IRVINE, CALIF. September 26, 2023 – Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) has once again been recognized in the annual The Civic 50 Orange County, an award given to the top 50 most community-minded companies in the region. It is an initiative of Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, in partnership with OneOC, a nonprofit committed to accelerating nonprofit success in Orange County, Calif.
This marks the fifth time PDS has been named an honoree, having previously been recognized in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022.
The Civic 50 selection process employs an independently administered and scored survey, evaluating four key dimensions of engagement to identify honorees: resource investment, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and the measurement of social impact.
“Receiving the Civic 50 Orange County recognition for the fifth time is a testament to our unwavering commitment to service and community,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. “Through years of dedicated service to others, we’ve not only seen the positive impact we bring but also the transformative effect it has on our team members. Serving others changes us for the better, and this recognition highlights our shared dedication to making a significant difference in the world.”
Since its inception in 1994, PDS has cultivated a strong tradition and culture of service, extending support to communities at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, PDS-supported practices regularly organize donation drives, contribute to local food banks, engage in charitable partnerships through sponsorships, and offer team members paid volunteer time to support their chosen organizations. Annually, the company's 14,000+ team members unite to provide donated dental services and community support during Smile Generation Serve Day. They also collaborate in the construction of playgrounds with KABOOM! and lend their support to Special Olympics International.
On a global scale, PDS and its affiliated practices consistently channel their efforts towards philanthropic causes, not only by raising funds but also by actively participating in international service missions. Earlier this year, PDS achieved a significant milestone by raising over $1,000,000 for charity: water, an organization that helps provide clean and safe drinking water to underserved communities in developing nations. Partnering with dental schools and non-governmental organizations, the PDS Foundation coordinates service trips to its dental clinic in Guatemala, offering mentorship to the students, and dental treatment and essential supplies to the local community. Through these collective endeavors, the compassionate actions of PDS team members resonate profoundly within every community they touch, leaving a lasting and positive impact.
