Las Vegas Makes A Difference

Posted by Kyle Guerin | 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!

Tags: dental graduate, Outreach, Volunteer
Posted in Nevada, Outreach, Stories | Comments

Colorado Mission of Mercy

Posted by Kyle Guerin | 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.

Tags: colorado, comom, free dentistry, Outreach, Volunteer, we serve
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Give Kids a Smile 2008

Posted by Haley Goodman | 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.

Tags: Children, GKAS, Outreach, Smile, Volunteer
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