The Summer-Fall 2019 issue of Word of Mouth®, a semi-annual consumer publication of the Massachusetts Dental Society, features the cover story, “Online Orthodontics: Too Good To Be True?”

Targeting younger adults, a new breed of “do-it-yourself,” or DIY, online orthodontic companies are offering a seemingly simple solution to those seeking a better smile: Answer a few multiple-choice questions, snap a picture on your phone, bite down on an impression tray, and “snap,” you’ll have some plastic teeth aligners delivered to your door.

Thousands of consumers have responded to the allure of “quick,” “convenient,” “cost-effective,” and “hassle-free” orthodontics by putting their smile—and their oral health—in the hands of these online companies. But is it safe?

The article highlights what the public should know before deciding on remote treatment through a direct-to-consumer orthodontic company.

Other highlights of this edition include:

--Oral and Throat Cancer: What You Need to Know

--An Eating Plan for Healthy Gums

--Toothpaste and Kids: A Little Dab Will Do Ya'

Word of Mouth is an award-winning publication made available to dental practices and libraries as a way of providing important oral health information to the public. Information in Word of Mouth comes from dental health care professionals of the Massachusetts Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and other resources.

All issues of Word of Mouth are available online in the publications section of the MDS website at massdental.org/word-of-mouth

The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), a professional association representing 5,000+ member dentists and a statewide constituent of the American Dental Association, is dedicated to the professional development of its member dentists through initiatives in education, advocacy, the promotion of the highest professional standards, and championing oral health in the Commonwealth. For more information, visit massdental.org and follow the MDS on Twitter @MassDental.

BALTIMORE, Md. — David Seminowicz, PhD, associate professor in the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, has received a $1.4 million, five-year phased award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The recent grant is part of a sweeping, national effort that the NIH describes in a Sept. 26, 2019, release. The NIH launched the Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative, in April 2018 to improve prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse and addiction and enhance pain management.

The UMSOD award is one of 375 grant awards across 41 states made by the NIH in fiscal year 2019 to apply scientific solutions to reverse the national opioid crisis.

Seminowicz and his team are trying to identify people at higher risk of developing severe and chronic pain. One example of where this would be critically important is post-surgery pain: according to Seminowicz, 20 to 40 percent of patients will develop chronic pain following some types of surgery.190926 HEAL inset.jpg

"We don't yet have a clear idea what the best predictors of post-surgical pain sensitivity are," Seminowicz said. "We hope this study validates potential brain biomarkers that we have shown in preliminary work to predict pain sensitivity to multiple types of pain. The biomarker includes two rapid, noninvasive measurements of brain activity using electroencephalogram and brain stimulation."

He continued "the research is possibly relevant to other pain conditions such as temporomandibular disorder (TMD), where the biomarkers could predict the development of chronic pain following an initial complaint of facial pain."

“Dr. Seminowicz’s pioneering research on predictive biomarkers has the potential to identify those at risk of developing severe and persistent pain, allowing for earlier, more targeted, interceptive interventions,” said Mark A. Reynolds, DDS, PhD, dean and professor at UMSOD.

“I am pleased that through his novel research, Dr. Seminowicz is contributing to the NIH HEAL Initiative by helping develop new strategies to improve pain management and reduce reliance on opioids.”

In collaboration with Siobhan Schabrun, associate professor at Neuroscience Research Australia and University of New South Wales in Australia, Seminowicz will look at a model of TMD in healthy volunteers to validate the initial theory. In the second phase of the study, the researcher will attempt to predict which patients presenting with early TMD symptoms will go on to develop TMD or recover.

The NIH HEAL Initiative aims to improve treatments for chronic pain, curb the rates of opioid use disorder and overdose and achieve long-term recovery from opioid addiction.

“It’s clear that a multi-pronged scientific approach is needed to reduce the risks of opioids, accelerate development of effective non-opioid therapies for pain, and provide more flexible and effective options for treating addiction to opioids,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, who launched the initiative in early 2018. “This unprecedented investment in the NIH HEAL Initiative demonstrates the commitment to reversing this devastating crisis.”

