Alien Milling Technologies, in collaboration with 3Shape, is thrilled to announce the release of their new short film, Molar City. This unique production combines cutting-edge digital dental technology with science fiction storytelling, taking audiences on a thrilling journey to explore a futuristic world where innovation and imagination meet.

“Molar City represents the creativity and technology that Alien Milling and 3Shape are known for, showcasing our commitment to pushing boundaries not only in the dental industry but also in digital media,” said Saro Hatzakortzian, CEO of Alien Milling. “The film is a celebration of what’s possible when art and science come together.”

Planned and shot in just 9 days and produced by Sarzilla Studios, the film is set to premiere today on Youtube. It has also been submitted for consideration at the LA Indie Film Festival under the Sci-Fi category. Molar City promises to captivate audiences with its imaginative storyline and a vivid depiction of what the future of dental technology could look like.

For more information and to watch the premiere, visit Alien Milling’s official site.

About Alien Milling Technologies

Alien Milling Technologies is a leader in digital dental solutions, offering high-quality CAD/CAM milling services and products to dental professionals worldwide. Known for their innovation and commitment to excellence, Alien Milling continuously strives to bring the best in dental technology to their customers.

About 3Shape

3Shape is a global leader in 3D scanning and CAD/CAM software solutions, delivering advanced digital technology to transform practices and labs. By developing new innovations, 3Shape empowers dental professionals to provide superior care to their patients.

Dentsply Sirona World gathered over 4,000¹ attendees from across the globe for three days of clinical education, innovation, and inspiration at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Under the theme “Unleash Your Future”, the event lived up to its reputation as the ‘Ultimate Experience in Digital Dentistry,’ providing participants with essential knowledge to advance with confidence to grow their practices.

With a packed agenda of over 100 clinical education courses (including 17 hands-on sessions), more than 80 speakers, and the chance to earn up to 10 CE credits, DS World once again provided invaluable learning and networking opportunities.

One of the standout moments was the live-streamed final restorations and implant crown delivery of a full-mouth reconstruction procedure performed by Dr. Meena Barsoum. Other General Session highlights included Dr. Jenny Apekian’s and Dr. David Landwehr’s presentations on innovations in implants and endodontics, and Dr. Vin Gupta, a renowned healthcare futurist, whose keynote on the future of healthcare was followed by a live Q&A session with the audience.

“I am so impressed by the quality of education and the diverse selection of courses offered at DS World,” said Sara Mahmood, DDS, MS, FAGD, founder and owner of brush365 and one of this year’s main stage speakers² at Dentsply Sirona World. “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many passionate professionals. For me, it’s not just about the formal clinical education, but also about the incredible value of coming together to connect with peers, sharing experiences, and learning from each other.”

Solutions in Focus at DS World

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to experience Dentsply Sirona’s latest innovations firsthand. The exhibition floor was buzzing with excitement as visitors engaged with advanced solutions from nearly every field of dentistry designed to enable dental practices to provide the best possible care for their patients. Among many solutions in the spotlight at DS World were:

• Primescan® 2,³ the first cloud-native intraoral scanning solution. Powered by DS Core, the recently launched wireless intraoral scanner can scan to any internet-connected device without needing a dedicated computer.

• CEREC® Software 5.3: DS World attendees got an advanced look at the latest CEREC software upgrade which will be available in mid-October.⁴ Representing a major step forward in connected dentistry, the CEREC Software 5.3 upgrade connects CEREC workflows to the DS Core cloud platform and the new Primescan 2⁵ intraoral scanner, allowing dental professionals to upload designs to DS Core, streamline various workflows, and securely share files - all through a single, centralized platform.

• X-Smart® Pro+ and Reciproc™ Blue: Two new endodontic solutions designed to simplify root canal procedures for dentists, giving them greater flexibility.⁶ The X-Smart Pro+ is a portable motor capable of driving genuine reciprocating or continuously rotating motions with a user interface that won a prestigious iF Design Award.⁷ The Reciproc Blue is designed to prepare the root canal using just one file, simplifying the process for dentists and excellently pairing with X-Smart Pro+.

• Dentsply Sirona also celebrated 15 years of SDR® flow+, Dentsply Sirona’s breakthrough resin technology. With over 135 million applications sold worldwide since its inception, SDR flow+ Bulk Fill Flowable has become a staple in Class I, II, III, V, as well as in post-endodontic treatment, pit and fissure sealing, and core build-up restorations.

