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Pacific Dental Services Foundation Donates Mobile Dental Clinic to High Point University’s Dental School

Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2024

The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation is excited to announce the donation of its Mobile Dental Clinic to the High Point University (HPU) Workman School of Dental Medicine. The Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC), a fully equipped RV with two dental chairs, will enable HPU students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings, delivering quality oral health care to individuals who otherwise struggle to access it. This donation aims to enahnce students’ community service activities and hands-on learning opportunities.

From 2013 to 2020, PDS Foundation volunteers used the MDC to provide dental care at no cost to underserved populations all over the country. The clinic traveled to urban and rural communities, reaching people who could not access or afford care. Over the years, the MDC attended more than 155 events and served more than 5,700 patients, providing over $4 million in donated dental treatments.

On Tues., July 23, PDS Foundation Executive Director Michael Le visited HPU to deliver the MDC’s keys to a group of Workman School of Dental Medicine faculty and staff members. Le highlighted the significance of this donation, stating:

“This donation is an extension of our mission at the PDS Foundation — the Mobile Dental Clinic will provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities while expanding access to quality oral health care. High Point University is the ideal partner, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall health and focusing on community service. We believe the MDC at HPU will serve as a beacon for both future and current servant- hearted leaders dedicated to expanding access to care. We look forward to seeing the achievements of the students and the entire HPU team.”

North Carolina has a shortage of dentists per capita, especially in rural areas. As the only private dental school in the state, HPU is helping to increase the pipeline of dental professionals and expand access to oral health care to underserved populations. The MDC will give dental students another avenue to gain clinical experience and grow their careers while addressing a critical gap in care.

The PDS Foundation and HPU share a commitment to dental-medical integration and raising awareness about oral health’s connection to overall health. HPU will partner with a medical provider in North Carolina to host community events, offering free dental and medical treatment to vulnerable populations and highlighting the benefit of coordinated care.

“We’re proud to partner with the PDS Foundation to broaden our service to the community and to reach more people,” said Ali Shazib, DMD, Dean and Chief Clinical Officer for the HPU Workman School of Dental Medicine. “The Mobile Dental Clinic is a great opportunity to deliver integrated care to patients with complex needs who often cannot access oral health care. Veterans, the homeless, and other communities need and deserve quality dental care, and this clinic will help fill the gap while providing students with real-world experience to strengthen their careers as oral health providers.”

The Workman School of Dental Medicine will welcome its inaugural class of students this fall.

About Pacific Dental Services Foundation

The Pacific Dental Services® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve overall health through opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. The PDS Foundation provides tools and resources to help build a lasting and sustainable impact on the communities it serves as well as on the volunteers who freely give their time. The vision of the PDS Foundation is a world where everyone has a heart to serve and a home for oral health. Through its three main programs: special needs dentistry, dental assistant scholarships and international service trips, the PDS Foundation has been able to increase access to oral healthcare for communities across the globe. For more information, visit pdsfoundation.org.

About High Point University

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people®. HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with 6,040 undergraduate and graduate students. U.S. News & World Report has ranked HPU the No. 1 Best Regional College in the South for 11 consecutive years and the No. 1 Most Innovative Regional College in the South for eight consecutive years. The Princeton Review named HPU in “The Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition” and among the “Best South” colleges by region list. HPU was also recognized among the Top 20 in the nation for Best-Run Colleges, Best Career Services, Most Beautiful Campus, Most Active Student Government, Best College Dorms and Best Campus Food, as well as a Great School for Business/Finance Majors and a Great School for Communication Majors. For 14 years in a row, HPU has been named a College of Distinction with special recognition for career development, business and education programs. The university has 60 undergraduate majors, 66 undergraduate minors and 18 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the web at highpoint.edu.

Above: The Pacific Dental Services Foundation donated its Mobile Dental Clinic to the High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Pictured left to right: Dr. Kevin Cain, Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Finance with the Workman School of Dental Medicine, Michael Le, Executive Director, Pacific Dental Services Foundation, Dr. Johanna Tesoniero, Associate Dean for Clinical Operations with the Workman School of Dental Medicine, and Jeffrey Lewallen, Manager of Strategic Initiatives with the Workman School of Dental Medicine.

