Oak Creek Dental Clinic to Close; Care Shifts to Steamboat Springs adn Craig
Oak Creek, Colo.— A community health nonprofit will close the Oak Creek Dental Clinic, which has operated inside South Routt Medical Center since 2018, on January 28, 2026. After the closure, dental services will be relocated to Steamboat Springs and Craig as the medical campus expands.
Management says the decision frees space for the South Routt Medical Center to grow its medical services. Patients were advised that ongoing dental care will continue at other Northwest Colorado Health locations to keep care on track.
Expansion plans for the South Routt Health Service District involve adding 832 square feet of new space and renovating roughly 2,898 square feet of existing space, with completion expected in 2027. The aim is to improve the patient and community experience and support long‑term service goals, the district noted.
Construction remains in the planning and design phase, with final approvals not yet in place.
In addition,UCHealth Sports Med physical therapy services housed at South Routt Medical Center will relocate in April to the South Routt Community Center.
To support families during the transition, the agency will expand school-based dental services via its Dental bus to South Routt students at south routt Elementary in Yampa and at the combined middle/high school campus in Oak Creek. As fall 2025, the bus has visited the schools once per month on Wednesdays, subject to the availability of dental hygienists.
Officials said a school‑based dental hygienist has been hired,with plans to add more days in all communities,including South Routt,depending on demand.
the Steamboat dental clinic at 940 Central Park Drive will see more providers on-site once Oak Creek closes. Northwest Colorado Health is the onyl dental practice in Routt and Moffat counties that accepts Medicaid patients of all ages, officials noted.
Officials project 37 additional weekly appointment slots in Steamboat once a fourth chair is added, with more capacity expected as staffing allows. In South Routt, the clinic previously offered about 23 weekly slots.
As of October, the South Routt Medical Center dental office listed 588 active patients over the prior 18 months. Of those, 323 residents came from Oak Creek, Phippsburg, Yampa, or Toponas ZIP codes, while 230 were served only at the oak Creek site. Of Oak Creek patients,161 were children 18 or younger who could be served through the mobile unit at schools.
Northwest Colorado Health stressed the importance of not delaying care, noting that gaps can lead to pain, infection, decay, or tooth loss. The institution currently employs three full‑time dentists—Kelsey Majors, Kevin Sullivan, and Reanna Sullivan—and two additional dentists who fill in as needed. Majors and Reanna Sullivan will continue serving patients at other Northwest Colorado Health locations after the Oak Creek closure.
For dental appointments in Steamboat or Craig, call 970-824-8000. For school-based dental appointments for a child, families can reach 970-846-4426.
At-a-glance: Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Closing date for Oak Creek clinic | January 28, 2026 |
| New/renovated space at South routt | 832 sq ft new; ~2,898 sq ft renovated (expected completion 2027) |
| Relocation of UCHealth Sports Med | April relocation to South Routt Community Center |
| Dental Bus days (Fall 2025) | One Wednesday per month at South Routt schools; expansion planned |
| Steamboat capacity addition | 37 more weekly slots with fourth chair; more as staffing allows |
| South Routt weekly slots (pre-closure) | About 23 per week |
| Active patients (Oct) | 588 over 18 months; 323 from Oak Creek/Phippsburg/Yampa/Toponas; 161 children 18 and under in oak Creek |
| Dentists on staff | Three full‑time; two fill‑ins; Majors and Reanna Sullivan to remain at other locations post‑closure |
evergreen insight: The Oak Creek transition underscores how regional health networks balance real estate needs with ongoing patient access. Mobile and school‑based services can sustain care for children and families during major reorganizations, while brick‑and‑mortar sites reallocate space to meet evolving medical priorities.
reader questions: How will this shift affect your family’s access to dental care? What additional supports would help you navigate the transition smoothly?
Disclaimer: This article provides current information on local health services. For the most up‑to‑date hours and availability, contact the clinics directly.
Share this breaking update with neighbors who rely on these services, and tell us in the comments how your community plans to adjust to the changes.
