Dentists in Denver, CO
Compare 672 dentists in Denver, CO. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
672
Dentists
100%
Accepting patients
80%
Most common: DDS
Top-Rated Dentists in Denver, CO
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: dentistState: COCity: Denver
About dentists in Denver, CO
Denver's healthcare identity is shaped by two forces: the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, which pulls top researchers and specialists to the Front Range, and a population that expects its doctors to understand active lifestyles. This is a city where orthopedic surgeons treat weekend ski injuries and altitude medicine is a real subspecialty.
Denver has 672 dentists. The most common credential is DDS (80%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Most specialist care concentrates around the Anschutz Medical Campus on the east side and the Denver Health campus downtown. Cherry Creek and the I-25 corridor south through Littleton form a secondary medical office belt. RTD light rail connects downtown to Anschutz, but most patients drive and should plan for traffic on Colorado Boulevard and I-225.
Providers practice throughout Denver. LoDo (Lower Downtown) is denver's historic downtown core with walking access to Denver Health Medical Center and specialty offices. Capitol Hill is a dense, central neighborhood near National Jewish Health and Denver Health. RiNo (River North) is a growing arts district north of downtown with new medical offices and community clinics. Cherry Creek is an upscale shopping and residential area with concierge practices and specialty medical offices.
Nearby hospitals include UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Denver Health Medical Center, and National Jewish Health. Local training programs run through University of Colorado School of Medicine and University of Denver. National Jewish Health in Denver is ranked the number one respiratory hospital in the nation.
What to expect at your first dentist visit in Denver, CO
A first visit typically includes a full set of X-rays, a comprehensive exam of your teeth and gums, and an oral cancer screening. The dentist will review your medical history, discuss any concerns, and create a treatment plan. A professional cleaning is usually done the same day or scheduled shortly after.
Tips for Denver, CO patients
Denver's dry air and altitude can worsen dry mouth, which your dentist may flag. The CU School of Dental Medicine on the Anschutz campus offers supervised care at reduced rates.
When to see a dentist
Schedule a visit if you have tooth pain, bleeding gums, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a chipped or broken tooth. Even without symptoms, routine checkups every six months help catch cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer early when treatment is simpler and cheaper.
Typical costs
Cleaning: $75-200 · Filling: $150-400 · Crown: $800-1,500 · Root canal: $700-1,200
Common reasons to see a dentist in Denver, CO
Denver tap water is fluoridated, but the dry climate leads to cracked lips and dry mouth that affect oral health. Staying hydrated matters more here than in most cities.
Tooth pain and sensitivity
Sharp or lingering pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods usually means a cavity, cracked tooth, or worn enamel. Your dentist can identify the source with an exam and X-rays and recommend the simplest treatment that solves the problem.
Cavities and tooth decay
Cavities are areas of permanent damage in the hard surface of your teeth. Caught early, they require a simple filling. Waiting until pain appears usually means the decay has reached deeper layers and treatment becomes more involved.
Gum disease and bleeding gums
Red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss signal early gum disease. A professional cleaning and better home care often reverse it, but advanced cases need deeper treatment.
Chipped or broken teeth
A chipped tooth can range from a minor cosmetic issue to a dental emergency depending on the severity. Your dentist will assess whether bonding, a crown, or a referral to a specialist is the best path forward.
Bad breath
Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by bacteria buildup, gum disease, or dry mouth rather than what you ate for lunch. A dental exam can identify the underlying cause and get you to a solution.
Browse dentists by neighborhood in Denver
Alamo Placita(3856)Swallow Hill Historic District(3482)Belmont Heights(3345)Sherman Street Historic District(2626)Sandown(1566)Lower Highland(836)San Rafael Historic District(835)Mariposa District(578)East Highland(507)Clement(420)River North RiNo Art District(321)Quality Hill Historic District(311)Auraria
Frequently asked questions about dentists in Denver, CO
Denver, CO has 672 licensed dentists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of dentists in Denver, CO are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Colorado's ACA marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, offers plans from Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, Cigna, and Friday Health Plans. Kaiser runs the largest closed network in the metro. Health First Colorado is the state Medicaid program, with managed care through Rocky Mountain Health Plans and Colorado Access.
A routine cleaning typically costs $75 to $200, fillings run $150 to $400, and crowns cost $800 to $1,500. Root canals range from $700 to $1,200 depending on the tooth. Actual costs in Denver, CO depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Many dental plans have annual maximums between $1,000 and $2,000. Preventive visits are usually covered at 100%, while major procedures are covered at 50%.
Denver's provider network splits into three main systems: UCHealth (the academic powerhouse), Denver Health (the public safety-net), and SCL Health/Intermountain (community hospitals). Most specialists practice within one system, so your hospital preference often determines your specialist options.
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Denver, CO, 80% hold the DDS credential and 17% hold DMD. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
Some dentists in Denver, CO accept Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid dental coverage for adults varies significantly by state. Most states cover emergency dental services, but routine and preventive care coverage ranges from comprehensive to very limited. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Health First Colorado participation before scheduling.
At 5,280 feet, Denver's altitude can affect medication dosing, recovery times, and respiratory conditions. Most Denver physicians are experienced with altitude-related adjustments. If you have a heart or lung condition and recently relocated, bring it up at your first appointment.
Kaiser runs a large closed network in the Denver metro with its own hospitals, urgent cares, and pharmacies. It works well if you prefer integrated care and don't mind staying within the Kaiser system. If you want flexibility to see providers across multiple hospital systems, an open-network plan gives you more options.
Nearby Cities
Other specialties in Denver
Insurance & Dentist coverage
Top accepted carriers in Denver, CO include qhp-33602, qhp-87571, qhp-30751, humana, and unitedhealthcare.
Most dental plans cover two preventive visits per year at 100%. Basic procedures like fillings are typically covered at 70-80%, while major work like crowns may be 50%. Check your plan's annual maximum. Many plans cap at $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Confirm your dentist is in-network before your visit.
