For many Northern Colorado residents, finding affordable dental care can feel like an impossible task. Whether due to a lack of insurance or the high cost of private practice fees, oral health often falls to the bottom of the priority list.
However, a first-of-its-kind clinic at Front Range Community College is changing that reality, serving both as a vital community resource and a premier training ground for the next generation of dental professionals.
Located on the college’s Larimer campus in Fort Collins, the FRCC Community Dental Clinic has already made a significant impact, treating approximately 260 patients since it opened in late January.
Affordable Care for the Community
The clinic was established to address a deep need in Northern Colorado for accessible dental services, particularly for those who are underinsured. By offering services at a drastically reduced rate—with appointments typically costing between $20 and $50—the clinic removes the financial barriers that prevent many from seeking care.
“Our rates are far below normal because we don’t have the ability to charge out to insurance,” explains Gretchen Dunn, faculty member in the college’s new dental hygiene program. “This allows us to serve people who are underinsured and provide a public service that is truly tremendous.”
“We’ve had a huge response because there is such a deep need in our region.”
First Cleaning in Five Years
Patient Mimi Ferrie is one of many who found the clinic to be a lifesaver.
“I’m embarrassed to say that I hadn’t had a cleaning in five years,” Mimi shares. “But it has been so hard to access healthcare since COVID.”
“This was the perfect opportunity to get a thorough exam. As a patient, I’ve learned more about my mouth than at any other dental experience I’ve had. They have been really informative about how oral health is connected to overall well-being.”
Training Tomorrow’s Dental Workforce
While patients receive affordable care, FRCC students are gaining the hands-on, real-world experience necessary to launch successful careers. The clinic acts as a “workforce pipeline,” preparing students to meet the high demand for dental hygienists and assistants in the local industry.
The training is rigorous. Students spend their first semester learning maneuvers and safety protocols before they ever see a patient.
Once they begin clinical work, they are supervised by licensed professionals who verify their work at 10 specific “touch points” during an appointment to ensure total accuracy.
“Our students could not learn how to do this without real-world experience,” says Gretchen. “They need to see all the variations and idiosyncrasies in real human mouths.”
“The community is helping the students learn, and the students are helping the community.”
A Student’s Perspective: More Than Just Teeth
For FRCC dental students, the work is about more than just technical skill; it’s about the “big picture” of health. Dana Boyle, a student in the college’s dental hygiene program, notes that the experience has shifted her perspective.
“Working with patients in this capacity is totally different than anything I’ve done before,” Dana says.
“I feel a huge sense of responsibility to help people. We’ve been learning how important oral health is to your entire body.”
“For instance, not flossing is the biggest mistake people make—it impacts your entire experience at the dentist and your health overall. I like helping people, and I know this is a career where I can really touch people’s lives.”
What to Expect as a Patient
Because the clinic is a learning environment, the experience is a bit different than a traditional dentist’s office. Appointments take longer—typically two to three hours—to allow for thorough instruction and faculty review.
The clinic also has a dentist in house who can do exams and basic restorative work. Currently, the clinic provides a wide range of basic services, including:
- Dental exams and X-rays
- Professional cleanings
- Fillings and simple restorative work
- Sealants and fluoride treatments
Looking Ahead
The demand for these services is only growing. While the clinic currently offers dental appointments twice a week, plans are already in place to expand. By January of 2027, the clinic expects to offer appointments five days a week, further increasing access for the Northern Colorado community.
“Choosing to be a patient at our clinic means playing an important role in the education of future dental professionals,” says FRCC Dean of Health Sciences & Wellness Angie Peach.
Ready to book your appointment?
The FRCC Community Dental Clinic is open to the general public with no income verification required. Visit www.frontrange.edu/dentalclinic for more details and to request an appointment