 







Henry Schein Participates in ADHA24 With New Product Announcements, Community Service, and Awards

Posted on Monday, July 29, 2024

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), the world’s largest provider of health care products for office-based dental and medical practitioners, had a presence at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) Annual Conference, the largest dental hygiene event, in New Orleans, LA. From July 26 to 28, 2024, Henry Schein, a “Gold” level sponsor of the Conference, featured a comprehensive display of products from its ACCLEAN® preventives portfolio at booth #313.

New products highlighted by Henry Schein include ACCLEAN’s new Disposable Prophy Angles, curettes, scalers, and diagnostic instruments. In addition, product education was provided by Stephanie Melton, RDH, Handpiece & Small Equipment Sales Specialist, Henry Schein. She delivered a Product Presentation spotlighting ACCLEAN’s prevention products and tools used to clean teeth during hygiene visits.

“Henry Schein appreciates our partnership with ADHA and looks forward to engaging with the dental hygiene community at this exciting time in health care to both showcase new solutions from our ACCLEAN portfolio and to learn more about how we can help support hygienists’ unique interests and needs,” said Chikako Amendola, Executive Director of Downstream Marketing, Henry Schein. “We value the important role that hygienists play within dental practices, and remain committed to delivering products, services, and solutions to help improve practice efficiency and care delivery for patients.”

To kick off the Conference, Henry Schein’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, David Kochman, presented awards to the following ADHA members in recognition of their exemplary dedication to patients and the hygiene community, innovative care approaches, and commitment to furthering oral health and overall health: 

• Administrator Award: Cynthia L. Stull, RDH, DHSc, MDH

• Clinician Award: Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II

• Corporate Award: Dominique Szach, RDH, BS, MPH

• Educator Award: April Turner, RDH, MSDH, EdD

• Entrepreneur Award: Dana Yumul, RDHAP, RDA EF II

• Public Health Award: Courtney Justice, RDH, BSDH, FADHA

• Researcher Award: Jessica Suedbeck, RDH, MDSH

“ADHA is grateful for our long-standing partnership with Henry Schein. Over the years, Henry Schein has supported education and training for the dental hygiene community, and collaborated with ADHA to advance issues of importance for oral health,” said Becky Smith, CRDH, EdD, FADHA, Immediate Past President of ADHA and Chair of the ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation. “With a shared value of community outreach, ADHA and Henry Schein look forward to providing a unique service opportunity at the Conference, enabling dental hygienists to participate in philanthropic activity during their attendance.”

As part of its ongoing efforts to help health happen for local communities in need, Henry Schein is also a sponsor of the ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation’s Community Service event, which took place throughout the Conference. The program enabled attendees to assemble take-home bags of essential oral care products donated by Henry Schein, which include ACCLEAN toothbrushes, dental floss, soft bristle picks, and flossers. The kits will be donated to Clover New Orleans, and delivered to approximately 600 men, women, and children from underserved communities in the New Orleans area. This effort supports ADHA’s Institute for Oral Health Foundation’s mission of advancing the dental hygiene profession and expanding access to oral care through scholarships, research grants, and community service grants.

For more information about Henry Schein’s ACCLEAN product portfolio, click here. For more information about the Conference, please visit ADHA24 Annual Conference (adha2024.org)

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.

Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers.

A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company's sales reached $12.3 billion in 2023, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.5 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.

For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein, Instagram.com/HenrySchein, LinkedIn.com/Company/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on X.

 







Meisinger USA to Host Elevated: The Prep & Polish Party

Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2024

Introducing Elevated: The Prep & Polish Party, an exclusive event hosted by Meisinger USA from January 29 to February 1, 2025, at Ballys, Lake Tahoe. Earn up to 24 CE credits with a star-studded speaker lineup covering a wide array of in-depth cosmetic and restorative dentistry topics. Ski the slopes of South Lake Tahoe by day and enjoy the vibrant nightlife by night. Plus, get ready for an electrifying finale at Opal Nightclub to celebrate the conclusion of the event!

Early Bird Registration is Now Open.

Visit www.elevatedmeeting.com for more information.

Elevated: The Prep & Polish Party is January 29 - February 1, 2025, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, hosted by Meisinger USA.

 







Carbon® and SprintRay™ Partner to Bring OnX Tough 2 Resin to Carbon M-Series Printers

Posted on Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Carbon, Inc., a pioneering technology company in product development and additive manufacturing, today proudly announces the validation of SprintRay’s OnX Tough 2 resin for use with Carbon M-series printers. This marks the first collaboration between SprintRay and another 3D printing company, bringing the trusted performance of OnX Tough 2, already adopted by clinicians nationwide, to Carbon’s cutting-edge printing platform.

