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How will you wear it?
Posted by | June 18, 2010
A smile...pass it on
“So, is it a command or a request?”
What? I was standing in line at the grocery store, double checking that I got everything that I came in to get. I must have had a very puzzled look on my face as I looked at the older gentleman in line ahead of me. He repeated, “Is that a command or a request?” as he pointed at my Smile Generation t-shirt.
“Well,” I replied, “I suppose most people smile when they look at it, so it must just be a given.”
“Hmmm…” he said fighting off a smile of his own, “I just have fun reading people’s t-shirts.”
I explained to him, “If you were out at the Irvine Marketplace at lunch time today, you would’ve seen a few hundred of us wandering around with this shirt on. It’s for the launch of our new website called The Smile Generation.”
I turned around so he could read the back of my shirt. “We have several hundred dental offices across 5 states.”
He just smiled at me, so I smiled back. He said, “You have a nice smile.”
I replied, “We have good dentists.”
He laughed.
When he got to the register, the checker asked if he wanted to donate $1 to the City of Hope for pediatric cancer research. He said he would, and she asked him to write his name on one of the cards they hang up around the store. Instead of writing his name, he pointed to me and said, “I want to write down her company’s name because she’s just been so nice. And I like her smile.” I flashed him my pearly whites again, thanking Dr. Reagan and Dr. Buehler in my head for all the work they did in my mouth. Then I turned around so he could see the back of the shirt and get the spelling right.
I smiled and said, “Thank you,” and he smiled back before gathering his groceries and wishing me a good day.
How do I wear my t-shirt? Well, I started wearing mine for charity:water. Then I wore it so I could wear a t-shirt and jeans to work. Next thing you know, I’m wearing it for pediatric cancer research. How will you wear it?
we serve – Red Cross Blood Drive
Posted by | April 8, 2010
The Red Cross team working their magic.
100 lives. In one day 33 brave people were able to save 100 lives for 30 minutes of their time. It’s incredible isn’t it?
When you see the poster on the wall promoting the event or you recieve an e-mail in your inbox your first thought isn’t (at least mine isn’t) “man I can save 3 people’s lives today”. It’s more like” I’ve got so much work to do today how can I find the time.” or “Do I really want to get poked in the arm?” But when I really look at it; I saved 3 lives today.
Albert and John from the IT team, doing their part.
I’m not a doctor, I’m not a dentist. I don’t save lives. I’m in Marketing, I spend my day trying to convince you how cool things are or why you can’t live without my product or service. But not today, today I’m a life saver. So thank you 33 brave life savers for giving up your time, your arm, and your blood. Thank you to everyone who volunteered who wasn’t able to give, all of you made a difference today.
Michelle Moreno showing off her new Cheetah Snuggy
If saving lives isn’t cool enough, think how great Michelle Moreno felt she won a cheetah print Snuggie in the blood drive raffle. Looking good Michelle!
We’re going to do it again in November and maybe next time you’ll get the chance to save a life. If you’re not here at support contact your local Red Cross.
Give blood and save a life or maybe 3.
Smiles for Haiti
Posted by | February 3, 2010
“I had previously donated to the Red Cross to help Haiti and then I saw a special segment on CNN and I knew I had to do more.” said San Clemente Owner Doctor Darin Reagan. That’s exactly what Dr. Reagan and his team at San Clemente Dental Group did.
The office decided that they would volunteer their services, come in on a Saturday and partner with their patients. San Clemente Dental Group contacted their patients through e-mail and phone to offer an opportunity to receive previously diagnosed dentistry for a flat donation to the Red Cross in support of Haiti.
“We wanted to do something to make a difference and help those poor people and this was a way to get involved.” said Barb Vartanian office manager. The office targeted patients who needed a crown or an onlay so that they could put their CEREC machine to work and provide patients with the “right fit” all in a day.
It was a great opportunity for the patient to get a great deal with a tax write-off, receive the dentistry they needed, and help someone in need. Talk about a win, win, win for the patient.
