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Golden Valley Health Centers to Reopen Empire Dental Clinic

Golden Valley Health Centers will reopen the Empire Dental Clinic on January 12, 2026, at 198 North G Street in Empire. The clinic will offer a full range of dental services and is open to all community members, accepting both private insurance and Medi-Cal.

The dental clinic is located adjacent to the Golden Valley Health Centers medical clinic near Empire Elementary School and operates under the School-Based Health Center model, providing convenient access to care for students and families alike.

The Empire Health Center originally opened in 2017 but was unable to sustain full-time dental services and closed in 2025. Following a brief lapse in service, Golden Valley Health Centers is proud to reopen the dental clinic this month, restoring access to dental care for students and the broader community.

School leaders emphasize the positive impact the clinic will have on students and families. “As principal of Empire Elementary, I am incredibly grateful to have Golden Valley Health Centers and the dental clinic right next to our campus,” said Claudia Camarena, Principal of Empire Elementary School. “This partnership removes significant barriers for our families by providing convenient access to medical and dental care where students learn and feel safe. It directly supports student attendance, wellness, and academic success. This collaboration strengthens our school community and allows us to better support the whole child physically, emotionally, and academically.”

School-Based Health Centers provide health education, offer services to students who may be uninsured, and support community members living near school campuses. Often co-located with schools, these centers are open to the public and offer a convenient, accessible option for care. In rural communities, transportation barriers are common. Locating services near a school helps reduce these challenges by placing care within walking distance for many families.

Golden Valley Health Centers currently operates six School-Based Health Centers: two in Modesto and one each in Merced, Patterson, Riverbank, and Empire. To schedule an appointment at Empire Dental, call or text (209) 522-1012 or (209) 722-4842.

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