PLACERVILLE, Calif. — El Dorado Community Health Centers (EDCHC), in collaboration with local Medi-Cal managed care plan Mountain Valley Health Plan, and the El Dorado County (EDC) Public Health Division, are proud to announce the development of a new dental clinic in South Lake Tahoe which will open October 20, 2025. It will be located at 3443 Lake Tahoe Blvd. 

“Access and utilization of oral health care services during pregnancy, childhood, and throughout the lifespan is important because the consequences of poor oral health can have a lifelong impact on overall health and well-being,” said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County Acting Director of Public Health. “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,” he added. 

Residents of the South Lake Tahoe Basin, particularly those who are low-income or underinsured, face significant barriers to accessing dental care. In 2024, the passing of the region’s only dental provider who accepted Medi-Cal insurance compounded these challenges, leaving many residents without local access to dental services. 

According to the 2023-2024 Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment, nearly 20 percent of South Lake Tahoe students had untreated dental cavities requiring treatment, and nearly 10 percent had urgent dental needs requiring immediate care. The result of this ongoing dental shortage is a growing prevalence of severe dental health conditions across the region. 

Many parents and guardians struggle with transportation issues, financial constraints, and the inability to take time off work, causing families to have to choose between their health and income. When families prioritize their health, children are often forced to miss full school days for dental appointments in distant communities such as Placerville, negatively affecting their education. 

Mountain Valley Health Plan, EDCHC and EDC Public Health developed a partnership that addresses the urgent need for access to oral health services for California’s Medi-Cal program recipients. 

The new South Lake Tahoe dental clinic will provide a local solution, alleviating transportation and financial barriers while offering high-quality preventive and restorative dental care. 

The new dental clinic in South Lake Tahoe builds on the successful partnership between EDC Public Health and EDCHC, which currently operates the El Dorado Smiles Dental Van, providing mobile dental services to schools throughout the region. The expanded services at the new clinic will enhance these efforts by offering a permanent dental care facility for residents and ensuring quicker access to follow-up care for students in need. 

The dental van program, which serves schools in the area, provides support for South Lake Tahoe patients with severe dental conditions who need their access to care issues mitigated. One striking example is a mother who brought her three sons to the dental van after struggling to find a Medi-Cal dentist. Each child required extensive dental work, including multiple restorations and extractions. Grateful for the presence of the dental van, the mother made full use of its services and even joined the cancellation list to secure more appointments. The family’s experience highlights the urgent need for consistent, accessible dental care in the community. 

“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. “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.” 

The EDC Public Health Division is providing one-time funding of $400,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to support the purchase of dental equipment. Additionally, Mountain Valley Health Plan is awarding a one-time grant of $500,000 to expand dental services to the South Lake Tahoe region. This investment will fund efforts to identify a suitable location, renovate the space, and purchase new dental equipment. This initiative will significantly enhance access to critical oral healthcare for both children and adults. 

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. 

It will be easily accessible by bus, and on foot, and offers ample parking opportunities. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the clinic will be on ground level, ensuring accessibility for patients with disabilities. To better serve the community, the clinic will aim to hire bilingual staff and use language assistance technology to provide services to those who speak other languages as well. By prioritizing preventive care and reducing barriers, the clinic aims to enhance the quality of life for countless community members across the region. 

“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. “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,” he added. 

EDCHC’s new dental clinic will provide exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and limited root canals for both children and adults. It will provide a Sliding Fee Discount program for those who qualify and will accept Medi-Cal Dental insurance. By prioritizing preventive care and reducing barriers, the clinic aims to enhance the quality of life for countless community members across the region. Prospective patients can call 530-497-5016.