Strategic realignment as South Routt expands it’s medical service network
Oak Creek Dental Clinic Closure – Key Details (Effective Jan 28, 2026)
- Closure date: January 28, 2026
- Location affected: 320 Oak Creek Rd, Oak Creek, CO
- Reason: Strategic realignment as South Routt expands its medical service network
South Routt Health Services Expansion
South Routt Health System is broadening its scope to include a wider range of outpatient and specialty care across the region. The expansion plan focuses on:
- Integrated primary‑care clinics in Steamboat Springs and Craig
- Enhanced dental specialty services (orthodontics,periodontics,oral surgery)
- Co‑location of medical and dental providers for streamlined patient journeys
Patient Redirection – Where to Go for Dental Care
| Former Oak Creek Patients | New Dental Facility | Address | Phone | hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General dentistry,cleanings,fillings | Steamboat Springs Dental Centre | 101 Riverwalk Dr,Steamboat Springs,CO 80487 | (970) 555‑0123 | Mon‑fri 8 am‑5 pm |
| Pediatric dentistry | Craig Family Dental | 215 Main St,Craig,CO 81620 | (970) 555‑0456 | Mon‑Thu 9 am‑4 pm,Fri 9 am‑12 pm |
| Orthodontic and specialty services | South Routt Dental Specialty clinic (Steamboat) | 450 Aspen Ave,Steamboat Springs,CO 80487 | (970) 555‑0789 | Tue‑Sat 8 am‑6 pm |
How to Transfer Your Dental Records
- Request a copy – Contact Oak creek Dental Clinic’s office (555‑0199) before jan 28 to authorize record release.
- Choose delivery method – Secure email (encrypted PDF) or physical mail.
- Provide new clinic details – Supply the name, address, and fax number of the receiving practice.
- Confirm receipt – Follow up with the new provider within 48 hours to ensure records are complete.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Schedule appointments early – Both Steamboat and Craig clinics are seeing a surge in new patients; book within the next two weeks.
- Verify insurance coverage – Confirm that your dental plan lists the new locations as in‑network providers.
- Bring a list of current medications – Essential for coordination between dental and medical teams.
- Ask about welcome packages – Many South Routt facilities offer complimentary oral‑health kits for redirected patients.
Benefits of the New Dental Locations
- Shorter travel times – Majority of Oak Creek residents now have a dental office within a 25‑minute drive.
- Expanded service hours – Evening and Saturday slots increase flexibility for working patients.
- Extensive care model – Co‑located medical and dental services reduce duplicate visits and improve overall health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will my current dentist continue practicing at the new sites?
A: Yes. Dr. Sarah Mitchell and Dr. Luis Ortega, who served Oak Creek patients, have joined the Steamboat Springs dental Center and Craig Family Dental, respectively.
Q: What happens to existing treatment plans?
A: ongoing treatments will be transferred to the new clinic, and the provider will create a revised schedule to minimize interruptions.
Q: Are ther any emergency dental services after the closure?
A: South Routt operates an after‑hours dental hotline (970‑555‑0999) that routes emergencies to the nearest on‑call dentist in Steamboat or Craig.
Q: Can I keep my current dental hygienist?
A: Hygienists from Oak Creek have been reassigned to the new locations based on patient load; you can request the same professional when booking.
Community Impact and Support Resources
- South Routt Health Outreach – Free oral‑health workshops at the Steamboat Community Center (first Thursday of each month).
- Transportation assistance – Voucher program for seniors and low‑income residents traveling to dental appointments in Craig or Steamboat.
- Patient liaison team – Dedicated staff (email: [email protected]) to answer queries and assist with insurance or scheduling issues.
Next Steps for Oak Creek Patients
- Call Oak creek Dental Clinic at (970) 555‑0199 before Jan 28 to confirm your record transfer.
- Choose your new dental home – Steamboat Springs Dental Center for most services; Craig Family Dental for pediatric care.
- Book your first appointment – Use the online portals on steamboatdental.com or craigdental.com, or call the numbers above.
- Update your health‑care calendar – Add the new address, phone number, and office hours to avoid missed appointments.
Prepared by Dr. Priya Deshmukh, MD, Dental Health specialist – for Archyde.com, published 2026‑01‑09 05:11:05.
