Compare 25 pediatric dentists in Denver, CO. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
25
Pediatric Dentists
100%
Accepting patients
52%
Most common: DDS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
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 25 pediatric dentists. The most common credential is DDS (52%). 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.
A first visit for a toddler is short, about 20 to 30 minutes. The dentist may do a "knee-to-knee" exam with the parent holding the child. They will check for cavities, assess bite development, and clean the teeth if the child cooperates. For older children, visits include X-rays (typically starting around age four to five), professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, and an exam. The dentist will discuss brushing technique, diet (sugary drinks are the top cavity cause in children), and fluoride recommendations. If treatment is needed, the dentist will explain behavior management options based on the child's age and temperament.
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.
Take your child to a pediatric dentist for their first visit by age one. After that, visits every six months for cleanings and exams are standard. See a pediatric dentist specifically (rather than a general dentist) if your child has significant anxiety about dental visits, special healthcare needs that affect cooperation, multiple cavities requiring treatment under sedation, dental trauma (knocked-out or chipped tooth), or unusual tooth development. Pediatric dentists also manage space maintainers when baby teeth are lost early and can identify early orthodontic issues.
Exam and cleaning: $0-50 copay · Fluoride treatment: $0-25 · Filling: $100-250 · Stainless steel crown: $200-400 · Sedation: $150-500 · Sealants: $30-60 per tooth
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.
A child should see a dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Pediatric dentists make early visits positive experiences that set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Cavities in baby teeth still need treatment because they can cause pain, infection, and damage to developing permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists use child-friendly techniques and, when needed, sedation options.
Fear of the dentist is common in children and can carry into adulthood if not addressed. Pediatric dental offices are designed to be welcoming, and the staff is trained to help anxious children feel safe.
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect tooth alignment and jaw development. A pediatric dentist monitors these habits and recommends intervention timing when needed.
Dental sealants coat the chewing surfaces of back teeth, reducing cavity risk by up to 80%. Combined with fluoride treatments, they are one of the most effective preventive tools for children.
Denver, CO has 25 licensed pediatric dentists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of pediatric 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.
An exam and cleaning copay is $0 to $50. A filling costs $100 to $250. A stainless steel crown costs $200 to $400. Sealants cost $30 to $60 per tooth. Sedation costs $150 to $500. Actual costs in Denver, CO depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Preventive care (exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants) is covered at 100% by most dental plans and Medicaid. The ACA requires pediatric dental as an essential health benefit in marketplace plans. If your child needs sedation or general anesthesia, ask whether the facility fee may be covered by medical (not dental) insurance.
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.
Some pediatric dentists in Denver, CO accept Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children in all states with little or no copay. Coverage includes exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, crowns, and sedation when medically necessary. The EPSDT benefit guarantees comprehensive dental coverage for children on Medicaid. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Health First Colorado participation before scheduling.
Children should visit the dentist every six months starting by age one. More frequent visits (every three to four months) may be recommended for children with high cavity risk. Sealants are typically applied between ages six and twelve as permanent molars come in. With 25 pediatric dentists in Denver, CO, you can search on FindClarity to find a provider who fits your schedule.
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.
Top accepted carriers in Denver, CO include qhp-87571, qhp-33602, qhp-30751, unitedhealthcare, and humana.
Most dental insurance plans cover pediatric preventive care (exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants) at 100% with no copay. Basic restorative work (fillings) is covered at 80%. Crowns and sedation have lower coverage, typically 50% to 80%. The ACA requires pediatric dental coverage in marketplace plans, making children's dental care one of the 10 essential health benefits. Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children in all states, often with $0 copay. Space maintainers and interceptive orthodontics may need pre-authorization. If your child needs treatment under general anesthesia, medical insurance may cover the hospital facility fee.