The Pacific Dental Services (PDS) Foundation aims to raise funds to increase dental care for the special needs community with its first Stroll for Special Needs. This virtual 5k invites people to run, walk, stroll, or roll 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) anytime from Saturday, December 5 to Sunday, December 6 to help the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.
The clinic helps provide high-quality oral healthcare for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and their families. Nationwide, PDS said, more than 52 million people have special needs, but less than 10% of dentists treat these patients because of their lack of training and the patients’ negative reactions to common dental procedures.
“With the generous support we have received for our upcoming Stroll for Special Needs, we have made significant progress in achieving our goal of $80,000 in donations for the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs clinic to increase access to care for patients with special needs,” said Kyle Guerin, director, PDS Foundation and corporate social responsibility.
“With the holidays around the corner, now is the time to open our hearts and make a difference by giving back,” Guerin said.
Individuals can register as part of a team or by themselves and receive a shirt and medal as part of the $40 registration fee. The 5k can be completed on any route, including around a neighborhood, a park, or a track. Once completed, participants are encouraged to post a photo of their route and time on Instagram with the hashtag #Stroll4SpecialNeeds and tag @pdsfoundation.
Participants with the fastest times in each age category will receive a PDS Foundation t-shirt and be featured on the 2020 Stroll for Special Needs Wall of Flame plaque. Also, the team and individual who raise the most money will have their name on a donor plaque at the Dentists for Special Needs clinic.
To further increase access to dental care for the special needs community, PDS plans to increase its culture of service and match donations dollar for dollar up to $80,000. The deadline to register and receive a shirt in time for the stroll is Wednesday, November 18. All proceeds will support the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs clinic.
Related Articles
Special Needs Dentistry: Making a Difference for Patients and Caregivers
Scholarship Enables Marine Vet to Begin Career As a Dental Assistant
Campaign Aims to Promote Safety of Dental Care