“DS World is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the dental industry. This event brings together the brightest minds and Dentsply Sirona’s latest advancements, fostering an environment of learning and collaboration that helps drive the industry forward, and we are proud to host it”, said Bruce Peatey, Group Vice President - Americas at Dentsply Sirona.

Sustainability at DS World

DS World not only reflects Dentsply Sirona’s commitment to clinical education but also highlights the Company’s sustainability program, BEYOND. A collaborative activity about sustainable packaging allowed attendees to learn about waste management and the company’s initiative to promote more sustainable product packaging while allowing them to share their needs and expectations. This year’s event also featured a Women's Dinner for female professionals to network and learn from each other, underscoring the Company’s dedication to inclusivity in the field. Additionally, DS World introduced a Community Engagement area featuring Dental Lifeline Network, Smile Train, and TeamSmile, where attendees could learn more about these organizations, make donations, and explore volunteer opportunities.

Save the Date for DS World 2025

Dentsply Sirona is thrilled to already announce the dates for next year’s DS World event, which will take place from September 25-27, 2025, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. To save the date, please visit https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-us/lp/ds-world/save-the-date.html.

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 headquarters are 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.

References

1. Includes registrants, staff and exhibitors.

2. Dentsply Sirona World speakers have been compensated for the production and presentation of their content.

3. To operate a Primescan 2 a paid DS Core subscription is required.

4. Due to the different approval and registration times, not all technologies and products are immediately available in all countries.

5. In addition, it also integrates with Primescan AC and Primescan Connect.

6. Unless stated otherwise, all statements in this press release refer to a comparison of Dentsply Sirona products

7. More information about the iF Design Award is available at: https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/x-smart-pro/634968

Pictured top: Dr. Meena Barsoum prepares for the final phase of a full mouth reconstruction procedure on the DS World main stage .

Pictured above: DS World 2024 exhibition area.

OraQ AI is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Patterson Dental Canada, Inc., aimed at introducing OraQ’s innovative clinical AI decision support tool to dental professionals across Canada. This collaboration will allow OraQ AI’s advanced dental treatment planning software to empower dental teams and patients to make informed decisions that enhance oral health and elevate practice profitability.

“As a practicing dentist and founder of OraQ AI, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of AI in transforming patient care,” said Dr. Amreesh Khanna, CEO of OraQ AI. “By partnering with a trusted name like Patterson Dental, we can now deliver AI-driven solutions that go beyond traditional methods like X-rays, helping dentists across Canada provide precision care while ethically growing their practices.”

OraQ AI’s cutting-edge software brings a new level of transparency and personalization to dental care. By holistically analyzing patients’ medical and dental histories, OraQ’s AI offers tailored treatment recommendations, which have resulted in up to a 30-40% increase in patient acceptance rates for its users. Patients can conveniently access their exam results and treatment plans from their smart devices or computers, enabling them to approve treatment from home, with instant notifications sent to their dental offices.

“OraQ is proud to be at the forefront of dental technology, having achieved all necessary approvals and clearances, including our Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) from Health Canada and the FDA in 2023,” Dr. Khanna added. “This ensures that our technology adheres to the highest standards of safety and compliance.”

Patterson Dental Canada’s Region President, Dan Begin, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership: “At Patterson, we have always been committed to advancing dental care through strong, innovative partnerships. By collaborating with OraQ, we are reinforcing our dedication to equipping Canadian dentists with top-tier clinical solutions that support patient care and treatment acceptance.”

The partnership signifies a key step forward in OraQ’s mission to expand its commercial footprint while continuing to provide groundbreaking AI solutions that empower dental practices and improve patient outcomes.

For more information about OraQ AI and its groundbreaking technology, please contact Dr. Amreesh Khanna, CEO at amreesh@oraq.ai. 

About OraQ AI

OraQ AI is transforming dentistry with its unique AI software that provides comprehensive precision care chairside. The software evaluates patients holistically, considering their medical history and all dental issues to make optimal care decisions. OraQ offers unprecedented transparency and control over oral health data to both dentists and patients, this approach increases treatment acceptance by 30-40%, leading to growth in dental practices and improved health outcomes. OraQ is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, and has been recognized as one of the top 10 startups in Calgary.

Currently operating in both Canada and the US, please visit oraq.ai to learn more.

