Suncoast Community Health Centers (SCHC) is highlighting preventive dental care for children during National Dental Hygiene Month following the opening of its new Riverview location.
SCHC opened the new location in April to help meet the growing demand for health care services in Southeastern Hillsborough County, with more locations planned for 2027.
The Riverview location currently offers adult and family medical care and is expected to expand its services to include pediatric care.
“When analyzing the need for a Community Health Center in Riverview, we examined the need in two communities, Riverview and Gibsonton. Neither community had a community health center,” said CEO Bradley P. Herremans. “We opened with family medicine but plan to offer both family medicine and pediatric care going forward.”
Herremans said the new location is anticipated to serve between 1,500 and 3,000 patients.
SCHC accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare and the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan. The health center also offers services for patients without insurance.
“Traditionally cost and access were the two most significant barriers to caring for children receiving dental care. At Suncoast we have addressed this several ways,” Herremans said.
SCHC provides dental care programs at schools and has served thousands of children. The organization has also added medical and dental integration to several pediatric clinics.
For uninsured patients, SCHC staff can help connect them with programs that may offset the cost of care. Herremans said the organization also offers a sliding fee scale for patients who do not have payment plan options.
The expansion is part of SCHC's efforts to broaden access to primary and preventive care across the Tampa Bay region.
SCHC dental clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 653-6100 or walk in.