“SprintRay’s collaboration with Carbon underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the capabilities of dental labs. The validation of OnX Tough 2 on the Carbon platform marks a significant milestone in dental 3D printing, enabling labs to achieve exceptional durability and aesthetic quality in their restorations,” said Amir Mansouri, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of SprintRay. “This partnership not only expands our market reach but also reinforces our dedication to advancing dental care.”

SprintRay’s OnX Tough 2 resin, known for its exceptional strength and aesthetic qualities, is now optimized for Carbon M-series printers, specifically enhancing the creation of fixed hybrid dentures. Dental labs can now expand their capabilities and elevate their service offerings with this innovative material, which leads to increased durability and natural, enamel-like visuals.

“Carbon's validation of SprintRay’s OnX Tough 2 for our M-series printers underscores our commitment to providing the best materials for digital dentistry,” said Phil DeSimone, CEO and Co-Founder of Carbon. “This collaboration presents the opportunity for labs to print with a resin that is trusted by clinicians nationwide, enhancing our portfolio of dental solutions and enabling our customers to deliver superior fixed hybrid dentures.”

Key Benefits of SprintRay OnX Tough 2 for Digital Dental Restorations

Proven Performance: This resin has already been highly adopted and trusted by clinicians.

Expanded Applications: The ability to print on Carbon M-series printers opens new avenues for dental labs, especially in the creation of fixed hybrid dentures.

Superior Strength: Boasting a work of fracture >900 J/m² and fracture toughness of 2.62 MPa √m, this resin has enhanced durability for fixed hybrid dentures.

Exceptional Aesthetics: Because this resin was formulated for optimal optical performance and shade stability, it provides natural, enamel-like visuals.

Ease of Use: Simplified post-processing and characterization streamline workflows and increase efficiency.

Additional Highlights

FDA Clearance: The only 3D printing resin FDA-cleared for fixed hybrid dentures

NanoFusion™ Technology: Supports uniform particle distribution for enhanced durability and visual quality

Versatile Shades: Available in A1, A2, B1, Bleach, and Hollywood White to meet diverse patient needs

Drive Your Dental Lab to New Heights with Fixed Hybrid Dentures

By integrating SprintRay OnX Tough 2 resin with Carbon M-series printers, dental labs can now offer superior fixed hybrid dentures that meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Enhance your capabilities, exceed clinician expectations, and deliver exceptional results to patients.

 







Novelty for dental prophylaxis: Ivoclar presents a genuine innovation for professional tooth cleaning

Posted on Thursday, July 18, 2024

The Ivoclar Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications with an extensive product and systems portfolio for dentists, dental technicians and dental hygienists, presents the VivaDent® Aerosol Reduction Gel—a genuine innovation for professional tooth cleaning. The gel revolutionizes prophylaxis procedures in dental practices, providing a more comfortable experience for patients and practitioners.

Everyday prophylaxis work involves a variety of challenges for dental hygienists and dentists, in particular when it comes to the use of ultrasonic scalers. The aerosol and spray mist produced by ultrasonic scalers can impair the visibility of the treatment area and pose risks for practitioners and patients.

A milestone in dental scaling: up to 991 percent2 reduction in aerosol

In response to these challenges, the innovative VivaDent® Aerosol Reduction Gel was developed: The unique formulation provides for the effective reduction—by up to 99 percent—of spray mist and aerosol produced by ultrasonic3 scalers. This genuine innovation is a milestone in prophylaxis work and meets the highest quality standards. The systematic reduction of spray mist and aerosol not only facilitates professional tooth cleaning but also offers several benefits:

• Better visibility of the treatment area

• Reduced likelihood of spreading airborne diseases by reducing the aerosol produced

• More comfortable experience for patients as the face remains drier due to less spray mist

• Easy handling and dosage

“The VivaDent Aerosol Reduction Gel binds aerosol before it can form. Plus, the mix-in gel is gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan and tasteless to meet the requirements of all patients,” says Maurizio Dottore, Director GBU Prevention & Care of the Ivoclar Group.

