Dental Clinics

Community Dental Care Transforms Former 3M Office into Larger Maplewood Clinic to Serve More Patients

Published

5 days ago

October 17, 2025

In a significant expansion that underscores its commitment to serving underserved populations, Community Dental Care is converting the former 3M office in Maplewood into a new, large‑scale dental clinic. The move promises to more than double the number of patients the nonprofit can treat, especially those on Medicaid and other underserved groups.

The announcement, published with support from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, highlights how the nonprofit is leveraging space, resources and community partnerships to address a major gap in dental care access.

Building Capacity for the Community

The newly repurposed facility is located at 600 Carlton Street in Maplewood, Minnesota, occupying the space of the former 3M office complex. The redesign and expansion aim to create a modern, high‑capacity dental environment equipped to handle significantly more patients than the organization’s previous clinic footprint.

According to the article, Community Dental Care expects the Maplewood site to double treatment capacity, enabling the clinic to reach more patients and reduce wait times for those who rely on Medicaid or have limited access elsewhere.

Focus on Medicaid and Underserved Populations

A central piece of the project is the focus on patients covered by Medicaid—often individuals who face barriers when seeking dental care, including provider shortages, long waitlists and geographic constraints. The clinic’s expansion is explicitly designed to serve this segment of the community.

By increasing capacity and upgrading facilities, Community Dental Care aims to reduce those barriers and provide more timely care, especially for preventive, restorative and urgent dental services.

Revitalizing a Legacy Space

The decision to repurpose a former 3M office into a dental clinic exemplifies innovative use of existing commercial property for public benefit. Instead of building from scratch, the nonprofit is adapting an existing structure in a strategic location to deliver health services at scale.

The transition involved redesigning office space into dental operatories, waiting areas and clinical support zones suitable for high volume patient care. This efficient reuse also supports sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Community and Economic Impact

Beyond dental care provision, the expanded clinic is expected to create jobs, generate foot traffic and enhance the Maplewood community’s access to services. As a nonprofit health provider invests in the area, local businesses and civic life stand to benefit from the increased activity and service capacity.

For patients, the new clinic means easier access, modern facilities and an environment tailored to their needs. For the community, it means more robust health infrastructure and a resource for oral health and wellness.

Patient Experience and Design Considerations

While detailed floor plans were not disclosed in the Business Journal article, the clinic’s large‑scale format implies enhancements in patient experience—such as more treatment rooms, modern equipment and workflows designed for high throughput without sacrificing care quality.

For patients who rely on Medicaid or cannot wait extended periods for dental treatment, the improved capacity and scheduling flexibility could make a significant difference.

Leadership and Strategic Vision

Community Dental Care leadership views this expansion as a strategic investment in workforce and infrastructure. The organization aims not only to serve more patients but also to set an example for how community‑based dental care can scale in response to need.

By investing in location, capacity and design, the nonprofit signals that dental care access is not optional—it is essential, and must be supported through intentional infrastructure and community engagement.

What This Means for the Region

For the Twin Cities region, the Maplewood expansion addresses a known need: dental care access for low‑income and Medicaid-covered populations. Waitlists for dental providers in many communities are long, and providers who serve Medicaid patients often face financial and operational constraints. By increasing capacity significantly, Community Dental Care is helping to fill that gap.

Patients who previously faced travel, scheduling or provider‑participation constraints may now gain access to timely and quality dental care. The clinic’s presence in Maplewood also signals that suburban and ex‑urban areas are part of the solution, not just urban cores.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Next Steps

The organization’s immediate goal is to open the clinic and ramp up services as quickly as feasible, given the retrofit of space and workforce build‑out. Over time, Community Dental Care anticipates:

Treating a much larger monthly patient volume
Adding dental specialties, support services and extended hours
Reducing waiting times for new‑patient appointments
Strengthening partnerships with Medicaid, community organizations and referral networks

As capacity fills and patient loads grow, ongoing focus will likely shift to patient retention, preventative care and long‑term oral health outcomes—especially among underserved groups.

Conclusion

The launch of the new Maplewood clinic by Community Dental Care marks a major milestone in the effort to expand dental access for underserved and Medicaid populations in the Twin Cities area. By converting a former 3M office into a high‑capacity dental facility, the nonprofit is taking an innovative, large‑scale step toward reducing unmet need and improving oral health equity.

