Annual event highlights the critical role of oral health in overall health while providing donated dental care and volunteer support to underserved communities.
HENDERSON, NEV. September 16, 2024 – PDS Health™, a leading dental and medical support organization, recently held its 14th annual Smile Generation Serve Day, a nationwide day of service dedicated to providing dental care to underserved patients and engaging in community service projects across the U.S. This year’s event brought together more than 14,000 PDS Health team members, including oral health and primary care clinicians who provided essential health care services, as well as non-clinical volunteers and their families, who participated in various community service projects. This initiative highlights the essential role of oral health in improving overall health outcomes, while addressing the barriers millions of Americans face when accessing necessary dental care.
Oral health is a critical component of overall health, with research showing that poor oral health, particularly conditions like periodontal (gum) disease, can increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes — a relationship known as the Mouth-Body Connection®. Despite this, over 68 million Americans face significant barriers to accessing dental care, often due to lack of coverage and high out-of-pocket costs. By providing care through Smile Generation Serve Day, PDS Health practices help underserved communities get the essential dental services they need, lowering the risk of serious health issues and helping to reduce potential future healthcare costs.
This year’s Smile Generation Serve Day resulted in over $16.5 million in donated dental services provided to patients across the U.S., setting a new record and surpassing last year’s $10.4 million total. In addition to dental care, PDS Health team members engaged in community outreach projects such as assembling hygiene kits, harvesting produce, preparing school supplies, donating blood, serving at food banks, and engaging in park beautification and beach cleanups, contributing over 87,000 hours of volunteer service. Since its inception in 2011, the event has provided over $74 million in dental services to more than 35,000 patients and contributed over 495,000 hours of volunteer efforts in communities throughout the country.
“Smile Generation Serve Day highlights the essential role of oral health in improving overall health,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health. “Each year, we see the profound impact this day has on the patients who receive care and on the clinicians and volunteers who generously give their time. By coming together, we not only improve the health of others but also strengthen our shared commitment to service. Service changes hearts and minds, inspiring us all to drive positive change, build healthier, happier communities and continue making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”
Patients treated during Smile Generation Serve Day include those referred by PDS Health team members and current patients in need of additional care, and those connected through non-profit organizations. This year’s event saw collaboration with several non-profit organizations, including After Innocence, Empowered Network, Hire Heroes USA, Project 150, Special Olympics, and The Boyce L. Ansley School. These partnerships help extend vital care to populations facing significant barriers to accessing dental services. For example, since 2018, After Innocence has worked with PDS Health dental practices, enabling more than 300 exonerees to receive donated dental care on Smile Generation Serve Day. This year alone, over 70 After Innocence clients received services across 16 states, contributing to a cumulative total of more than $1 million in donated dental care for these patients since the partnership began.
“I am so appreciative of the dental work I received today,” said Glenn Boyd, a Los Angeles resident and client of After Innocence. “It’s such an honor to be part of a program that provides free dental care to people like me who were wrongfully incarcerated. I think I’ve found my ‘dental home’ now. Thank you!”
By increasing access to essential oral health services through initiatives like Smile Generation Serve Day, PDS Health is addressing one of the most significant barriers to care in the U.S. The impact of this annual event continues to grow, demonstrating the power of community and collaboration in improving health outcomes for underserved populations nationwide. To learn more, visit pdshealth.com.