No compromises when it comes to efficient and safe professional tooth cleaning

VivaDent Aerosol Reduction Gel is a clear, water-based solution that does not cause stains on teeth or permanent stains on clothes and other surfaces. The mix-in gel (single dose sachet with practical one-hand opening) can be mixed quickly and seamlessly integrates into daily preparation routines. No additional instruments are required to reduce aerosols. Likewise, the handling of the ultrasonic scaler remains unchanged, which makes this innovative product an integral part of the modern dental practice.

Minimum effort – maximum effect

In two easy mix-in steps, the entire content of a single dose sachet is mixed with one litre of water in a mixing bottle by shaking vigorously for about 30 seconds to form a homogeneous solution. After a rest time of at least 10 minutes, ideally overnight, the prepared solution is filled into the external coolant tank and professional tooth cleaning can begin.

This genuine innovation from Ivoclar not only creates a safer and more pleasant practice environment for dental hygienists and dentists, but also for patients, and thus reflects the company’s credo “Making People Smile.”

For further information: https://www.ivoclar.com/vivadent-aerosol-reduction-gel

About the Ivoclar Group

The Ivoclar Group, headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications. For over a century, the company has been shaping the dental industry, enabling people to achieve the best oral health and enjoy a beautiful smile. The company's success is based on a comprehensive portfolio of products, systems and services, strong research and development capabilities and a clear commitment to training and further education. The group of companies, which sells its products to around 130 countries, has 56 subsidiaries and branch offices and employs roughly 3,700 people worldwide. More information about the Ivoclar Group is available at ivoclar.com.

 

1. The reduction of aerosol is dependent on the amplitude of the scaler tip.

2. The gel reduces the aerosol formation produced by ultrasonic scalers by up to 99 percent.

3. When using ultrasonic scalers, please observe the local and national hygiene guidelines and the manufacturer's instructions. The device must be rinsed with drinking water after ultrasonic scaling with the VivaDent Aerosol Reduction Gel. Only suitable for ultrasonic scalers with an external coolant tank. Not suitable for air-polishing devices.

 







vhf and Myerson Successfully Validate Milling Materials

Posted on Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Four CAD/CAM polymers from Myerson complete the range of machinable materials

vhf camfacture AG, an established manufacturer of dental milling machines, has validated four CAD/CAM polymers for vhf machines together with materials specialist Myerson. This step opens up even more processing options for users in the field of metal-free removable partial dentures.

In close cooperation between the two companies, the four polymer-based materials have been successfully tested for the vhf E5, K5+, S5 and R5 disc milling machines and can be used with immediate effect. The perfect interaction of the precise vhf machines with the appropriate tools and the suitable milling strategy in the CAM software forms the basis for the successful validation. It ensures efficient and high-quality machining of the materials.

All four validated materials are characterized by three special properties: Biocompatibility, strength and low moisture absorption. DuraFlex as a nylon-free PMMA material is ideal for partial dentures with gingiva-colored retaining elements. High flexibility and low weight make it comfortable to wear. The semi-translucent VisiClear can be used to fabricate visually barely noticeable partial dentures and temporary dentistry. Clasps can be designed to blend in with the oral cavity. DuraCetal is a robust acetal copolymer resin with high fracture and flexural strength for partial dentures and provisional crowns and bridges. Ultaire AKP Dentivera represents a new generation of PAEK materials and is the metal-free alternative to model casting frameworks (clasp, telescopic, bar dentures, etc.).

The validation process, in which test specimens and actual restorations were milled and evaluated with regard to accuracy of fit and surface quality, was carried out in two steps. First, vhf tested the respective milling strategies internally in the company’s own test center. Once these test runs had been successfully completed, Myerson also had the materials validated by a reference laboratory. All tests were completed to the utmost satisfaction of both partners and the milling results were of impeccable quality.

“In order to provide our customers with a wide range of machining options, we are continuously expanding the range of validated materials,” emphasizes Lucas Kehl, Head of Product at vhf camfacture AG. “With the addition of four more materials from our partner Myerson, our North American customers benefit from an even larger selection of materials from a well-known manufacturer.” Kris Schermerhorn, owner of the Northern Virginia Dental Lab, which was commissioned by Myerson to carry out the validation, praises the impeccable test results. “The perfect interplay of machines, tools and software from vhf ensures first-class milling results with the new materials. I am delighted that together we have succeeded in validating four renowned Myerson products for the vhf machines, which are very popular on the US market.”