As the clinic opens and begins to treat larger numbers of patients, its impact will be felt not only by individuals receiving care but by the community at large—as jobs increase, service access improves and health outcomes strengthen. In the broader context of community health, the expansion serves as an example of what is possible when infrastructure, mission and local need meet.

For those who have struggled to secure timely dental care, the Maplewood clinic offers new hope—and a practical path to treatment, wellness and a healthier smile.

Dental Clinics

AZ Dentist Expands Across Arizona with Compassionate, Community-Focused Care

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2025

Scott Collins

Delivering the Smile of a Lifetime in Scottsdale, Glendale, Sedona, and Sun City.

In a time when personalized healthcare is more important than ever, AZ Dentist continues to redefine what it means to provide accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care. With a growing network of practices in Scottsdale, Glendale, Sedona, and Sun City, AZ Dentist is fast becoming a trusted name across Arizona communities, known not only for exceptional clinical expertise but also for its unwavering focus on patient comfort and convenience.

From its signature pink heart logo to its philosophy of treating every patient like family, AZ Dentist is building more than smiles. It’s building lasting relationships—one appointment at a time.

A Patient-Centered Approach to Dental Excellence

At the heart of AZ Dentist’s success is a deeply human approach to dentistry. The clinic’s core values—compassion, convenience, and comfort—are not just words on a website. They are the lived experience of every patient who walks through their doors.

Whether you are a first-time visitor for a simple cleaning or returning for advanced care such as implants or cosmetic treatments, AZ Dentist makes it a priority to ensure you feel welcomed, understood, and empowered in every interaction.

“We believe everyone deserves access to world-class dental care, regardless of their background or history,” says a spokesperson for AZ Dentist. “Our goal is to remove the fear and stress so commonly associated with dentistry. We do this by listening, empathizing, and delivering the kind of care we’d want for our own families.”

Four Locations, One Mission: A Healthier Arizona

To better serve patients across the state, AZ Dentist has strategically expanded its footprint, operating four distinct offices with the same unified standard of care:

Scottsdale Office – AZ Dentist (Flagship)

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, the flagship AZ Dentist office combines modern technology with a soothing atmosphere. It serves as the benchmark for what dental care should feel like: accessible, comprehensive, and stress-free. From routine exams to more complex procedures, this location continues to attract families, professionals, and retirees who value consistent and quality-driven care.

Glendale Office – Modern Family Dentistry

Blending contemporary aesthetics with patient-first service, the Glendale location operates under the name Modern Family Dentistry and is proud to be part of the AZ Dentist family. This office is especially popular with multi-generational families who appreciate the clinic’s ability to cater to both children and seniors with equal attention to detail and warmth.

Sedona Office – Sedona Family Dentistry

Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of red rock country, the Sedona location holds a special place in the AZ Dentist network. As Sedona continues to grow as a wellness destination, this clinic provides residents and visitors alike with a reliable and friendly source for dental care in a serene, welcoming environment.

Sun City Office – 1st Classic Dental

Sun City is home to a vibrant, active senior community, and 1st Classic Dental ensures they have access to high-quality dental care without the hassle. With a focus on preventive care and restorative dentistry, this location helps older adults maintain oral health and enjoy a better quality of life.

Each office retains its unique charm and character while aligning with AZ Dentist’s system-wide commitment to excellence. Patients can expect consistent service and professionalism, no matter which location they visit.

Beyond the Chair: The WOW Factor

One of the phrases often heard within the AZ Dentist culture is “The WOW Factor.” But what does that mean for patients?

It’s the feeling you get when you walk into a dental office and are greeted with genuine smiles. It’s the attention to detail in every procedure, from how X-rays are explained to how follow-up instructions are delivered. It’s the blend of cutting-edge technology with a soft, human touch.

This WOW factor extends beyond the treatment rooms into community outreach and ongoing patient education. Whether through informational content on oral hygiene or wellness partnerships with local organizations, AZ Dentist is actively engaged in making Arizona a healthier place to live.

Your Smile, Our Passion

AZ Dentist is more than just a network of dental clinics. It is a community-driven organization that believes every smile has a story—and every patient deserves the chance to write a happy ending to theirs.

With an unwavering commitment to compassionate care, affordable services, and lasting relationships, AZ Dentist continues to set the standard for dental excellence in Arizona.

