Smile Generation? set a new fundraising record, raising more than $800,000 to support Pacific Dental Services? (PDS) Foundation’s special needs dental programs.
This achievement is the result of the joint efforts of Smile Generation’s dental clinics, patients, and PDS Health? team members across the country.
The fundraising activities included three core programs: Smile for Special Needs, Stroll for Special Needs 5K, and Rock for Special Needs, which effectively mobilized social forces and raised public awareness of the need for barrier-free dental services for people with disabilities.
The funds raised will be used directly to expand PDS Foundation’s oral health care coverage in underserved communities, especially for patients who have difficulty accessing traditional dental care due to barriers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million Americans have some degree of disability, and many require special support and customized care.
The funds will support clinical staff training, sensory-friendly resource development, and the construction of specialized special needs facilities to ensure that patients receive high-quality dental services in a comfortable and safe environment.
More than 14,000 patients participated in the Smiles for Special Needs campaign, donating at Smile Generation’s trusted clinics between September and October, raising more than $650,000, a record high.
“We are inspired by the positive response from our patients, and the dedication of our team members makes this cause even more meaningful,” said Kimberly Clement, Operations Manager at El Cerrito Plaza Dental Clinic in El Cerrito, California. “The passion of our patients reminds us that when we work together, we can have a profound impact.”
In addition, the annual Stroll for Special Needs 5K event attracted 676 participants, raising more than $65,000 through walking, running and wheelchairs.
The Special Needs Swing, a charity golf tournament hosted by Chardonnay Golf Club of Napa Valley, California, in conjunction with the University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, exceeded expectations by raising more than $93,000.
“The outpouring of support this year is a testament to the team’s determination to make a difference,” said Carly Casey, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Services at PDS Health.
This funding is critical to expanding access to quality dental care for special needs patients, and we are grateful to everyone who works to build an inclusive healthcare environment.”
“A huge thank you to all the clinics, team members, and patients who support our Special Dentistry program,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation.
These funds will help us provide more training, resources, and support to dental professionals across the country. It’s heartening to see families find dentists who can care for their loved ones with special needs. Our goal is to equip more dentists to serve special needs patients.”
Funds will also support the PDS Foundation’s specialty training program, helping Smile Generation’s trusted clinics introduce sensory aids such as weighted blankets and color therapy glasses to improve the comfort of patients with sensory sensitivities, autism, and other special needs.