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), the world’s first dental college, offers superlative educational programs in oral health. As one of six professional schools and an interdisciplinary Graduate School on the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s 71-acre campus, it is part of a thriving academic health center that combines groundbreaking biomedical research and exceptional patient care. UMSOD is Maryland’s predominant provider of comprehensive and emergency oral health services.

The organizations accepted the award at the CVC’s annual IMPACT Awards Luncheon on September 18

Gas South Partnered with Georgia State University's Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Program and Norton Park 

Gas South was recognized for its partnership with Georgia State University's (GSU) Perimeter College Dental Hygiene Program and Norton Park Elementary. The organizations provided dental education to 800 students in need – as well as their families. Eligible students also received free dental cleanings, sealants and fluoride applications

"The successful collaboration efforts of Gas South, the GSU Dental Hygiene Program and students, Norton Park Elementary School and the Georgia Department of Public Health made a positive impact on one of our more vulnerable communities," said Pam Cushenan, assistant professor of dental hygiene at GSU. "Over a four-month period, we implemented a parent workshop on oral health, screened 75 children, educated 800 children and provided preventive dental services for all eligible children. All members of our team were able to experience the gratification of making a lasting difference in the lives and welfare of the children and their families."

GSU used the opportunity as a teaching tool for their dental hygiene students – pairing first year students with seniors in the program to administer care to the children.

Gas South employees volunteered their time to provide bilingual marketing materials for the parents of Norton Park's students as well as translated, in person, at the parent information session – ensuring all questions were answered before their children received the dental services. Employees also volunteered at the dental education event.

"It's great to see how we can have an impact when we talk to our partners to find out what they need and bring together resources to move the needle to really make a difference," said Kevin Greiner, Gas South president and CEO. "We're honored to receive this prestigious award as we work to improve the lives of children in need in our communities."  

In their 22nd year, the IMPACT Awards pay tribute to the philanthropic companies who dedicate time and resources to fulfill their corporate social responsibility (CSR). The 2019 awards were presented at the CVC's annual IMPACT Awards luncheon on September 18.

To learn more about Gas South and its community outreach efforts, visit www.GasSouth.com.

About Gas South

Gas South is a leading provider of natural gas in competitive markets throughout the southeastern U.S. The company serves more than 300,000 residential, business and governmental customers in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Gas South offers simple and competitively priced rate plans, outstanding local customer service, and a promise to give back 5% of its profits to help children in need. Since 2016, Gas South has been recognized as one of the "Top Workplaces in Atlanta" by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Gas South is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cobb EMC, one of the country's largest electric cooperatives. For more information, visit www.GasSouth.com.

Makers of World's First Flossing Toothbrush & Dr. Strandburg Dispel Common Oral Care Myths

According to a survey conducted by Waterpik® in collaboration with the American Dental Association, only 16 percent of Americans floss on a daily basis and 44 percent admit they have exaggerated to their dentist about how much they floss1. Church & Dwight Co., Inc, announced today that Waterpik® – the number one Water Flosser recommended by dental professionals – is joining forces with reality star and dentist Dr. Chris Strandburg to help Americans 'get real' about their oral care habits.

In time for National Dental Hygiene Month in October, Dr. Strandburg is debunking oral care myths to empower self-professed 'flossing failures' and help them start a more honest relationship with their daily flossing routine.

"In my experience, patients that have honest, consistent, and effective flossing practices tend to have less tooth decay and gum disease," said Dr. Chris Strandburg. "That's why I'm proud to team with Waterpik® to share the not-so-secret solution to better dental health: Waterpik® Sonic-Fusion®. This innovative toothbrush and water flosser all-in-one enables you to brush and floss at the same time, which means there is no excuse to skip out on flossing!"

Waterpik® Sonic-Fusion® is a convenient and effective, all-in-one brushing and flossing solution. Awarded the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, Sonic-Fusion® features a sonic toothbrush head that cleans tooth surfaces, and a Water Flosser jet inside the brush head that targets plaque and debris between teeth and below the gumline where toothbrush bristles can't reach. This flexible device allows users to brush first, floss first, or brush and floss at the same time with the touch of a button.

