The Smile Generation network of trusted dental practices raised over $650,000 in support of the Pacific Dental Services (PDS) Foundation’s Special Needs Dentistry program. These funds will enhance access to dental care for patients with special needs and provide training for specialized clinicians.
The fundraising effort involved two main components. The “Smile for Special Needs” campaign, spanning 60 days, provided dental service discounts to patients at Smile Generation-trusted practices in exchange for donations. This initiative garnered contributions from over 8,600 individuals, resulting in more than $396,000 raised.
The second component was the weeklong “Stroll for Special Needs 5K” event, which united supporters across the country in various communities. Over 1,400 participants from 37 states joined to stroll, run, walk, or roll, covering a combined total of 4,547 miles and raising over $254,000 for the cause.
This initiative received support from a group of dedicated sponsors, including Guidehouse, Lockton, Anthem, Intellys, OSTechnical, and SprintRay. Among these generous sponsors, Concorde Career Colleges played a vital role.
“We have a unique appreciation for the profound impact that quality healthcare can have on people’s lives. That’s why Concorde Career Colleges is thrilled to sponsor this campaign and engage our students from across the nation in supporting special needs patients. We believe it’s vital for our students to not only provide exceptional care but also to recognize good community partners who also value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the quality of care they deliver,” said Nancy Jones, vice president of student affairs at Concorde Career Colleges.
“It’s deeply inspiring to see thousands of people all over the country uniting to support special needs dentistry,” said Michael Le, executive director of the PDS Foundation. “One the biggest problems for patients with intellectual and physical disabilities is finding competent oral health care. This often means that patients can go months or even years without a dental cleaning. Thanks to the support from these annual campaigns, we can connect more special needs patients and their families with quality, compassionate care and reduce the stress around finding a dentist.”
“A small act can send a big message of acceptance, kindness, understanding, and love,” remarked Cristina D., who joined the “Stroll for Special Needs 5K” event in Miami, Fla. and raised funds on behalf of her son.
For someone with special needs, daily tasks like brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, or driving to an appointment can be challenging, and visiting the dentist is even harder. Access to quality oral healthcare poses a substantial challenge for the 27% of the U.S. population living with disabilities1.
The PDS Foundation—a non-profit organization that seeks to impact overall health by improving oral health through service opportunities—has been providing specialized dental care to patients of all abilities through a one-of-a-kind dental office in Phoenix, Ariz. since 2019. The PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs office features specially trained clinicians and team members equipped with behavioral care techniques to support each patient’s unique needs. The practice offers a family-friendly, sensory-integrated dental experience including rooms that offer patients a calm and relaxing environment, an office and parking lot that is wheelchair accessible, and tele-dentistry for emergency consultations from home using a smartphone or tablet.
Family members often remark about the monumental difference special needs dentistry provides for their loved ones, who often struggle to access even the most basic dental care.
To learn more or make a donation to the PDS Foundation, visit the organization’s website.
About Smile Generation
Smile Generation connects patients to Smile Generation-trusted dentists who are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience and advanced clinical care. Smile Generation also provides financial choices for patients and education about the connection between oral health and overall health (The Mouth-Body Connection). The Smile Generation network spans nearly 1,000 dental offices in 24 states. Smile Generation-trusted offices are supported by Pacific Dental Services. For more information, visit smilegeneration.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.
About Pacific Dental Services Foundation
The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve overall health through opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. The PDS Foundation provides tools and resources to help build a lasting and sustainable impact on the communities it serves as well as on the volunteers who freely give their time. The vision of the PDS Foundation is a world where everyone has a heart to serve and a home for oral health. Through its three main programs: special needs dentistry, dental assistant scholarships and international service trips, the PDS Foundation has been able to increase access to oral healthcare for communities across the globe. For more information, visit pdsfoundation.org or connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.
