Tammy Riley, Public Health Director II, Pike County Health Department
The BearCare Public Health Dental Clinic, informally called the BearCare Clinic, located at the Pike County Health Department, is a project born out of a deep understanding of the persistent and unmet oral health needs of children in our community. As a public health initiative grounded in compassion and collaboration, the clinic was established to bridge the gap for the uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled youth of Pike County. Our journey began with a simple yet urgent realization. Too many children in our area were suffering silently due to a lack of access to affordable dental care. This realization, coupled with the strong partnerships we have developed with local educational institutions and healthcare providers, laid the foundation for what is now a fully operational public health dental clinic.
The BearCare Clinic occupies approximately 1,000 square feet on the first floor of the Pike County Health Department. Designed as a modern, two-bay treatment area, the clinic is equipped to provide a wide array of non-surgical dental services including digital and panoramic x-rays, dental hygiene assessments, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, and more. Our principal partner, the University of Pikeville’s Tanner College of Dental Medicine, supplies a skilled pediatric dental provider, operational support, and technical assistance. Big Sandy Community & Technical College’s dental assistant students will serve as part of their clinical dental hygiene course during the spring semesters beginning in 2026. The Pike County Health Department team includes two full-time dental hygienists through the Bright Smiles school program as well as a dedicated clerical staff to manage scheduling and patient communication.
Since opening our doors on March 25, 2025, we have operated on a limited schedule—two days, twice a month—but our impact has already been significant. In just nine days of service, the Public Health Dental Clinic provided care to 69 pediatric patients, all of whom are Medicaid recipients. We’ve performed over 85 radiographic assessments, completed more than 60 exams, and addressed numerous acute care needs including 28 extractions and 8 sealant applications. These numbers, while modest, are powerful indicators of a larger story. Children who might otherwise have suffered in silence are now receiving the care they need—right here in their community.
Despite a few challenges, we are incredibly excited about what lies ahead. The collaboration with the University of Pikeville’s Tanner College of Dental Medicine and Big Sandy Community & Technical College creates a unique pipeline of skilled providers and future dental professionals committed to rural health. The support from the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington and the Kentucky Department for Public Health has given us the equipment and supplies to establish a strong foundation for care. And perhaps most promising, our referral network through Bright Smiles, the health department’s school-based oral health program. Bright Smiles will ensure that children are continuously connected to needed services.
Our vision for the future is clear. We aim to expand our service days, broaden our provider base, and ensure that no child in Pike County goes without oral healthcare. The BearCare Clinic is more than just a dental clinic—it is a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together to prioritize the health and dignity of its youngest members.
