Elevated Community Health will take over Summit County’s only pediatric dental practice, expanding its service offerings in Summit County and ensuring that children and teens continue to receive expert dental care close to home.
The practice, previously operated by Dr. Malcolm Strange of Colorado Children’s Dental Group, will officially reopen as Elevated Pediatric Dental on September 4, 2025.
Dr. Strange has practiced on the Front Range since the 1990s and manages the Summit County branch. He initiated this transition last year to focus on his primary practice while maintaining continuity of care for local families.
“Dr. Strange has dedicated decades to serving this community, and we are honored that he has trusted us to carry on and enhance the tradition of high-quality care,” said Josh Cogdill, CEO of Elevated Community Health.
“Ensuring access to pediatric dental services in the region is crucial to our mission, especially given the lack of other practices focused solely on children’s dental health.”
Dr. Deanna Drake will take over as the new Chief Dental Officer. Dr. Drake has over five years of experience in pediatric dentistry and, inspired by her father, a dentist, brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her new role. As a teenager, she frequently skied in Summit County and recently relocated there full-time.
“She is not only highly skilled but also incredibly resourceful,” said Cogdill. “Whether she’s helping a nervous child or accommodating the needs of a patient with special needs, she always finds a way to create a positive dental experience for her patients.”
The clinic will undergo a grant-funded renovation to create a bright, child-friendly environment designed to make visits more enjoyable. Local parents are embracing the change. Ralph Passitt, a Summit County father, said, “My kids really look forward to going to the clinic because the walls are so colorful and filled with fun characters.”
Elevated Pediatric Dentistry will complement Elevated Community Health Center’s existing main clinic and school-based dental programs. Through the SMILES program, dental hygienists visit local schools to provide preventive care, such as cleanings, screenings, sealings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and referrals for further treatment. The program is offered year-round to students from kindergarten through high school.
Elevated Community Health, formerly Summit Community Care Clinic, has served central Colorado for over 30 years.
Originally a volunteer-run free clinic, it has evolved into a federally qualified health center offering primary care, behavioral health, dental services, pharmacy support, and more. Funding comes from a combination of local, state, and federal government resources, as well as grants and community donations.