Strandburg reveals the truth about common flossing myths, along with the impact food and drink can have on your oral health:

• Myth #1: If your gums bleed when flossing, you should stop

• Reality: The reason gums bleed is often due to inflammation and/or flossing technique. Gum bleeding is often a tell-tale sign that you need to floss more frequently.

• Myth #2: String floss is more effective

• Reality: Studies¹ have shown that the Waterpik® water flosser is clinically proven to be up to 50 percent more effective than string floss for improving gum health. Water flossing helps get in between teeth and penetrates below the gum line, which is often a place people miss when using string floss.

• Myth #3: Bad breath is caused by the food you eat

• Reality: Bad breath doesn't just come from what you eat and drink. It also comes from the health of your teeth, gums, tongue and tonsils. If you're not brushing and flossing every day, you will be able to smell it on your breath.

• Myth #4: Only sugary foods and drinks cause cavities

• Reality: Sugar, along with complex carbohydrates and starches, can cause cavities. Certain types of bacteria on our teeth take the carbohydrates we eat and transform them into acid, softening the tooth surface until a hole or cavity forms.

"It's important to monitor the frequency and length of time you indulge in sugars, starches and carbohydrates," said Strandburg. "In fact, next time you're snacking on candy, consider this: your teeth are better off from eating one pound of candy in 10 minutes than nibbling on one ounce of candy over the course of an hour!"

To learn more from Dr. Strandburg on proper oral care and the benefits of water flossing, visit the Waterpik® blog.

Waterpik® Sonic-Fusion® is available for $169.99 to $199.99 at most major retailers including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, CVS, Kohl's, Target, Walgreen's and Walmart. For more information, visit waterpik.com/sonic-fusion.

About Waterpik®

Waterpik® is the #1 brand of Water Flossers and Replaceable Shower Heads. Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company has a rich history of innovation and design, engineering their products to deliver the wellness benefits of water in multiple new-to-the world products – including the iconic Water Flosser and Original Shower Massage. Water Pik, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

For more information, visit Waterpik®.com. Waterpik® can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

¹ Waterpik® and American Dental Association survey of more than 1,000 Americans; October 2017 https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-survey-highlights-unusual-flossing-habits

² https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/flossing-toothbrush-vs-regular-brushing-flossing-QaqishJG-2018/

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, causing them to miss more than 51 million school hours each year. Untreated cavities may lead to infections and problems with focusing in school. The Minnesota Dental Association recommends scheduling your child for a dental checkup during the beginning of the school year.

The following are tips to help prepare for your child's appointment.

Overall Dental Health

The dentist will check your child's teeth and gums, as well as the overall health of the mouth. They will check to see if teeth are lining up correctly and if their bite is good.

Cleanings

No matter how much your child brushes their teeth, your child should get a cleaning. A professional cleaning will get to bacteria that may cause cavities. Normal brushing cannot reach these areas.

X-rays

X-rays are done only when necessary; not at every dental visit. X-rays help the dentist see how teeth are developing and to make sure roots are healthy. They also make tooth decay between teeth visible.

Mouthguards

If your child plays sports, be sure to bring his or her mouthguard in so the dentist can check its condition and fit. If your child is in a growth spurt or losing teeth and getting new ones, you may need a new mouthguard.

Sealants

A sealant is a thin protective coating your dentist can place on the chewing surfaces of your child's permanent back teeth. Sealants work to keep cavity-causing bacteria and food from settling into your child's teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Sealants help keep cavities from forming and existing spots of decay from getting worse. Note that sealants are not a substitute for brushing and flossing.

Prevention and early detection are key to avoiding dental pain. For additional information about oral hygiene, visit www.mouthhealthy.org or www.mndental.org.

About the Minnesota Dental Association

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. The Minnesota Dental Association is a part of the American Dental Association, the nation's largest dental association, representing 158,000 dentist members. For more information, visit www.mndental.org.

SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association

Apex Dental Materials adds a Zirconia Primer to their already impressive lineup of restorative materials. ZR-P maximizes the bond strengths between zirconia, alumina or metal surfaces, and resin materials. By combining two active monomers, ZR-P provides exceptional bond strength to the most challenging substrates.

