Choice
  • This affects medical providers but NOT dental benefits

Phase 2: Choose a Provider

• Search for a dentist via DentaQuest Find a Dentist
  • Filter by: location, accepting new patients, services offered
  • See Providers/Finding a Provider via DentaQuest for tips
• Consider these providers (see individual notes in Providers/ folder):
  • Providers/Denver Health Dental Clinics — 6 locations in Denver, part of Denver Health network
  • Providers/Dental and Implant Centers of Colorado — Implant specialists, accept Medicaid
  • Providers/New Day Dentistry — 7 metro locations
  • Providers/Open and Affordable Dental — Medicaid dental services in Denver
• Call the chosen provider and confirm:
  • They accept Health First Colorado / DentaQuest
  • They can perform the needed procedures (especially implant crowns)
  • They handle prior authorizations
  • First available appointment for new patients

Phase 3: First Appointment

• Bring to the appointment:
  • DentaQuest member ID card (download from portal)
  • Health First Colorado member ID card
  • Photo ID
  • List of needed procedures (reference Treatment Plan Overview)
• At the appointment, discuss:
  • Full treatment plan with the dentist
  • Which procedures need prior authorization
  • Timeline for treatment
  • Whether implant crowns can be billed under covered codes
  • Flipper vs. standard partial denture options

Phase 4: Treatment

• Wait for prior authorizations before scheduling treatment
  • The dentist's office submits these to DentaQuest
  • Typical turnaround: 5-15 business days
  • Treatment before approval may not be covered
• If implant crowns are denied:
  • Ask the dentist about filing an appeal (see Resources/Prior Authorization Guide)
  • Get quotes from multiple providers for out-of-pocket pricing
  • Ask about payment plans or sliding-fee-scale options
  • Consider Providers/Dental and Implant Centers of Colorado for competitive implant crown pricing
• Schedule and complete treatment in the order the dentist recommends

Important Phone Numbers (Quick Reference)

See also: Dashboard | Treatment Plan Overview | Out-of-Pocket Costs