About Patterson Dental

Patterson Dental, a subsidiary of Patterson Companies Inc. (Nasdaq: PDCO) connects dental customers in North America to the latest products, technologies, services, and innovative business solutions that enable operational and professional success. Our comprehensive portfolio, distribution network, and supply chain are equaled only by our dedicated, knowledgeable people who deliver unrivaled expertise and unmatched customer service and support. Learn more: www.pattersondental.com.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) reminds its customers in Florida and all areas in the projected path of Hurricane Milton that the Henry Schein Customer Assistance Hotline is open for dental and medical professionals who may experience operational, logistical, or financial issues as a result of damage caused by the hurricane.

The toll-free number for all Henry Schein customers is 800-999-9729. The hotline is open 24/7, with real-time assistance available from Team Schein Members from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

“Team Schein remains at the ready to support our customers who may be affected by Hurricane Milton,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “We are deeply concerned about the impact these natural events have on dental and medical practitioners, and we are dedicated to helping our customers prepare for, and recover from, these occurrences.”

The Henry Schein Customer Assistance Hotline remains open throughout the year to help practitioners during preparation and recovery from emergencies. The Emergency Preparedness Guide for Henry Schein Customers provides steps to help practices minimize the impact of a natural disaster and swiftly return to operations. To help meet the challenges of rebuilding a practice in the wake of a natural disaster, practitioners can download the Emergency Recovery Guide for Office-Based Health Care Practitioners. For more information about Henry Schein’s emergency preparedness and relief resources for practices, please click here.

Chairman Nakao and the GC Holding Board of Directors announce the appointment of Dr. Per Falk as CEO effective October 1, 2024.

This decision strengthens GC Corporate Governance by setting up GC Holding as GC group parent company and major shareholder. This builds on GC’s proud history as an agile organization founded in 1921 in Japan and run by the Nakao family for over 100 years. In 1934, Kiyoshi Nakao first transformed the “GC Chemical Research Laboratory” organization into a corporate structure to cope with business transformation and ensure future growth. GC continued to grow into a global company under the leadership of President Toshio Nakao. The company broke new ground by launching the famous “Fuji” brand of glass ionomer in 1977, when Makoto Nakao was appointed Executive Director and then President in 1983. On October 1, 2024, Mrs. Ayako Nakao becomes a member of GC Holding's Board of Directors, continuing the Nakao family's century-old entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Falk’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as GC celebrates its 103rd anniversary and looks ahead to the next century of innovation and growth. Dr Falk has been a member of GC's Board of Directors for two and a half years. His career spans 25 years in pharmaceutical industry and he joins GC from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, where he was President.

Makoto Nakao, Chairman of the Board of GC Holding AG, expressed his confidence in Dr. Falk’s leadership: “It is very fortunate for the GC Group and its shareholders that Dr. Per Falk will take on the CEO responsibility. His professional experience and knowledge of GC business, combined with the trust of the Nakao family, place him in an ideal position to become CEO of the GC Group.”

Per Falk commented, “I am very excited over the opportunity to lead GC in its next growth phase and am truly honored by the trust and confidence given to me with this appointment. I look forward to working closely with our Chairman Mr. Nakao and all our skilled and dedicated colleagues to grow GC’s position as a strong contributor in the global dental and oral health sector.”

Under the leadership of GC Holding AG, headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, and its Board of Directors, GC is focused on its future to further develop its legacy of excellence in dental care, create value for stakeholders and improve oral health.

About GC Group

GC is a leading global company in dental care and oral health. With a presence in over 100 countries and more than 3500 associates (employees), GC is committed to providing best-quality products and solutions to dental professional and patients worldwide.

Pictured: GC Holding AG, Members of the Board (from left to right): Dr. Roland Altwegg, Mr. Makoto Nakao, Dr. Per Falk, Mrs. Ayako Nakao.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) announced on October 2 the opening of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation 2024 Relief Fund to support the Southeast U.S. Contributions will help ensure critical supplies and resources can help people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The Company and Henry Schein Cares Foundation will donate an initial $25,000 each to support relief efforts and the Company will match TSM contributions up to another $50,000, for a cash total of up to $150,000. The Company will also donate essential health care supplies up to an initial amount of $350,000 to our partner relief organizations operating on the ground, bringing Henry Schein’s total commitment to as much as $500,000.

