Enhancing Dental Care Accessibility for Hygienists
PDS Health®, renowned for its integrated healthcare support solutions, has teamed up with the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA®), a pivotal moment aimed at amplifying access to dental care for dental hygienists across the nation. Announced on September 22, 2025, this strategic collaboration introduces the
Smile Generation® Dental Plan, an innovative insurance alternative specifically crafted for licensed dental hygienists and their families.
The Need for Affordable Dental Insurance
A staggering 25% of dental hygienists lack any form of dental coverage, primarily while working in environments dedicated to oral health. This alarming statistic highlights a significant oversight in a sector heavily reliant on preventive care. The Smile Generation Dental Plan aims to ameliorate this issue by offering up to
60% savings on a broad array of dental services, including essential preventive, restorative, and specialty care options—all available through a network of over
1,000 practices nationwide.
Benefits of the Smile Generation Dental Plan
ADHA members can expect to gain access to substantial savings on crucial services such as:
- - Preventive Treatments: Cleanings, exams
- - Restorative Services: Crowns, fillings
- - Specialty Care: Endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics
What sets this plan apart from traditional insurance models is its clear and straightforward pricing structure, which eliminates common barriers such as deductibles, annual maximums, and waiting periods. Furthermore, it has a minimal annual membership fee, making it an affordable choice for hygienists and their family members.
Promoting Long-Term Dental Career Sustainability
The collaboration between PDS Health and ADHA does more than just extend access; it acts as a solution to deepen workforce retention in dental practices. According to research conducted by the ADA Health Policy Institute in conjunction with ADHA, the lack of health benefits is a leading cause of turnover among dental hygienists. This program effectively addresses that barrier, ensuring that these essential professionals enjoy the care they provide to others.
Jeremy Jonckheere, Vice President of Strategic Payor Partnerships at PDS Health, remarked, "Dental hygienists play a vital role in enhancing overall health through improved oral health. We're proud to support ADHA members with meaningful access to care as we also help practices improve workforce retention."
In a statement reflecting their commitment to member well-being, Lancette VanGuilder, president of the ADHA, expressed confidence in this innovative initiative, stating, "This partnership guarantees that our members have practical access to the care they offer daily. When hurdles surface, we take decisive action to overcome them."
How to Enroll and Further Information
ADHA members interested in the Smile Generation Dental Plan can learn more and enroll by visiting
smilegenerationdentalplan.com/adha as the initiative rolls out in October 2025.
About ADHA and PDS Health
Founded to cater to the interests of more than
220,000 dental hygienists in the United States, the ADHA remains a strong advocate for the profession. Promoting optimal oral health advancements is at the core of their mission, with their official publication, the
Journal of Dental Hygiene, serving as a key resource in the field.
Meanwhile, PDS Health has been pioneering integrated healthcare solutions since 1994, with a focus on the crucial link between oral and overall health. Their services enhance operational efficiencies across dental practices while aiming to elevate patient care standards. For additional insights into PDS Health, visit
pdshealth.com.
This groundbreaking partnership exemplifies how collaborative efforts can result in tangible benefits for healthcare professionals and help improve the quality of care provided to the public.