Dental students will begin providing care in January—under the supervision of licensed dental professionals.
Northern Colorado residents will soon have a new place to get affordable dental care, thanks to a first-of-its-kind clinic at Front Range Community College that pairs community service with hands-on learning for students in the college’s dental programs.
The FRCC Community Dental Clinic will open in Fort Collins in early 2026—with trained students delivering high quality care, guided by licensed professionals. The new offering is powered by the college’s commitment to educating students and providing access to low-cost care in the community. The clinic’s establishment was supported by donations from the Colorado Health Foundation and Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation.
“FRCC’s team is passionate about providing this opportunity for our neighbors in northern Colorado who need dental care, especially for those who may not have insurance,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “This innovative arrangement is not only a major new health care resource for our community—it will also provide a first-class learning experience for our students, an onramp to rewarding jobs and a workforce pipeline for our local industry.”
High-Quality Care at Lower Cost
The dental clinic will serve a dual purpose: improving the oral health of patients and helping to train the next generation of dental professionals. Care is provided by FRCC dental hygiene and dental assisting students who are gaining hands-on experience, working under the supervision of licensed dental professionals and faculty.
Every visit at the clinic will be guided by these experts, giving FRCC students the chance to gain real-world experience as they train to become Colorado’s future dental assistants and hygienists. The clinic will serve children, adolescents and adults with appointments that cost on average between $20 and $50, depending on the age of the patient.
“The FRCC Community Dental Clinic will provide high-quality, low-cost dental care to patients of all ages in a welcoming and supportive environment,” said FRCC’s Dean of Health Sciences & Wellness Angie Peach. “Our team is eager to help address the growing demand for accessible dental services in the region by providing a much-needed affordable option for local families.”
Located on the college’s Larimer campus, the clinic will be open to the general public starting in January. There are no criteria to qualify as a patient. While the clinic does not offer complex dental or periodontic work, it will offer most basic services—such as dental exams (including x-rays), dental cleanings, fillings, local anesthesia, sealants, and laser and fluoride treatments.
The FRCC Community Dental Clinic is now accepting requests for appointments.
Hands-On Learning—A Workforce Pipeline
Students who work in the clinic will gain invaluable hands-on experience that will prepare them to hit the ground running when they launch their careers.
“Working in our community clinic combines what students are learning in the classroom with direct patient care,” said Peach. “This offers our students real-world clinical experience, preparing them for rewarding career opportunities. What’s more, they get to give back to their community through their work.”
“The clinic is part of FRCC’s commitment to expanding access to affordable health services to our community, while preparing the next generation of dental professionals,” President Simpson added.
“Patients at the FRCC Community Dental Clinic will receive compassionate and professional care while playing a vital role in educating Colorado’s future dental workforce. As students graduate and begin working in the area, dentists will have access to more well-trained, qualified dental assistants and hygienists.”
A Different Kind of Dental Care Experience
Receiving treatment at the new FRCC Community Dental Clinic will look a bit different from a visit to a regular dentist’s office. Because students are learning, appointments take more time than patients may be used to. This allows for thorough instruction, review and careful attention to detail. Patients coming in for dental cleanings should plan for typical appointments to take 2-4 hours and may require multiple appointments.
“Choosing to be a patient at our clinic, means playing an important role in the education of future dental professionals,” said Dean Peach.
Dental students will perform much of the treatment and care at the clinic. Licensed faculty will supervise, assist and step in as needed, offering an additional layer of expertise. “The college also employs licensed dentists who provide dental care directly to patients,” Peach added. “This expands the type of care that we can offer to patients.”
Patients at the FRCC Community Dental Clinic will benefit from significantly reduced fees compared to private practices. The clinic does not offer a sliding fee scale—costs are kept as low as possible for all patients. No income verification is required.
The clinic does not bill or accept dental insurance. However, patients may request a detailed summary of services, charges, and payments to submit directly to their insurance.
New Patient Routine Checkup/Cleaning:
Includes: cleaning, x-rays, & fluoride varnish
Child (12 years and younger) — $20
Adult/Adolescent – 13 years and older — $50
Established Patient Routine Checkup/Cleaning:
Includes: cleaning, x-rays and fluoride varnish
Child (12 years and younger) — $20
Available for Adults/Adolescents (13 years and older) — $40
Additional Dental Care Available
Visit www.frontrange.edu/dentalclinic for more details.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 27,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 114,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
