Through this collaboration, ADHA members can access reduced pricing on preventive and restorative treatments such as cleanings, exams, crowns and orthodontics, as well as specialty services including endodontics, oral surgery and periodontics. The plan includes transparent pricing, no deductibles or annual maximums, no waiting periods, and a low annual membership fee. Family members are also eligible to participate. The Smile Generation Dental Plan ADHA will be available beginning October 2025 at more than 1,000 PDS Health practices around the country.
This partnership addresses a critical gap in access to benefits for dental hygienists. Research from the ADA Health Policy Institute, conducted in collaboration with ADHA and other oral health organizations, shows that more than 25 percent of dental hygienists do not have dental insurance coverage, even while working in a dental setting. More than one-third do not receive dental benefits through their employer.
"Dental hygienists play a vital role in improving oral health and overall health outcomes," said Jeremy Jonckheere, Vice President, Strategic Payor Partnerships at PDS Health. "We are proud to collaborate with the American Dental Hygienists' Association to support their members with meaningful access to care while helping practices strengthen workforce retention."
For ADHA, the initiative aligns with its commitment to advancing member well-being and addressing long-term workforce challenges. According to the ADA Health Policy Institute's report Dental Workforce Shortages: Data to Navigate Today's Labor Market, lack of health benefits remains one of the most significant barriers to retaining dental hygienists in clinical roles.
"We're proud to partner with PDS Health on this innovative solution that directly addresses what our research shows dental hygienists need most," said Lancette VanGuilder, president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. "When we see barriers to our members' success, we take action. This partnership ensures dental hygienists have practical access to the care they provide every day."
ADHA members can learn more and enroll in the program at smilegenerationdentalplan.com/adha.
About the American Dental Hygienists' Association
The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) is the only organization representing the professional interests of the more than 220,000 dental hygienists in the United States. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. The Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH), published bi-monthly, is ADHA's scientific journal and flagship publication. To learn more about the ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit adha.org.
About PDS Health
PDS Health® continues the journey started by Pacific Dental Services® in 1994, with a vision to redefine health care through the integration of dental and medical services. Its approach, centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry. As a leading provider of integrated healthcare support, the company delivers a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers, enhancing operations and care delivery for clinicians across the U.S. For more information about PDS Health and its vision, visit pdshealth.com.
SOURCE PDS Health
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