Governor Polis announces the creation of a new Department of Early Childhood with a mission to create a “comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality, and equitable early childhood system.” Learn More
Dental telehealth bill passes
SB21-139 (Coverage for Telehealth Dental Services) was signed into law to allow delivery of dental telehealth services and require dental insurance plans issued, amended, or renewed in Colorado to cover these services.
Lawmakers approve continuation of dental hygienist functions
Passage of SB21-102 (Sunset Dental Hygienists Specialized Functions) continues the ability of dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations and apply silver diamine fluoride through September of 2025.
CDPHE creates Early Childhood Oral Health Advisory Board
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) launches the Early Childhood Oral Health Advisory Board, made up of stakeholders from across medical and dental fields. The board is charged with improving coordination and integration of preventive oral health strategies across systems, developing a community of practice, and amplifying…
CHP+ coverage includes pregnant women
Passage of HB19-1038 (Dental Services for Pregnant Women on CHP+) adds oral health coverage for pregnant people with CHP+.
ACC creates KPI for oral health
Colorado’s Accountable Collaborative Care (ACC) program creates the first key performance indicator (KPI) focused on oral health. It measures the number of members with a dental visit in the prior 12 months. Children receiving a screening and varnish by their primary care provider counts towards this indicator.
RoMoNOH established
The Rocky Mountain Oral Health Network (RoMoNOH) was created to support community health centers across Colorado and neighboring states to integrate oral health services into primary care clinics serving pregnant people, infants, and young children. Learn More
Survey shows decrease in children’s dental disease
Colorado’s Basic Screening Survey indicates improvement in children’s oral health over the previous ten years. Learn More
Colorado legislators expand hygienists’ scope of practice
By passing HB18-1045 (Silver Diamine Fluoride) Colorado’s General Assembly expanded dental hygienists’ services to include application of silver diamine fluoride in collaboration with a dentist.
Child Rare Regulations improve oral health restrictions
Colorado Child Care Regulations were updated to restrict the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Learn More