Shofu Dental Corporation Introduces BeautiLink SA

Posted on Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Shofu Dental Corporation introduced BeautiLink SA, a self-adhesive resin cement designed specifically for zirconia restorations, during the California Dental Association annual meeting on May 16, 2024.

Zirconia has become the standard material for dental crowns. According to a JADA study, 98% of respondents reported using it for their posterior crowns.1 BeautiLink SA is a self-adhesive, dual-cured resin cement designed to ensure superior retention and marginal integrity, providing a strong and long-lasting bond specifically for zirconia restorations.

One of the most common reasons for crown failure is secondary decay.2 However, BeautiLink SA, which features the proprietary bioactive Giomer Technology, can release and recharge fluoride and other beneficial ions for the life of the restoration, greatly reducing the potential for crown failure. BeautiLink SA’s anti-bacterial and acid-neutralizing effects reduce caries-causing bacteria present in the preparation or infiltrating the margins.3 These bioactive properties provide health benefits not found in competitive products.

BeautiLink SA has an ideal viscosity for easy handling. It comes with mixing tips that ensure perfect paste delivery, and clean-up is quick and easy.

BeautiLink SA is available in three different shades: Clear, Ivory, and Opaque. The Clear and Ivory shades are highly translucent, while the Opaque shade is ideal for masking stains and darker preps. BeautiLink SA offers remarkable color stability, providing long-lasting aesthetics for all indirect restorations. Available in two packaging options: one 8.6g syringe with 10 mixing tips, MSRP $134.95, or two 8.6g syringes with 20 mixing tips, MSRP $234.95.

References

1. Lawson NC, Frazier KB, Bedran-Russo AK, Khajotia SS, Park J, Urquhart O. Zirconia restorations. 2021;152(1):80-81.e2. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2020.10.012

2. Walton, JN et al. A Survey of Crown and Fixed Partial Denture Failures, J Prosthet Dent. 1986 Oct;56(4):416-21

3. Gordan V.V., et al. A clinical evaluation of a self-etching primer and a Giomer restorative material: Results at 8 years. JAM Dent. Assoc. 2007;138:621-627

Pictured: BeautiLink SA is a self-adhesive resin cement specifically for zirconia restorations with bioactive giomer technology.

 







AnatotempSC® and Ditron Dental USA Enhance the Digital Dental Implant Workflows with 3Shape and Exocad

Posted on Tuesday, July 16, 2024

AnatotempSC, known for its innovative anatomic healing abutment and scan body, has set the standard for simplifying digital implant workflows. Through a strategic partnership with Ditron Dental USA, AnatotempSC now offers a comprehensive digital clinical and laboratory workflow, leveraging 3Shape and Exocad software.

The use of the AnatotempSC significantly streamlines the restoration process, saving four restorative steps and eliminating one appointment for the restoring clinician. Once placed during implant surgery, the AnatotempSC can remain in place until the final prosthesis is placed, enhancing efficiency and reducing patient visits.

AnatotempSC is compatible with various implant system connections, and utilizing its digital workflow within 3Shape and Exocad laboratory software provides a seamless process to create custom abutments. Now, with the integration of Ditron ti-bases and custom abutment blanks, the AnatotempSC digital workflow is even more versatile. “The dental laboratory digital workflow has become even easier with the inclusion of Ditron ti-bases and custom abutment blanks within 3Shape and Exocad software,” said Terry B. Philibin, DDS, MS, MBA, President and CEO.

 







Penn Dental Medicine Researchers Developing Hydrogels to Shed Light on Inflammation

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2024

Hydrogels, water-based gels with varied biomedical applications, have become a key focus of bioengineering research in recent years, with the burgeoning field transforming the way diseases are being studied and potentially treated. A dentist and engineer, Kyle Vining, Assistant Professor of Preventive & Restorative Sciences at Penn Dental Medicine, is developing hydrogels in his lab to study inflammation. Specifically, his lab is investigating how physical cues control inflammation of white blood cells with the goal of developing new treatments for disease, ranging from cancer to fibrosis, the outcome of many chronic inflammatory diseases.

