2024 Pacific Dental Services Foundation: A Milestone Year for Oral Health Access Expansion
2024 Pacific Dental Services Foundation: A Milestone Year for Oral Health Access Expansion
The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation has made remarkable advancements in 2024, broadening the reach of crucial oral healthcare services. This progress means that more patients in underserved communities can access the healthcare they need. From catering to individuals with special needs to aiding veterans, the PDS Foundation has been integral in addressing significant discrepancies in oral health services. Furthermore, the organization has focused on cultivating the next generation of dental professionals by providing scholarships, mentorship, and practical training.
In a statement by Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation, he remarked, "This year was a testament to the power of collaboration and the generosity of those who believe in our mission. With the support of our volunteers, donors, and partners, we expanded critical programs, increased access to care, and provided more tuition assistance than ever before to future dental assistants. These efforts are making a lasting impact, and we remain dedicated to expanding care and supporting those who need it most."
Key Achievements in 2024
With the backing of numerous donors and partners, the PDS Foundation reached several significant milestones this year:
Dental Assistant Scholarships
The foundation provided over $243,000 in scholarships to more than 60 dental assisting students through the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship program. Since the program's inception, it has distributed over $2 million in scholarships benefiting more than 320 students, thereby assisting aspiring dental assistants in starting their careers and fortifying the dental workforce across the nation.
International Service in Guatemala
The PDS Foundation organized four week-long trips to Xenacoj, Guatemala, where they delivered donated dental care at the foundation-run Clínica Dental. This included the first instance of collaboration between dental and medical providers to serve patients collectively. The Guatemala team managed to provide ongoing care for over 1,600 patients, delivering dental services worth over $1.3 million throughout 2024. They even welcomed faculty and students from both the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and University of San Carlos of Guatemala to assist in providing oral health care.
Special Needs Dentistry
In Phoenix, Arizona, the PDS Foundation's Dentists for Special Needs office treated nearly 5,000 patient visits, with 500 new patients and continued care for 1,500 existing patients. The foundation teamed up with Smile Generation to raise more than $915,000 to enhance access to special needs dentistry while providing crucial clinician training. One highlight included the 60-day "Smile for Special Needs" in-office campaign, which raised an impressive $650,000 from over 14,000 donors. Additionally, the inaugural "Stroll for Special Needs 5K" attracted more than 670 participants and raised $165,000 in support of special needs dentistry.
The Dentists for Special Needs office proudly earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making it the first general practice dental office in the United States to achieve this credential.
Giving Back to Veterans
In alignment with the American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation's Give Vets a Smile campaign, the PDS Foundation was able to provide over $73,000 in donated dental care to veterans in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Enhancing Future Dentists' Education
To bolster community service and provide hands-on training, the foundation donated a Mobile Dental Clinic to High Point University's Workman School of Dental Medicine. This RV, equipped with two dental chairs, creates opportunities for students to extend dental care to patients with limited access.
Patient Support with Smile Kits
The foundation distributed over 2,000 Smile Kits—desensitization kits designed to ease dental anxiety—to various dental offices, non-profits, and schools across the country. Volunteers from PDS Health assembled these kits to help patients feel more prepared for their dental appointments.
As stated by Le, “We’re proud to support dental offices by providing Smile Kits and offering guidance to parents, caregivers, and behavioral therapists to help their loved ones feel more comfortable during dental visits.” These initiatives contribute significantly to reducing anxiety and improving the dental experience for many patients.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The PDS Foundation is grateful to all volunteers, supporters, advocates, and donors who have aided in reaching these new milestones. They eagerly anticipate further building on their initiatives in 2025, with a commitment to improving oral health accessibility for all.
For further details about the Pacific Dental Services Foundation and to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit pdsfoundation.org.
Topics Health）
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