PDS Health®, a leading integrated healthcare support organization, recently held its 15th annual “Smile Generation Service Day.”
This national event aims to provide essential dental and primary care services to underserved communities while advancing the organization’s commitment to whole-person health.
This year, over 12,000 PDS Health team members provided vital medical care and donated thousands of hours to local community projects.
Several PDS Health clinics offer both dental and medical services, demonstrating the value of dental-medical integration (DMI).
By integrating interdisciplinary clinical expertise, these teams provide a more holistic focus on patient health, strengthening the connection between oral health and overall well-being—the so-called “Mouth-Body Connection®.”
Over 72 million Americans face barriers to dental care due to cost, lack of insurance, or limited access to healthcare providers.
These barriers not only impact oral health but also increase the risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and pregnancy complications.
Generation Smile Day of Service aims to directly address these disparities, helping patients access care and potentially reducing future healthcare costs.
As of 2025, the program has donated over $20 million in medical services and contributed over 74,000 volunteer hours nationwide. In California alone, 1,600 patients received over $6.2 million worth of services.
In Texas, over 870 patients benefited from $3.7 million worth of medical services. The team also participated in community projects, including food distribution, park restoration, blood drives, and school supply preparation.
Since its inception in 2011, Generation Smile Day of Service has served 37,000 patients, donated over $94 million in medical services, and contributed hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours.
“Every year, we witness the lasting impact that Smile Generation Day of Service has on our patients, communities, and volunteers,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health.
Service improves our health, shapes our hearts, and inspires us to build stronger, healthier communities together.”
Across Arizona and across the country, the teams supported by PDS Health are united in their commitment to providing meaningful service to patients and communities.
Dr. Jana Kubicek, DDS, owner of Apache Hub Dental in Arizona, noted, “Smile Generation Day of Service showcases what can be accomplished when people come together.
I am grateful not only for the opportunity to help others, but also for the dedication of our entire team—everyone contributes kindness, hard work, and compassion. It is truly inspiring.”
Patients are referred by PDS Health’s agency and nonprofit partners, including Hire Heroes USA, Everyone For Veterans, Dental Lifeline Network, After Innocence, and The Boyce L. Ansley School.
These partnerships ensure access to healthcare for populations that would otherwise be underserved—veterans, the formerly incarcerated, and families in underserved areas.
By supporting initiatives like Generation Smile Day of Service, PDS Health continues to advance integrated care, helping patients get the right care at the right time.
The event showcases what can be achieved when clinicians collaborate across disciplines and communities to serve healthier, happier patients.
