#USA #New Mexico #dental care #PDS Health #Veterans Health

PDS Health's Annual Initiative: Giving Vital Dental Care to Veterans

PDS Health®, a prominent organization in integrated healthcare support, has made a significant contribution this month, donating $92,079 in dental care to 27 veterans as part of its annual campaign, Give Vets a Smile. This initiative shines a light on the critical need for improved access to oral health care for veterans across the United States.

Despite the fact that over nine million veterans qualify for VA medical benefits, a startling statistic reveals that over 80 percent of them lack dental coverage. The disparity in dental health care availability is striking, with veterans being reported as 60 percent more likely to suffer from tooth decay and 42 percent experiencing periodontal disease in comparison to their non-veteran counterparts.

This year, veterans in New Mexico received essential dental services in recognition of Veterans Day, with teams from five PDS Health-supported practices volunteering their expertise. Among these practices were Santa Fe Modern Dentistry, Cottonwood Smiles Dentistry, and others that offered both preventive and restorative dental care at no cost. Dr. Kelley Hollingsworth Ryals, from Santa Fe Modern Dentistry and a member of the New Mexico Army National Guard, emphasized the importance of providing accessible oral health care to veterans not just during special events, but throughout the year.

In the January 2025 edition of the journal Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, Dr. Ryals, along with her co-authors, addressed the unique challenges veterans face when seeking dental care, especially those who are coping with PTSD. Many veterans experience enhanced sensory sensitivities which can exacerbate anxiety in clinical settings, making dental visits particularly traumatic. To mitigate this, the participating dental offices implemented sensory accommodation kits. These kits, provided by the PDS Health Foundation, included noise-canceling headphones and weighted lap pads to help create a calming environment for the veterans.

Statistics reveal alarming trends regarding veterans' oral health: 42 percent reported receiving gum treatment or experiencing bone loss around their teeth, with a significant number rating their oral health as fair or poor, accounting for about eight million veterans facing deficient oral health conditions. Periodontal disease, a severely underdiagnosed condition in the U.S., poses serious risks if left untreated, including tooth loss and increased chances of developing systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

PDS Health’s efforts don’t end with this campaign; they are part of a broader commitment to improve health outcomes and create thriving communities. Each year, PDS Health engages in service initiatives nationwide, including the Smile Generation Serve Day, which, in 2025, contributed over $20 million in donated healthcare services.

To gain insight into PDS Health's continuous community efforts, visit pdshealth.com.

About PDS Health
Founded in 1994, PDS Health carries forward the mission started by Pacific Dental Services® to redefine health care through the connection of dental and medical services. Their approach aims to better overall health for patients and raise standards in the healthcare sector.

About PDS Health Foundation
As a charitable organization with a 501(c)(3) status, the PDS Health Foundation seeks to enhance health through local, national, and international service opportunities. Their vision is to foster a world where everyone has access to oral health and the chance to serve. For more details, you can visit pdsfoundation.org.