You deserve the smile of a lifetime.

Book your appointment today at any one of AZ Dentist’s convenient locations: Scottsdale, Glendale, Sedona, or Sun City.

Dental Clinics

New Dental Clinic in South Lake Tahoe Expands Access to Care for Underserved Residents

Published

2 days ago

October 20, 2025

Scott Collins

A significant step toward expanding oral healthcare access has arrived in South Lake Tahoe. El Dorado Community Health Centers (EDCHC), in partnership with Mountain Valley Health Plan and El Dorado County Public Health, has officially opened a new dental clinic at 3443 Lake Tahoe Blvd, marking a major milestone for the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

The clinic is designed to serve both children and adults with a range of services, including exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and limited root canals. Its mission is clear: to provide local, accessible, and affordable dental care for the underserved communities in South Lake Tahoe.

Bridging the Dental Care Gap in the Basin

Until now, many families in South Lake Tahoe had to travel long distances—often to Placerville or beyond—to access dental care. This reality meant hours spent commuting, missed workdays for parents, and lost instructional time for children.

The new clinic changes that. Initially outfitted with up to seven dental stations, the facility can accommodate around 200 patients per month, with plans to double that number to 400 monthly patients as operations scale.

The site is strategically located to be accessible by public transit and foot, and includes ample parking for patients driving in from nearby areas. It also offers a sliding fee discount program for qualifying patients and accepts Medi-Cal Dental insurance, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to care.

A Community Collaboration Rooted in Equity

The creation of the clinic is the result of collaboration among three key entities: El Dorado Community Health Centers (EDCHC), Mountain Valley Health Plan, and El Dorado County Public Health.

Each partner plays a distinct role in ensuring the clinic’s success:

EDCHC brings clinical expertise and day-to-day operations
Mountain Valley Health Plan, the local Medi-Cal managed care organization, provides critical funding and oversight for access
El Dorado County Public Health offers strategic guidance on addressing disparities in health outcomes

According to 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.”

This level of collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing both geographic and financial barriers to dental care—issues that have long plagued rural and mountain communities.

Oral Health Is Public Health

Healthcare experts in the region are emphasizing the long-term importance of oral health for overall wellbeing. Poor dental health can have lifelong implications, particularly for children and expectant mothers.

“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,” said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County’s Acting Director of Public Health.

Access to local dental care ensures that families are not forced to choose between employment, education, and health. By eliminating long-distance travel requirements, the clinic empowers families to make regular dental visits a routine part of their lives—rather than an infrequent, emergency-driven event.

Local Impact: Why It Matters Now

The new clinic directly responds to several persistent issues facing the South Lake Tahoe community:

Transportation difficulties: Families without reliable vehicles often rely on public transportation, which made dental visits out of town burdensome or altogether impossible.
Work-life conflicts: Parents and guardians frequently face challenges in securing time off work to bring children to appointments. A local clinic mitigates this by reducing travel time and scheduling conflicts.
Educational disruptions: Children often miss full school days when attending appointments far from home. The local availability of care helps preserve valuable classroom time.

“With this new facility, we are giving people the chance to prioritize their health without sacrificing income or education,” said Lizeth Granados, CEO 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.”

Services Offered and What to Expect

Patients visiting the clinic can expect a welcoming, inclusive environment that serves all age groups. The services provided will include:

Comprehensive oral exams
Routine cleanings
Preventive fluoride treatments
Fillings and crowns
Simple extractions
Limited root canal procedures
Preventive education and follow-up coordination

The team will initially include two part-time dentists, with plans to scale up to two full-time dentists and one part-time dentist later this fall. They will be supported by a staff of six dental professionals, including dental assistants, a hygienist, and a receptionist.

New patients interested in receiving care are encouraged to call 530-497-5016 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about eligibility.

Addressing Health Equity Through Accessibility

Accessibility is more than just physical proximity. This clinic embodies the principle that healthcare should be delivered without prerequisites, restrictions, or stigma. That is why EDCHC’s model—embracing Medi-Cal, offering sliding scale fees, and centralizing location—matters.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving access to oral health care and addressing disparities in the South Lake Tahoe region,” said Sandford.

