Community Health Centers Provide Essential Dental Services

Did you know that Colorado’s Community Health Centers (CHCs) provided over 239,000 dental visits to 102,000 Coloradans in 2013? CHCs recognize that dental health is an important part of overall health by providing dental services as part of their comprehensive, integrated model of care that includes medical, dental, and behavioral health services. CHCs provide high quality, affordable, and accessible dental care that has a significant impact on their patients’ lives.

CHCs help overcome barriers to accessing dental services by providing convenient care throughout Colorado. Colorado’s CHCs operate 65 dental clinics, making it easier for patients to access important dental services. Many of these dental clinics are located within or near medical clinics, making it even easier for patients to access convenient, comprehensive care. With locations in 29 Colorado counties, many CHC dental clinics are located in communities that otherwise would not have accessible dental services.

IMG_2495 CHCs provide dental services—such as oral exams, sealants, tooth    extractions, and dentures—that are affordable and accessible to all. With  Colorado’s new Adult Medical Dental Benefit expansion, CHC patients with Medicaid as their insurance provider will have access to expanded comprehensive services—services that CHCs are already providing—as part of their Medicaid insurance benefits. While the new Medicaid expansion will benefit many people in Colorado, CHCs will never turn patients away based on insurance or ability to pay and high quality, affordable dental services that patients can trust.

CHC dental services have a significant impact on their patients. Oral health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and receiving oral health services is essential for leading a healthy life. Many patients would not be able to access or afford dental services without CHCs. Working at a CHC dental clinic is a rewarding experience because providers can see the impact that CHC dental services have on their patients.

Providing high quality, affordable dental services is just one way that CHCs are having a positive impact on their communities. If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference, check out recently posted jobs, including jobs at dental clinics throughout Colorado, on the CHAMPS JOB Board. To learn more about the impact that CHCs have on their community, visit CCHN’s webpage.