“Team Schein is deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene throughout the Southeast U.S., and our thoughts are with all those who have been affected,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “In response to this emergency, we will again partner with trusted and long-standing relief and recovery charities to ensure the availability of the critical supplies and resources required to provide health care within affected communities. We offer our deepest sympathies to the people impacted by Hurricane Helene and remain committed to helping health happen in the wake of this tragedy.”

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the 2024 Relief Fund can donate by visiting www.henryschein.com/foundationdonate and selecting “2024 Relief Fund” for the gift designation.

For dental and medical professionals impacted by Hurricane Helene and in need of assistance, please call 800-999-9729, or click here to learn about the Company’s Customer Assistance Hotline.

About The Henry Schein Cares Foundation

Established in 2008, The Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc., fosters a rich culture of giving back to society and serving others. The Foundation advocates and supports efforts to advance health equity and empower health care professionals to promote a healthier tomorrow for all people around the world through advancing access to care, promoting a holistic model of health care, building capacity to empower health care professionals, and catalyzing innovative models for emergency preparedness & response.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. To learn more about the work of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, visit www.henryschein.com/hscaresfoundation.

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.

The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships through the Fall 2024 cycle of the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, providing financial support to 17 aspiring dental assistants as they pursue their education.

As the demand for dental assistants (DAs) continues to grow amid a national shortage, the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship plays a critical role in helping aspiring DAs launch their careers. A recent report indicates that one-third of DAs are expected to retire within the next five years, intensifying the shortage and increasing the need for new talent in dental offices nationwide (ADA Health Policy Institute, 2022).

Recognizing this challenge, the PDS Foundation established the scholarship to ensure students receive the financial support necessary to complete their education. Named in honor of Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, the scholarship not only provides need-based financial aid but also mentorship and on-the-job training, with the goal of shaping passionate, servant-hearted leaders in the dental field.

“It's incredibly inspiring to witness each new class of dental assistants, knowing they will play an essential role in dental offices across the country,” said Dr. Ghazal. “With the current shortage of DAs, this scholarship helps build a pipeline of qualified professionals to meet growing demand and ensures these students are prepared for success in a rewarding career.”

Scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to help cover tuition costs, which often pose a barrier for students completing their certification. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, career aspirations, commitment to service, and other criteria.

Since its establishment in 2016, the PDS Foundation has awarded over $1.7 million in financial assistance to support more than 300 students pursuing careers in the dental field.

“The PDS Foundation is proud to offer this scholarship and to support these remarkable students as they begin their journey toward becoming dental assistants,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. “The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship not only opens doors for students but also helps cultivate future leaders who will continue to shape and strengthen our industry.”

The next scholarship application deadline is Nov. 1, 2024. For more information or to apply, please visit pdsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.

Students from the following accredited dental assistant programs across the U.S. were awarded the Fall 2024 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship:

• American Career College, Ontario, Calif.

• Carrington College, Mesa, Ariz.

• Concorde Career College, Aurora, Colo.

• Concorde Career College, Miramar, Fla.

• Concorde Career College, San Antonio, Texas

• Concorde Career College, San Bernardino, Calif.

• Concorde Career College, Dallas, Texas

• Concorde Career College, Aurora, Colo.

• Concorde Career College, Portland, Ore.

• High Desert Medical College, Temecula, Calif.

• IBMC College, Fort Collins, Colo.

• Northwest Technical College, Bemidji, Minn.

• Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz.

• Pima Medical Institute, San Marcos, Calif.

• Pima Medical Institute, Renton, Wash.

• Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, N.M.

• UEI College, Garden Grove, Calif.

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.

Pictured: A dental assistant student from UEI College in Garden Grove, CA proudly holds her Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship certificate, celebrating alongside her fellow students. The PDS Foundation has provided more than $1.7 million in scholarships since 2016. Photo: PDS Foundation

Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental care solution introduced by MouthWatch, LLC, was recently selected by Arrow Dental to provide emergency virtual dental care for after-hours and weekend consultations.

Arrow Dental, an Oregon-based dental care organization, offers comprehensive dental services including routine dental care, restorative therapy, and specialty services to Medicaid and private insurance members across Oregon through nine offices and a fully-equipped mobile clinic.

