SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A new dental clinic has opened in South Lake Tahoe, aiming to improve access to oral health care for the community. The clinic is a collaboration between El Dorado Community Health Centers (EDCHC), the local Medi-Cal managed care plan Mountain Valley Health Plan, and the El Dorado County Public Health Division.
The clinic officially opens Monday, October 20, at the Bijou Shopping Center, 3443 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 2. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for November 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Access to dental care during pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood is critical, as untreated oral health issues can affect overall well-being. The new clinic provides a “dental home” for residents who face financial or insurance limitations, helping them receive preventive and restorative care locally.
For residents of the South Lake Tahoe Basin, accessing dental care has long been challenging. Low-income and underinsured families face significant barriers. The situation worsened in 2024 with the passing of the region’s only Medi-Cal-accepting dental provider, leaving many without local options.
Data from the 2023-2024 Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment shows nearly 20 percent of South Lake Tahoe students had untreated cavities, and nearly 10 percent had urgent dental needs. Many families struggle with transportation, financial pressures, and work obligations, often forcing children to miss school to travel to distant appointments in places such as Placerville.
The new clinic addresses these issues by providing local access to high-quality dental services. It expands on the existing partnership between EDCHC and El Dorado County Public Health, which operates the El Dorado Smiles Dental Van. The mobile program serves schools throughout the region, offering critical care to children with severe dental needs.
One local mother shared her experience with the dental van after struggling to find a Medi-Cal dentist for her three sons.
Each child required extensive restorations and extractions. She expressed relief and gratitude for the van’s services, highlighting the impact of local, accessible care.
The new clinic is designed for accessibility, with ground-level entry, ample parking, and proximity to public transportation.
Bilingual staff and language assistance technology ensure services are available to non-English speakers. The clinic will provide exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and limited root canals for children, adults, and seniors. A Sliding Fee Discount program is also available for those who qualify.
This initiative demonstrates a shared commitment by EDCHC, Mountain Valley Health Plan, and El Dorado County Public Health to reduce disparities in oral health care. By focusing on preventive care and removing barriers, the clinic aims to improve the health and quality of life for residents across South Lake Tahoe.