A new dental clinic has opened in South Lake Tahoe and will provide services like exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and limited root canals for both children and adults.
It is located at 3443 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
The new clinic will feature up to seven dental stations, initially accommodating approximately 200 patients per month, with the goal of expanding capacity to serve 400 patients per month.
According to officials, the new clinic will be able to serve underinsured and low-income residents who typically face significant barriers to dental care.
Maintaining oral health care during pregnancy, childhood, and throughout life is important because the consequences of poor oral health can have a lifelong impact on overall health, according to Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County Acting Director of Public Health.
Fliflet added, “To improve the quality of life for our South Lake Tahoe community, it is crucial to establish a local dental clinic that can serve as a dental home.”
Many parents and guardians struggle with transportation issues, financial status, and taking time off work, according to officials.
Officials also say that when families prioritize their health, children often have to miss full school days for dental appointments that are located far away, for example, Placerville, which negatively affects their education.
The new South Lake Tahoe dental clinic will provide a more local solution to alleviate these issues.
“As the local Medi-Cal managed care plan for El Dorado County, we understand the critical need for comprehensive healthcare,” said Lizeth Granados, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Valley Health Plan.
Granados also said, “By investing in this partnership, Mountain Valley Health Plan will increase the availability of essential dental care for Health Plan members tailored to the needs of the community. By bridging this gap in care, we can ensure that children and adults are able to access preventative and restorative dental services, without having to travel long distances to do so.”
This new clinic will be accessible by bus and on foot. It also offers ample parking.
“This collaboration between EDCHC, Mountain Valley Health Plan, and El Dorado County Public Health reflects a shared commitment to improving access to oral health care and addressing disparities in the South Lake Tahoe region,” said Caleb Sandford, Chief Executive Officer of EDCHC.
Sandford also said, “The new dental clinic will serve all age groups, including children, adults, and seniors, and will be centrally located to provide easy access to local residents.”
This clinic will provide a sliding fee discount program for those who qualify and will accept Medi-Cal Dental insurance.
Patients who wish to take part in the clinic are urged to call 530-497-5016.
