Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Kids in Need of Dentistry. Click below for information for:
If you do not find the information you’re looking for here, please contact us.
For Parents/Guardians
Q: How do I qualify?
A: KIND serves children up to the age of 18 whose families’ are considered
low-income by Federal
Poverty Level and KIND percentage guidelines. KIND also accepts children with Medicaid and
CHP+. To qualify, families can download an eligibility application below:
Download Eligibility Form (Formulario De Solicitud De Elegibilidad De La
Cl¡nica KIND) (87kb PDF)
You can also request an application by calling KIND at (303) 733-3710, Ext. 15. Once you fill out an application, return it to us, and KIND verifies your eligibility, you will be able to schedule an appointment for your child.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: Scheduling an appointment with a KIND dentist is easy. Simply contact a
KIND facility to make your child’s appointment. Click here to contact our facilities in Denver and Colorado Springs.
Q: How do I pay for KIND’s services?
A: KIND asks qualifying families to pay $20 per appointment, plus a
percentage of the total value of services provided. Example: For a treatment valued at $150,
a family would be asked to pay the $20 appointment fee, plus $30 to $45 for their share of
the services, based on income. No child is ever turned away based on their family’s
inability to pay.
Q: Can I make payments?
A: Yes. Families can work out a payment schedule with the billing
coordinator at your child’s facility.
Q: Where are KIND facilities?
A: KIND serves children at three facilities in the Denver area and one
facility in Colorado Springs. We also reach children in rural and underserved urban
communities statewide through our state-of-the-art mobile Miles for Smiles dental unit.
Q: How long will KIND see my kids?
A: As long as they remain eligible, KIND will see children until they turn
18 years of age. Once KIND receives a child’s application and they are deemed eligible,
their eligibility is good for one year, after which parents or guardians can reapply.
Q: Are KIND volunteers “real” dentists?
A: KIND’s dentists are all professionally licensed by the State of Colorado.
In fact, many of our professional dentists are volunteers from the local community, taking
time off from their private practices to treat KIND children.
Q: What kind of dental care is provided?
A: Through our staff and network of volunteer dental professionals, KIND
provides children with comprehensive dental services including: complete oral exams,
cleanings, dental sealants, restorative treatments such as fillings, emergency care, and
specialty services (orthodontics, pedodontics, endodontics and oral surgery) on a
case-by-case basis. We strongly encourage parents with children needing specialty services to
call KIND to find out more information and/or apply for eligibility.
Q: Is this service government funded?
A: The majority of KIND’s funding comes from private foundations, individual
donors, and special events. Also, many of the dentists and other professionals volunteer
their time to provide affordable services to our patients.
For Volunteers
Q: What kind of volunteers does KIND need?
A: KIND needs volunteers from all areas of the dental profession, including:
dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, pedodontists, orthodontists, endodontists,
oral surgeons and other dental professionals. KIND also welcomes volunteers from outside the
dental community to participate on the board, committees and special events, and to assist
with administrative and office work at our Denver and Colorado Springs facilities. We also
need translators to assist non-English-speaking clients at our facilities.
Q: Where will I volunteer?
A: KIND volunteer dental professionals donate their time and services at
three facilities in the Denver area, one facility in Colorado Springs, and in their own
private practices. Volunteers also serve Denver-area elementary schools through the Chopper
Topper program, and children in rural and underserved urban communities statewide through the
mobile Miles for Smiles program.
Q: What services does KIND provide to its clients?
A: KIND volunteers provide children with comprehensive dental services
including: complete oral exams, cleanings, dental sealants, and restorative treatments such
as fillings, emergency care, and specialty services (orthodontics, pedodontics, endodontics
and oral surgery) on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How do clients pay for services?
A: KIND asks qualifying families to pay $20 per appointment, plus a percentage
of the total value of services provided, depending on income. Clients are to make their payment
on the day of service. If they cannot make the payment at that time, KIND can work out an
accommodating payment plan.
Q: Do you require a certain time commitment from volunteers?
A: KIND does not require a minimum time commitment from volunteers. We appreciate
any donation of time and services from volunteer dental professionals.
Q: How do I become a KIND volunteer?
A: To volunteer, simply contact Sally Walker, volunteer coordinator for KIND,
at (303) 733-3710 Ext. 17, or by e-mail at: swalker@kindsmiles.org.
For Donors And Supporters
Q: How do I donate to KIND?
A: Making a donation to KIND is easy. Simply visit the
online donation page to donate quickly and securely. You can
also mail your donation to us at:
Kids in Need of Dentistry
2465 South Downing St., Suite 210
Denver, Colo. 80210
Q: What kind of donations does KIND accept?
A: KIND relies on charitable donations, planned gifts, and in-kind donations
such as dental supplies to serve Colorado’s children in need.
Q: How does KIND use charitable donations?
A: KIND applies nearly 90 percent of all contributions to providing quality
dental care for children, so donors can be confident their donations will be used responsibly. KIND
consistently receives the highest ratings for financial integrity and program excellence.
Q: Can I choose where my donation is applied?
A: Yes. KIND gives donors and supporters the opportunity to direct contributions
toward particular areas, services and even specific children through innovative programs such as
“Adopt-A-Smile” sponsorship. Donors may also opt to apply their gift to KIND’s
greatest areas of need.
Q: How can I learn about the tax advantages of my donation?
A: KIND encourages donors and supporters to consult a tax professional to learn about
the tax advantages of charitable donations, planned gifts and in-kind donations.