PDS Health® hosted its 15th annual Smile Generation Day of Service, a national event dedicated to providing essential dental and primary care to underserved communities while advancing the organization’s commitment to holistic health.
This year, over 12,000 PDS Health team members contributed thousands of volunteer hours, providing critical care, with some clinics offering both dental and medical services, highlighting the value of Dental-Medical Integration (DMI).
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By integrating interdisciplinary expertise, the team provides a more holistic focus on patient health, strengthening the “Mouth-Body Connection®.”
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Over 72 million Americans face barriers to dental care due to cost, lack of insurance, or limited access to healthcare providers. These disparities can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and pregnancy complications.
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The event aimed to directly address these challenges, helping patients access care and potentially reducing future healthcare costs.
This year’s Day of Service contributed over $20 million in donated medical services and over 74,000 volunteer hours nationwide.
In California alone, 1,600 patients received $6.2 million worth of care, while teams in Texas supported over 870 patients with $3.7 million worth of services.
Participants also participated in community initiatives such as food distribution, park restoration, blood drives, and school supply drives. Since its launch in 2011, the program has provided $94 million worth of donated care to 37,000 patients and contributed hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours.
“Every year, we see 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 not only improves our health, but also shapes our hearts and inspires us to build stronger, healthier communities.”
Across the country and in Arizona, teams supported by PDS Health share a common goal: to provide meaningful service to their communities.
Dr. Jana Kubicek, owner of Apache Hub Dental in Arizona, said, “Smile Generation Day of Service reminds me how much can be accomplished when people come together. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others and for the dedication, hard work, and compassion of our team.”
Patients are referred through PDS Health’s institutional and nonprofit partners, including Hire Heroes USA, Everyone For Veterans, Dental Lifeline Network, After Innocence, and The Boyce L. Ansley School.
These collaborations ensure that populations that would otherwise lack access—veterans, the formerly incarcerated, and families in underserved areas—receive the care they need.
By supporting events like Smile Generation Day of Service, PDS Health continues to advance integrated healthcare, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.
This initiative demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnerships in creating healthier, happier patients.
