The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is partnering with Premier Community HealthCare Group, Inc. to provide dental services at the existing locations previously operated by the health department. Premier is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and brings a 41-year history of delivering accessible and affordable health care services in Pasco County. 

“Premier continues to be a solid partner in our community effort to improve health outcomes,” said Mike Napier, Health Officer. “This partnership ensures long-term sustainability for children to receive dental services.”  

The three dental facilities/programs serving children that will transition include:

1. Children’s Dental Clinic located at 10841 Little Rd. in New Port Richey
2. Cox Elementary Children’s Dental Clinic located at 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Dade City
3. Smile Care-A-Van Mobile Dental Clinic that serves Pasco County Title I Schools 

The transition of dental services will open opportunities for additional services and provide vital dental care for children/youth, especially our medically underserved population. Letters have been sent to the existing 5,100 clients advising them of this change effective September 8, 2020. Those who wish to continue being seen at these locations will be able to seamlessly transition to Premier dental services. For individuals who choose to go elsewhere, DOH-Pasco will provide records to their new provider. 

It is important to ensure that children/youth are connected to oral health services. Joey Resnick, CEO of Premier explained, “Premier is dedicated to helping children maintain good oral health. We are uniquely positioned to conduct extensive outreach efforts to educate the community about the importance of oral health services as a window to overall health.” 

Research indicates that maintaining good oral health has value beyond the obvious. It can help prevent serious health complications and disease. 

To learn more about the programs and services offered by DOH-Pasco, visit Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov or call 727-619-0300.

To learn more about the services offered by Premier Community HealthCare, visit www.premierhc.org or call 352-518-2000 or 727-645-4185.