ZR-P provides high bond strength to zirconia, alumina and metal restorations. It also enhances bond strengths of resin adhesives, resin modified glass ionomers (RMGI’s) and glass ionomers (GI). ZR-P comes in a convenient bottle delivery system.

Find out more by visiting www.apexdentalmaterials.com, call 877-418-4782 or email info@vista-dental.com.

On October 3, 2019, Liz Meyers will be honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island for her years of charitable work and commitment to the organization.

Liz has been an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Board of Directors for over five years in addition to her role as Darby Dental Supply’s EVP of Purchasing & Global Sourcing. In her near 25-year tenure with Darby, she has spearheaded the company’s Social Responsibility Program, which is committed to making positive impacts on local, national and global communities.

“I am inspired on a daily basis by the work this organization, its staff and its dedicated group of mentors does,” said Liz Meyers, EVP of Purchasing & Global Sourcing, Darby Dental Supply. “They are changing children’s lives. I’m so grateful I get to be a part of that.”

The annual Big Benefit Gala, hosted by the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY, will feature a raffle, silent auction and celebrate this year’s three honorees. All funds raised at this event will support one-to-one mentoring services for children across Long Island.

About Darby Dental Supply, LLC

Darby Dental Supply, LLC, is one of the largest dental distributors in the United States, shipping over one million orders each year. Headquartered in Jericho, NY, the company was founded in 1948 and has expanded into seven sales offices and three fully-automated distribution centers strategically positioned across the country. In addition to providing convenient access to over 50,000 products and forward-thinking solutions, Darby is committed to making a positive environmental and social impact on the world. Through “Moving Forward, Giving Back,” the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility mantra, Darby and its employees actively support and participate in various causes and charitable initiatives. For more information, please visit darby.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

Incorporated in 1977, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and shine. Their mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSLI makes meaningful, professionally supported matches between adult volunteers (‘Bigs’) and children (‘Littles’). For more information, please visit bbbsli.org.

For more information, contact Rob Brennan at 516.688.6401 or email rob.brennan@darby.com

The Bolton-Brush Growth Study Center (Cleveland, OH) in cooperation with Motion View, LLC (Chattanooga, TN) announced the release of the Bolton Cephalometric Standards Template System™ in digital form for use in evaluating the skeletal, dental, and orthodontic conditions of orthodontic patients. The system is a collection of ideally proportioned cephalometric tracing templates based on age, nationality, and gender which eliminate the need for manually tracing cephalometric x-rays. Motion View, LLC will make a donation to the Bolton-Brush Growth Study Center for every purchase of the Bolton Cephalometric Standards Template System™.

The templates can overlay the lateral cephalometric x-ray, facial photo, or facial scan of a patient to quickly compare the patient’s facial proportions with those of an “ideal” standard for the population group that most closely matches that of the patient.

Using the Bolton Cephalometric Standards Template System™ eliminates the need to train assistants in landmark recognition. Users obtain dental and skeletal diagnostic information including the following: A-P incisors positions, incisors relationship to maxilla and mandible, A-P maxillary and mandibular skeletal positions, upper to lower face height proportions, and anterior and posterior jaw heights... All without having to provide any anatomy training for the staff.

The comparison gives the doctor an immediate assessment of the patient’s skeletal and dental relationships in relationship to standards. The comparison data is useful for planning treatment goals that are consistent with the jaw and facial characteristics of people in similar race and age groups.

Dr. Mark Hans (Director and Curator, Bolton-Brush Growth Study Center) is among international researchers identifying, diagramming, and cataloging the variances in tooth, jaw, and facial features for multiple population groups.

About Motion View, LLC

Ortho Share 3D™ software is a highly automated yet easy-to-use tool for importing, managing, and sharing patient records (especially photos, x-rays, and 3D dental models) in a searchable database. It is also a portal for digital services that include aligner design and fabrication, as well as indirect bonding setups and precision bracket placement transfer trays. The staff of Motion View, LLC has been developing orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning solutions since 1981. The products are available by calling 423-475-6914, visiting www.MotionView3D.com, or writing to sales@motionview3d.com. One-on-one live webinars can be arranged to learn more about technological excellence.

