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FYI - Partnering with you to create healthy smiles

FYI

Partnering with you to help create healthy smiles

Get inspired by our newest Smile Star, PDS Health

Each quarter, we highlight a dental provider or organization who has been nominated by their peers for their exceptional work with both patients and the community. We’re proud to announce our latest winner: PDS Health.


PDS Health is a leading dental and medical support organization that provides business and administrative support to over 1,000 dental and primary care practices nationwide. However, PDS Health’s impact extends beyond their innovative practices and deep into their communities, where they’re dedicated to making a difference through a robust program of charitable projects and initiatives. Read on to learn more about our newest Smile Star, and how they’re redefining what it means to be a leader in health care.
 

What is PDS Health and what do they do?

PDS Health (formerly Pacific Dental Services) was founded in 1994 as a dental support organization, partnering with practice owners to support the business operations of their practices. This includes marketing, tax services, recruiting, payroll, IT and other administrative tasks, allowing clinicians to focus on providing excellent clinical care.

While oral health remains the core of the organization, PDS Health has expanded its focus in recent years to include primary health care. Recognizing the critical connection between oral health and systemic health, known as the Mouth-Body Connection®, PDS Health now operates over 1,000 practices, including primary care practices. These primary care offices are often located next to or within dental practices, creating a convenient, whole-body, one-stop shop for patients.
 

How many states is PDS Health in?

PDS Health was founded in Southern California and now supports practices in 24 states across the United States.
 

What inspired PDS Health’s founder and CEO, Stephen Thorne IV, to start the organization?

Mr. Thorne was inspired by his early experiences working in his father’s dental practice in Victorville, California. After graduating from UCLA in 1989, he faced a challenging job market and began assisting his father with computerizing the practice. This project provided him with a comprehensive understanding of dental practice operations, including billing, collections, and administrative workflows.
Through this experience, Mr. Thorne recognized a widespread challenge within the industry: dentists often struggled to manage the business side of their practices while focusing on patient care. He identified a clear need for operational support to ease the challenges faced by dentists.

Mr. Thorne founded Pacific Dental Services — now known as PDS Health — in June 1994. His vision was to create a business model that provides comprehensive operational support, enabling clinicians to focus on delivering high-quality care. This dedication to supporting practice owners continues to shape PDS Health’s approach to advancing patient care through integrated dental and medical services.
 

PDS Health serves the community through many charity programs and initiatives. What are some of your favorite ways that PDS Health gives back?

Service is at the heart of PDS Health’s culture and operations. The organization strives to make a meaningful impact in the communities it serves by creating opportunities for team members to actively engage in service and contribute to meaningful causes.

Each year, team members are encouraged to take part in volunteer activities, supported by paid time off to serve causes they’re passionate about. Smile Generation Serve Day is a signature event that brings practices together nationwide to provide donated dental care to underserved patients and participate in community service projects. Other initiatives include building playgrounds in partnership with KABOOM!, creating safe spaces for children in underserved areas, and participating in local outreach projects such as food drives and donation events.

Through its partnerships, PDS Health amplifies its community impact. With Special Olympics International, PDS Health supports programs that enhance access to oral health education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Partnering with charity: water, the organization helps bring clean water to underdeveloped regions, addressing a fundamental health need.

In collaboration with the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, PDS Health advances initiatives in special needs dentistry, international service, and provides scholarships to aspiring dental professionals. These efforts reflect PDS Health’s commitment to serving diverse communities and addressing critical health challenges.

This culture of service not only benefits the communities where PDS Health operates, but also enriches the lives of team members who participate, creating lasting connections and building a shared sense of purpose.
 

What are some upcoming projects that you’re excited about?

PDS Health is looking ahead to an exciting year of progress and innovation. The organization will concentrate on advancing dental-medical integration, creating stronger connections between oral health and overall health. Key priorities include elevating patient care through integrated services and laying the groundwork for new business units that will drive meaningful change and innovation.


Thank you, PDS Health, for all that you do for patients and the community. Congratulations on being chosen as a Smile Star.

Visit PDS Health’s website for more information on this organization.

Do you know someone who should be a Smile Star? Email us at smileaward@delta.org with their contact information and the reason your nominee should win this award.

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