Golden Valley Health Center reopens Modesto-area ‘school-based’ dental clinic
After closing last year, the Empire Dental Clinic reopened Monday, restoring access to care for families, according to a press release from Golden Valley Health Centers.
The clinic, at 198 N. G St., is adjacent to the Golden Valley Health Centers medical clinic near Empire Elementary School. It will offer a full range of dental services and accepts both private insurance and Medi-Cal.
It operates under the School-Based Health Center model, which research shows can advance health equity by improving educational and health-related outcomes in disadvantaged students.
Often near schools, School-Based Health Centers are open to the public and provide health education, services to uninsured students and support to community members living near schools.
The centers also aim to address transportation barriers by placing care within walking distance for families, particularly in rural areas.
Golden Valley Health Centers operates six School-Based Health Centers — two in Modesto and one each in Merced, Patterson, Riverbank and Empire.
“As principal of Empire Elementary, I am incredibly grateful to have Golden Valley Health Centers and the dental clinic right next to our campus,” Claudia Camarena said in the press release. “This partnership removes significant barriers for our families by providing convenient access to medical and dental care where students learn and feel safe.”
She added that the clinic will directly support student attendance, wellness and academic success while strengthening the school community.
The Empire Health Center opened in 2017, but closed in 2025 after it could no longer maintain full-time dental services. Golden Valley Health Centers did not give a reason as to how the clinic was able to reopen.
An appointment can be scheduled at Empire Dental by calling or texting 209-522-1012 or 209-722-4842.
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 9:50 AM.