About the Bolton-Brush Growth Study Center

The Bolton-Brush Growth Study Center emerged in 1970 as a combination of the research and data collections by the Brush Inquiry and the Bolton Study. The Center’s collection of longitudinal human growth data is the largest in the world. Radiographs in the collection include frontal and lateral views of the head. Cephalometric tracings were used to study craniofacial growth throughout childhood and into adulthood. For more information, visit https://www.aaoflegacycollection.org/aaof_home.html, or write to markghans@gmail.com, or call 440-243-6724. 

Charlotte/Salzburg, September 25th, 2019. From the Maldives to Nigeria to Malawi – in 2018, Dentsply Sirona completed successfully three exceptional clinic projects. Now, the patients in these regions can benefit from advanced dental care thanks to modern equipment. “It is important for us, to contribute to the development of dental care services in less-favored countries by providing technologies that improve access to better oral health”, explains Joerg Vogel, Vice President Sales International Clinic Solutions at Dentsply Sirona. These projects reflect Dentsply Sirona’s presence in over 40 countries worldwide and – in terms of sales presence – in more than 120 countries.

The Maldives – high-quality dental equipment for an amazing region

On the Maldives, Dentsply Sirona delivered treatment centers, a 3-D imaging unit as well as CAD/CAM systems such as CEREC and inLab to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in the capital Malé. The innovative equipment will serve both, the local inhabitants and the tourists. As the largest governmental healthcare facility in the Maldives with approximately 300 beds and a total of 21 departments the clinic provides services to about 150,000 inhabitants.

Malawi – giving access to dental care in disadvantaged regions

Another project is part of Dentsply Sirona’s corporate social responsibility program to improve access to dental health care in underserved areas. In the Sengaby Baptist Medical Clinic in Salima, central Malawi, Dentsply Sirona donated and installed one Intego treatment center. Established in the early 1970s, the Baptist Medical Clinic is the only facility that provides dental services in the Salima district besides the district’s hospital. The clinic provides free dental services since the average income of most of the surrounding people is less than one US dollar per day.

Nigeria – exemplary dental project for the region and next steps

In the third project example, Dentsply Sirona equipped the Dental Department of the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital Ojo /Lagos (NNRH Ojo) with high-quality dental technologies. The new dental equipment consists of Teneo and Intego Pro treatment centers as well as intraoral, 2-D and 3-D imaging units and last but not least the CAD/CAM systems CEREC and inLab. At the official inauguration ceremony, his excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thanked Dentsply Sirona and encouraged other states in Nigeria to take the Ojo project as a good example. So, similar dental equipment like in the Ojo example is currently on its way to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in the capital Lagos where it will be implemented until the middle of the year. Besides the Navy’s employees and their relatives, the state-of-the-art dental care center will also be accessible in terms of public oral health services. Therefore, a team of the Nigerian Navy dental professional and technicians completed a comprehensive clinical and technical educational program at Dentsply Sirona’s training facilities in Bensheim, Germany.

ABOUT DENTSPLY SIRONA

Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, with over a century of innovation and service to the dental industry and patients worldwide. Dentsply Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive solutions offering including dental and oral health products as well as other consumable medical devices under a strong portfolio of world class brands. Dentsply Sirona’s products provide innovative, high-quality and effective solutions to advance patient care and deliver better and safer dental care. Dentsply Sirona’s headquarter is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company’s shares are listed in the United States on NASDAQ under the symbol XRAY. Visit www.dentsplysirona.com for more information about Dentsply Sirona and its products.

DISCLAIMER

This information and any attachment thereto contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements reflect views and assumptions regarding expectations and projections about future events and are based on currently available information or information available on the date of any document incorporated by reference. You can generally identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "estimate," "will," "believe," "anticipate," "think," "intend," "expect," "project," "plan," "target," "forecast", and similar words and expressions. However, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements and may include statements relating to future revenues, expenses, margins, profitability, net income/(loss), earnings per share and other measures of results of operations and the prospects of future growth of our business. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. For a discussion of such risks, uncertainties and other matters that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks relating to, among other factors, the market for dental products and services, pricing, future sales volume of the Company's products, the possibility of changing economic, market and competitive conditions, dependence on products, dependence on key personnel, technological developments, intense competition, market uncertainties, dependence on distributors, ability to manage growth, dependence on key suppliers, dependence on key members of management, government regulation, our ability to integrate the businesses of Dentsply Sirona, acquisitions and affiliations, readers are urged to carefully review and consider various disclosures made by the Company and Dentsply Sirona in their public filings, including in their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and in their reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document or the attachments to reflect new information or future events or developments after the date any such statement is made.