Dr. Reagan and his team were able to win as well because it allowed them to strengthen their relationship with their patients and use their talents to help others who desperately need assistance. At the end of the day the San Clemente team was able to see 10 patients and raise $5,000 for the victims of Haiti.
Great work Dr. Reagan, Barb, and the rest of the San Clemente team.
You can also watch the above video on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlXrxnteg8E
Las Vegas Makes A Difference
Posted by | November 2, 2009
“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”
-Lily Tomlin
Owner Doctor Cari Callaway Beautifying the Streets.
The Las Vegas region had plenty of somebodies; 30 to be exact. All ready to make a difference in their community. It was “Make a Difference Day” and the Las Vegas Region partnered with the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada (an affiliate of the Hands on Network) to help beautify a local neighborhood.
“Make A Difference Day” is a national day of volunteerism and is known as America’s largest day of doing good. Last year, 3 million people across the country made a difference in their communities by completing thousands of projects to ensure a brighter tomorrow.
The Las Vegas Region and their families lent a hand in repainting curbs, fire hydrants and light posts. Promoting their offices with their new “Got Teeth” T-shirts, our Las Vegas team was ready to start the day.
“Every day we have the opportunity to impact the communities that support our teams. Volunteerism is a great way to thank those communities and give something in return.” - Terri Reitz Kraus
Specialty Team Lead Terri Reitz Krauss and Regional Manager Terri Yannone were instrumental in working with the team and promoting the event amongst their offices. Serving is an important part of the PDS culture and the Terri’s are a great example of that.
The community was very grateful to all of the PDS participants for getting up early on a Saturday and making a difference in their neighborhood. Once the job was done; the morning ended with a bounce house for the kids and a community BBQ; which was the neighborhoods way of saying thank you.
This is my opportunity once more to say thank you to the Terri’s and to the Las Vegas Region for making a difference!
Colorado Mission of Mercy
Posted by | September 28, 2009
COMOM Volunteers Hard At Work
On Sept 11th and 12th at the Adams County Regional Park Complex in Brighton, CO over 800 people volunteered at the Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) event. COMOM is a large-scale dental clinic where more than 100 portable dental stations are set up in a public arena, and dental screenings and services are provided at no charge to those who attend. This weekend alone COMOM served over 1,300 patients that underwent over 6,000 procedures amounting to over $973,000 in free dental care.
The Colorado Region of Pacific Dental Services had over 40 team members that were part of the COMOM volunteer team. It was an incredible effort by Regional Support Manager Linda Ryan and her team as she was able to recruit 50 percent of the total Colorado team to serve at the event. The team went above and beyond the call of duty, performing multiple jobs throughout the two days and doing whatever task was necessary. Many of the team members stayed past their committed time frame continuing to assist in the serving of patients.
A satisfied patient.
Patients began getting in line at 11 pm on Thursday evening hoping to be first in line when the dental clinic opened their doors Friday at 5am. Procedures that were completed were cleanings, fillings, some root canal treatments, temporary partial dentures/denture repair, and extractions.
Many of the attendees hadn’t seen the dentist in years due to lack of dental insurance and simply not having the money for proper dental care. One common theme was that parents in attendance had sacrificed their own oral health for the oral health of their children. This was an opportunity for the parents as well as the children to finally see a dentist.
Dr. O'Neill helping those in the community.
After treatment patients were provided with instructions on how to care for their teeth and received a hygiene package filled with a toothbrush and toothpaste. The attendees were eternally grateful for all of the volunteers that had participated and the care that they received. “You gave me something I’d never be able to do on my own…a smile!” said one of the COMOM patients.
This weekend was an amazing example of people doing something for others without thought of something in return.
Pacific Dental Services teams up with the American Red Cross
Posted by | May 13, 2008
On Monday, May 12th , 2008 Pacific Dental Services will host their first annual American Red Cross blood drive at the PDS headquarters in Irvine. According to the Red Cross, the summer is traditionally a time when blood supplies drop to critical lows. In response to this need, PDS hopes to make a difference with this blood drive and Giving the Gift of Life! 
