VETSmile Program
The CU School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Care and Payment Innovation (CCPI) have partnered in a new pilot program, VETSmile.
The new program provides dental care at reduced fees to veteran patients and serves as a touchpoint for veterans who do not have a regular dentist.
The new partnership between CU SDM and the VA was set up in 2022. Both the school and the VA are located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado.
The CU SDM VETSmile Program is a low-cost dental care provider that serves veterans who do not have dental benefits in the VA. The school has several levels of providers, including faculty providers, dental students, and graduate dentists undergoing additional training in general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and periodontics. Experienced faculty dentists supervise all providers undergoing training.
Prior to the VETSmile Program, there was the CU Dental Heroes Clinic/Program, which helped more than 1,500 veterans and provided more than 25,000 treatments. It exceeded its funding goals.
Veterans enrolled in the VETSmile pilot program are eligible to receive discounted dental services at the CU School of Dental Medicine.
They also must meet these criteria:
- Enrolled in the VA health care system
- Not eligible to receive dental services through the VA
Please bring the notification email or letter you received from the VA with your VETSmile registration code to your screening appointment.
The cost for dental care at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is not free; it is at a reduced cost when compared to private practice dental clinics. While our fees are low, they are a necessary part of our financial model to continue providing dental services now and into the future. The cost of care is least expensive if dental students provide the care and most expensive if faculty provide the care. We accept cash, check (with ID), debit cards, and credit cards.
Insurance
We accept most traditional dental insurances and Health First Colorado (formerly Medicaid). We will help you in completing the application for Health First Colorado.
For supplemental Medicare dental plans, we only accept Delta Dental Medicare Advantage Plans. No Medicare Advantage Plans administered outside of Delta Dental are accepted.
For individuals 60+ who are not eligible for dental services under any other program such as Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or private insurance, the School of Dental Medicine takes part in the Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors,
which will support your care if you qualify. Our team will help you with the qualification process if you’re eligible.
We are always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork, and we are happy to work with your insurance provider to make sure you understand your insurance benefits.
Pay Your Bill
Screening Appointment
Once you have contacted the School of Dental Medicine you will be scheduled for a free screening appointment to decide the extent of your oral health care needs. The screening appointment is necessary to assure that we can meet your treatment needs and decide which of our providers would best be able to meet your needs. For a screening appointment call (303) 724-2838.
Appointment Times
Appointments with dental students begin at 9 am and 2 pm, Monday through Friday. Each appointment is approximately two and a half hours in length to allow for faculty supervision of the treatment. For the graduate dentists and faculty, appointment times are more flexible.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- Please bring the notification email or letter you received from the VA, that has your VETSmile registration code.
Can I get travel and mileage reimbursement from VA?
- No. Travel and mileage reimbursement from VA for VETSmile appointments and treatment are not covered.
Contact Us
13065 E. 17th Avenue, 3rd Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
Phone: (303) 724-2VET (2838)
Fax: (303) 724-6939
Email: CUDT@ucdenver.edu
Clinic Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hours Subject to Change. Appointment times vary by semester, please contact the clinic for more information.
(Closed on all federal and state holidays)
After Hours Emergencies:
24-hour emergency care is available for CU Dental patients. For emergencies, please call the University of Colorado Hospital operator at (720) 848-0000 to connect with the general practice resident on call.
Let us help you navigate your dental care journey.
We encourage our patients to provide feedback about their experiences at the School of Dental Medicine. In the event you have a concern, complaint, or question about your dental experience, please contact our Patient Liaison at
sdm-ptliaison@cuanschutz.edu or (303) 724-7040.