Leading dental support organization, Pacific Dental Services, announces two of its leaders will be on hand during the Professionals in Human Resources Association’s (PIHRA) South Orange County chapter’s conference. Trish Elliott, VP, People & Systems, and Kyle Guerin, Director, Foundation & Corporate Social Responsibility, are scheduled to present at the “Creating a Purpose-Oriented and Corporate-Giving Culture” event, taking place on Wednesday, September 25. Ms. Elliott and Mr. Guerin will join a panel moderated by Bea Boccalandro, a globally recognized thought leader on corporate social purpose. During the event, the panel will discuss topics ranging from the benefits and costs associated with corporate giving, how to become more purpose oriented, and how to overcome challenges when fulfilling these goals.

“Creating a great company culture isn’t about adding a pinball machine in the cafeteria. It’s done by offering a platform that inspires people to change the world,” said Ms. Elliott, who leads the Payroll, Compensation, Benefits, HRIS, and Employee Relations teams at PDS. “Pacific Dental Services provides that platform of service so our team members and our culture thrive. Our team members and supported dentists have many service opportunities, from hands-on events in their local communities, to raising money for clean drinking water in Africa, or by restoring smiles by providing donated dentistry to someone in need. Creating those opportunities that speak to our team members’ hearts is what makes a culture thrive.”

Over 120 members of the South Orange County chapter of PIHRA are expected to attend the presentation at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. “Creating a Purpose-Oriented and Corporate-Giving Culture” will focus on the advantages of corporate-giving organizations. Research has found that purpose-oriented and corporate-giving organizations have more engaged and energized employees, have more loyal and satisfied customers, and perform better in terms of returns to shareholders.

“Our culture of service is an integral part of our organization, and our team members find great pleasure in giving back to their communities,” said Mr. Guerin, who oversees the Pacific Dental Services’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and the PDS® Foundation. “Each year, PDS team members are given 8 hours of paid time to go out and volunteer with local non-profit organizations, which brings a greater sense of purpose for everyone involved.”

In addition to providing its team members with paid volunteer service time, the DSO also created a We Serve department that focuses on service-oriented initiatives, such as donated dentistry, drives, and volunteerism. Through the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that creates opportunities to serve by improving oral health locally, nationally and internationally, volunteers across the United States travel to Ethiopia, Fiji and Guatemala to help those in need of dentistry. In addition, the PDS Foundation utilizes its Mobile Dental Clinic to travel the United States and provide donated dentistry to those without access to oral health care. PDS also supports Smile Generation Serve Day, a nationwide, annual day of service that provides donated dentistry to patients in need. Since its inception in 2011, more than 18,000 patients have received donated dentistry during Smile Generation Serve Day, totaling more than $32 million in oral health care. Pacific Dental Services also partners with the nonprofit organization, KaBOOM!, to build playgrounds in underserved communities.

About Pacific Dental Services®

Founded in 1994, Pacific Dental Services (PDS) is one of the country’s leading dental support organizations, providing supported autonomy that enables dentists to concentrate on clinical excellence and the highest levels of cost-effective comprehensive patient care. PDS originated the Private Practice+® model to enable dentists to focus on their passion: serving patients. PDS also pioneered the concept of Modern Dentistry so that dentists are equipped to combine advances in the latest technology with the best operational practices and procedures, highly skilled support staff and a commitment to ongoing training and education. PDS continues to grow, with more than 750 supported dental offices across the United States and plans to expand into several new markets. PDS has been on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America 14 times. PDS supported dentists aim to be the provider of choice in all the markets they serve and to develop Patients for Life™.

For more information, visit us at pacificdentalservices.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PacificDentalServices/ 

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