Give Kids a Smile 2008
Posted by | February 4, 2008
Irvine, CA (February 4, 2008) – On Friday, February 1, 2008 Pacific Dental Services and their affiliated offices provided a day of free dentistry to over 300 children in need. The 33 participating offices performed dental exams, digital x-rays, cleanings, fillings, sealants, and extractions for less fortunate children who do not have access to dental care.
PDS was excited to once again team up with the American Dental Association ® for “Give Kids a Smile”, held annually on the first Friday of February. The affiliated offices worked with over 50 non-profit organizations, including school districts, local churches, and shelters to provide free dentistry to needy children with poor or neglected oral health in California and Arizona. Some of the participating organizations included Olive Crest/Oak Grove ®, Families Forward ©, and the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services ©. Major vendor partners; Proctor and Gamble ™, Henry Schein ®, and Smart Practice ®, joined PDS by donating materials such as hygiene essentials, dental supplies, educational pamphlets, and fun stickers for all participants.
Mexico Outreach 2008
Posted by | January 16, 2008
Irvine, CA (January 16, 2008) – Pacific Dental Services (PDS) had over 100 employees, affiliated dentists and family members embarked on a 3-day “We Serve” outreach trip to Ensenada, Mexico. “We Serve” is an integral part of the PDS mission and a foundation to PDS’s corporate responsibility, encouraging willing employees and dentists to give back to less fortunate communities. Throughout the 3-day trip, they provided dentistry for adults and children, completed various construction projects and connected with the Ensenada community.
PDS partnered with Azusa Pacific University (APU ©) to restore the foundation of a church washed out by recent storms, construct a new roof on a home, clean up areas overcome with debris, and repaint structures around the city. In addition to the community work, PDS employees were able to re-roof a house, frame and install siding on a sanctuary, and clear a critical fire line around Rancho El Refugio, APU’s Ensenada property. APU’s Rancho El Refugio plays a significant role in serving their local community in Mexico. Mexican Medical Ministries© provided insight to PDS in planning the exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions to about 130 adults and children. With supplies donated by Proctor & Gamble©, Henry Schein®, Schick Technologies©, and Sybron Dental Specialties© each patient received the highest quality care during their treatment and were given instruction on basic dental hygiene, along with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. Together, PDS and these organizations made the dreams of many become a reality.
Adopt a Family 2007
Posted by | December 21, 2007
Irvine, CA (December 21, 2007) – Pacific Dental Services (PDS), along with 65 of its affiliated dental offices, adopted 60 families, 27 individuals, and 1 orphanage to provide Christmas to a total of 267 people in need this Holiday season. Partnering with 15 organizations, an orphanage and victims of the Southern California Wildfires, they provided clothes, toys, appliances, gift certificates and food to families in need. PDS hopes this will create lasting Christmas memories for all the families they served.
California Wildfire Fundraiser
Posted by | November 30, 2007
Irvine, CA (November 30, 2007) – During a 5 week fundraiser Pacific Dental Services (PDS), along with 40 of its affiliated dental offices, raised over $5,500 for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to benefit the victims of the California Wildfires. PDS Employees also volunteered and donated various relief items.
Community
- RT @smilegen: Next Tues we are starting to give away 2 kindles a week! Like us on Facebook for a chance to win! http://bit.ly/aXzGeS
- Share A Smile - A Smile Generation Blog — Dreya and her super cute dog Clementine... http://t.co/XGj6IDZ via @smilegen
- @ImpactMktPR Thanks for the RT! :)
- Gooooo Chino Smiles! Congratulations to them on winning KEARTH 101 office of the day! http://bit.ly/dqSjQL
- Take a Trip Together http://bit.ly/drmgUL by @ChesterElton | Thanks Chester for being a part of XP 2010 and the mention!