Among his projects, he has developed a hydrogel matrix that mimics the physical properties of fibrosis to see how white blood cells interact with the surrounding tissue. "Fibrosis is a physical change in tissues that produces a scar-like matrix that can impair cancer treatment, inhibit healing, and in general is not compatible with tissue regeneration," says Vining. "There's been a lot of effort on antifibrotic drugs, but we're looking at fibrosis differently. Instead of directly inhibiting fibrosis, we're trying to understand its consequences for the immune system because the immune system can be hijacked and become detrimental for your tissues."

Through a better understanding of the feedback loop between fibrotic tissue and the immune system, Vining hopes to design interventions for treating head and neck cancer, including ways to boost efficacy of immunotherapies. This work also has possible applications for facilitating wound healing and tissue remodeling during restorative dental procedures.

In other work, Vining and collaborators from Penn Engineering are gearing up to develop next-generation treatments for tooth decay. They are working on encapsulating mRNA inside lipid nanoparticles that can be delivered locally to dental tissues. "Using mRNA, we can reprogram the cells to produce their own medication to help promote healing of the tooth and improve long-term survival of the tooth cells," Vining says.

 







Pacific Dental Services Foundation Awards Over $70,000 to Summer 2024 Dental Assistant Scholarship Recipients

Posted on Friday, July 12, 2024

The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation is pleased to announce the Summer 2024 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship recipients. The 16 students will receive more than $70,000 collectively in academic scholarships to pursue their education.

This latest scholarship announcement comes a month after the U.S. Senate highlighted the dire need for more dental assistants (DAs) nationwide. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on the dental care crisis and outlined the shortage of DAs and the impact this has on the overall health of Americans. The hearing came on the heels of a report that finds that 87% of dentists are struggling to recruit DAs for their offices.

Recognizing the importance of DAs to the future of dentistry, the PDS Foundation created the scholarship to provide students with financial support to complete their education. Named after Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, the program provides students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, on-the-job training, and aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted leaders.

“It’s inspiring to see another class of dental assistants pursuing this rewarding career,” said Dr. Ghazal. “Thanks to this scholarship program, students have the support to hit the ground running after they graduate. By investing in the next generation of health care leaders, we’re contributing to better oral health for all while helping students build their careers.”

Scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to help cover tuition costs, which can often be a barrier to completing certification for DA students. The Scholarship Review Committee considers applicants’ financial need, heart for service, career aspirations, and other criteria.

Since its establishment in 2016, the PDS Foundation has provided more than $1.6 million in financial assistance to support more than 292 students in the dental field.

“We’ve seen the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship change lives and help students achieve their dreams without the financial worry that often comes with education,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. “It’s especially moving to meet students who show a passion for oral health and for service.

Their contributions to their offices, patients, and to the industry will be monumental and we’re honored to be a part of their journey.”

The application deadline for the next dental assistant scholarship is August 1. To learn more or apply, please visit pdsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.

Summer 2024 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship Recipients:

• Kennan Grana, Carrington College, Phoenix, Ariz.

• Leah Peck, Concorde Career College, San Bernardino, Calif.

• Sara Macedo, UEI College, Riverside, Calif.

• Andres Lopez Polanco, Concord Career College, Hollywood, Calif.

• Neptune Brown Rosario, UEI College, Ontario, Calif.

• Aaliyah Jones, UEI College, Garden Grove, Calif.

• Adia Munson, Concorde Career College, Aurora, Colo.

• Jazmine Darbouze, Concorde Career College, Miramar, Fla.

• Money Washington, Concorde Career College, Miramar, Fla.

• Toccara Kleckley, UEI College, Stone Mountain, Ga.

• Rachel Rust, Herzing University, Minneapolis, Minn.

• Walkia Flowers, The College of Healthcare Professions, Dallas, Texas

• Sherry Ingram, Concorde Career College, Dallas, Texas

• Katrina Swafford, Concorde Career College, San Antonio, Texas

• Tohan Momodu, Advanced Dental Assistant Training School, Gainesville, Va.

• Jennifer Camacho, Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood, Wash.

About Pacific Dental Services Foundation

The Pacific Dental Services® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve overall health through opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. The PDS Foundation provides tools and resources to help build a lasting and sustainable impact on the communities it serves as well as on the volunteers who freely give their time. The vision of the PDS Foundation is a world where everyone has a heart to serve and a home for oral health. Through its three main programs: special needs dentistry, dental assistant scholarships and international service trips, the PDS Foundation has been able to increase access to oral healthcare for communities across the globe. For more information, visit pdsfoundation.org.

 







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