By offering a true “dental home,” the clinic allows residents to establish ongoing relationships with providers, build trust, and engage in long-term preventative care rather than episodic treatment.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Regional Impact

As the clinic grows its patient load and adds capacity, it may become a model for other underserved communities across the Sierra and beyond.

The initiative demonstrates how public health departments, managed care plans, and community clinics can successfully work together to close the dental care gap in regions often overlooked by traditional healthcare infrastructure.

In communities like South Lake Tahoe—where natural beauty meets rural challenges—this type of investment in health equity is essential. It is not just about creating access to dental care. It is about empowering families, supporting student success, and improving quality of life at every stage.

Dental Clinics

Agape Clinic Launches Free Dental Center in Dallas to Expand Access to Oral Health Care

Published

3 days ago

October 19, 2025

Scott Collins

Agape Clinic Launches Free Dental Center in Dallas

In a bold move to address the growing need for accessible dental care, Agape Clinic, a long-standing nonprofit health provider, has officially opened a new free dental clinic in Dallas. Located at 4104 Junius Street, the clinic quietly opened its doors on September 28, and has already made a significant impact in the community.

What began with a handful of patients is now a bustling operation. According to Agape Clinic’s Executive Director Paul Hoffman, the dental center has scaled quickly from 20 patients in its first week to an average of 20 patients per day.

“Having quality access to dental care is a necessity,” Hoffman said. “There are so many people in our community who just don’t have the insurance or the money to be able to afford much-needed procedures and care.”

A Comprehensive Approach to Charitable Healthcare

Agape Clinic has served the Dallas community for decades with integrated, holistic care that spans medical, pediatric, and behavioral health. With the addition of dental services, Agape becomes the only charitable clinic in the DFW metroplex offering truly comprehensive healthcare without any barriers to entry.

Unlike many other charitable or sliding-scale clinics, Agape has no zip code requirements, no income verification, no insurance requirements, and no cost conditions. Patients are never turned away based on ability to pay.

“Agape Clinic understands that health is a fundamental right and that access to healthcare should be equitable for all,” said Hoffman. “Oral health is an essential component of overall health, and we are absolutely thrilled to expand our services to include dental care at no cost to our clients.”

Staffed and Scaling: Meet the Dental Team

Currently, the clinic is staffed with two part-time dentists and a team of six additional dental professionals, including:

A dental hygienist
Several dental assistants
A front-desk receptionist

By fall, the clinic plans to expand to a full-time dental team, including:

Two full-time dentists
One part-time dentist

This expanded team will allow the clinic to serve more patients each day and offer a broader range of services, from cleanings and fillings to more complex procedures.

Funding with Dignity: A Unique Model

Operating a dental clinic—even a charitable one—requires considerable funding. Fortunately, Agape Clinic has found support in an anonymous donor who funds approximately 90 percent of the clinic’s dental operations. The remaining costs are supported by smaller donors and contributions from patients who wish to give back.

“We ask patients to donate what they can,” said Hoffman. “It allows them to partner in their healthcare to help cover service costs.”

This patient-centered approach promotes dignity and agency, allowing individuals to contribute to their care in a way that feels meaningful, without feeling pressured or excluded.

Meeting a Critical Need in Dallas and Beyond

The demand for accessible dental care has only grown in recent years. Millions of Americans—especially those without insurance—go without preventive or emergency dental care due to high costs and limited access. In Dallas County alone, thousands of individuals live in dental deserts, areas with little to no access to dental services within a reasonable distance.

The Agape dental center provides a vital safety net for those who fall through the cracks of private insurance, Medicaid, or other public health programs.

With no paperwork hurdles or prerequisites, anyone can walk through the doors of the clinic and receive care with dignity.

What Patients Can Expect

Services offered at Agape’s dental center include:

Routine cleanings
X-rays and exams
Fillings
Extractions
Oral health education
Referrals for advanced procedures (as needed)

Each visit is conducted in a private, welcoming environment by dental professionals trained in trauma-informed and community-centered care.

A Vision for the Future of Charitable Dentistry

Agape Clinic’s model represents more than just another charitable service—it reflects a vision for healthcare equity. With plans to grow and deepen its dental offerings, the organization hopes to inspire similar initiatives across the state and nation.

Hoffman believes the clinic is only getting started.

“The need is there, and we’re doing everything we can to meet it,” he said. “Our goal is not just to treat symptoms but to transform lives through access, compassion, and community partnership.”