PDS Health's Smile Generation Serve Day Expands Access to Care and Strengthens Communities Nationwide

Annual event underscores the Mouth-Body Connection^® and delivers record levels of donated health care and volunteer service

HENDERSON, Nev., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PDS Health^®, a leading integrated healthcare support organization, hosted its 15th annual Smile Generation Serve Day, a nationwide day of service that provided essential dental and primary care services to underserved communities while advancing the organization's commitment to whole-person health. This year's event brought together more than 12,000 PDS Health team members, delivering critical health care and contributing thousands of hours to local community service initiatives.

Some PDS Health practices offered both dental and medical services during the event, demonstrating the value of dental-medical integration (DMI) in action. By combining clinical expertise across disciplines, these teams helped address patients' health more comprehensively, reinforcing the link between oral health and overall health known as the Mouth-Body Connection^®.

More than 72 million Americans face barriers to accessing dental care, often due to high costs, lack of insurance or limited provider access. These barriers not only impact oral health but also increase risks for systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia and even pregnancy complications. Smile Generation Serve Day directly addresses these gaps, helping patients receive the care they need, and potentially reducing future healthcare costs.

This year, Smile Generation Serve Day provided over $20 million in donated health care services and contributed more than 74,000 hours of volunteer service nationwide. In California alone, 1,600 patients received over $6.2 million in care. In Texas, more than 870 patients benefited from $3.7 million in services. Teams also engaged in community efforts including food distribution, park restoration, blood drives and school supply preparation.

Since launching in 2011, Smile Generation Serve Day has delivered more than $94 million in donated care to 37,000 patients, along with hundreds of thousands of hours of community service. Each year, the initiative grows in reach and impact, demonstrating how integrated care can make a lasting difference. 

"Each year, we see the lasting impact Smile Generation Serve Day has on the patients who receive care, the communities we support, and the volunteers who give their time," said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health. "Service doesn't just improve health, it shapes our hearts and minds, inspiring us to keep building healthier, more connected communities together."

In Arizona and across the country, PDS Health-supported teams showed up with a shared purpose, to serve patients and communities in meaningful ways.

"Smile Generation Serve Day reminded me how much can be done when people come together," said Jana Kubicek, DMD, owner of Dentists of Apache Junction, a PDS Health practice in Arizona. "I'm thankful for not only the chance to help others, but also for the way our whole team showed up — each person bringing their kindness, effort and heart. Truly grateful."

Patients were referred through PDS Health practices as well as non-profit partners, including Hire Heroes USA, Everyone For Veterans, Dental Lifeline Network, After Innocence, The Boyce L. Ansley School. These partnerships ensure care reaches individuals who may not otherwise have access, including veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and families in underserved areas.

By supporting initiatives like Smile Generation Serve Day, PDS Health continues to advance integrated care delivery and help patients receive the right care at the right time. The event demonstrates what's possible when clinicians collaborate across disciplines and communities come together in service of healthier, happier patients.

To learn more, visit pdshealth.com.

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, visit pdshealth.com. 

About Smile Generation
Smile Generation^® connects patients to Smile Generation-trusted dentists who are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience and advanced clinical care. Smile Generation also provides financial choices for patients and education about the connection between oral health and overall health (The Mouth-Body Connection^®). The Smile Generation network spans over 1,000 dental offices in 24 states. Smile Generation-trusted offices are supported by PDS Health^®. For more information, visit smilegeneration.com.

SOURCE PDS Health