According to Aimee Wynn, Director of Operations at Arrow Dental, “Our partnership with Dentistry.One, aims to improve dental care accessibility for Oregon Medicaid patients and others we serve, especially when it comes to dental emergencies. Dentistry.One will serve as our virtual after-hours urgent care service, helping to reduce unnecessary visits to hospital emergency rooms for dental concerns. Furthermore, we can help support our staff by knowing that patients are able to talk to a dentist, no matter the day or time.”

“Dentistry.One can help patients no matter when or where they need dental expertise, and through our emergency consultation and then coordinating care to make sure patients get into an Arrow Clinic.” added Brant Herman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Dentistry.One. “Through this partnership, we’re able to keep patients healthy and out of Emergency Departments. Our service streamlines the after-hours emergency dental care process, from initial contact through care coordination and billing, to scheduling in-office treatment during business hours.”

Here’s how Dentistry.One’s after-hours emergency intake works: The Arrow Dental team directs patients to their landing page on the Dentistry.One website, where they choose between a live video consultation or asynchronous photo review. Dentistry.One dentists handle the evaluations, ensuring Arrow always has coverage for their patients. Care Advisors then assist with scheduling in-person care at an Arrow Dental office if needed.

Dentistry.One’s national network of dentists and Care Advisors is available to individuals, DSOs, health plans, and organizations focused on patient health. To learn how Dentistry.One can enhance your dental care offerings, visit dentistry.one to schedule an introduction.

About Arrow Dental:

Arrow Dental is an Oregon-based dental care organization that offers routine care, restorative therapy and other specialty services to Medicaid and private insurance members throughout the state of Oregon.

With offices in Astoria, Clatskanie, Eugene, Hermiston, La Grande, Milwaukie, Portland, Salem, and Scappoose, Arrow Dental is committed to providing communities dental care within a friendly and welcoming environment. Each location accepts new patients and offers a range of dental services from basic checkups to same-day emergency services.

Arrow Dental also operates a mobile clinic that travels to schools and other sites in Oregon. Our state-of-the-art van allows us to provide dental services and education about the importance of good health to underserved children and communities throughout Oregon.

About Dentistry.One

Dentistry.One is a revolutionary virtual-first dental care network that is the culmination of years of dedication to expanding access to care and bridging the gap between oral health and overall well-being. With a clear vision to eliminate the barriers that prevent millions of Americans from accessing essential dental care, Dentistry.One leverages the power of telehealth to reach the 60% of the population who do not regularly see a dentist.

Offering anxiety-free online consultations, personalized care coordination, and ongoing oral health coaching, Dentistry.One empowers patients to take control of their oral and overall health. As a trusted partner, Dentistry.One guides each individual through their unique care journey, seamlessly connecting oral wellness with holistic well-being.

Dentistry.One is an extension of the mission that has driven MouthWatch, LLC—an industry leader whose groundbreaking hardware and software solutions are utilized by over 42,000 dental practices, 30 leading Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), and 100 dental schools nationwide. 

Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is donating 5% of total sales from orders placed on Tuesday, October 8th, to the Red Cross to support relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene. “The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has deeply impacted countless lives and we are inspired by the compassion we’ve seen from so many people working to help those in need,” says Ultradent President and CEO Dirk Jeffs. “We invite the dental community to join us in supporting these communities through the Red Cross.”

Additionally, Ultradent is offering dental supplies to affected care providers to assist in their recovery.

About Ultradent Products, Inc.

Ultradent Products, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, devices, and instruments worldwide. Ultradent’s vision is to improve oral health globally. Ultradent also works to improve the quality of life and health of individuals through financial and charitable programs. For more information about Ultradent, call 800.552.5512 or visit ultradent.com or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office in Phoenix, Ariz., has been designated as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making it the first dental office in the United States to earn this credential. To achieve CAC status, at least 80% of patient-facing staff completed specialized training on how to effectively understand, communicate with, and support autistic individuals during patient visits.

The CAC certification ensures that dental practices are better equipped to serve patients with autism and sensory sensitivities. By providing a structured framework for staff training and facility accommodations, the designation makes dental visits more accessible and supportive for individuals with autism, while also highlighting the practice’s commitment to specialized, patient-centered care.

The Dentists for Special Needs office offers family-friendly dental care tailored to patients of all ages with disabilities. Services include specially trained clinicians and staff, dedicated appointments to reduce patient anxiety, and a sensory room designed to accommodate patients with sensory sensitivities.

“We’re proud and humbled to be the first dental practice in the country to receive this certification,” said Beatriz Adame, Operations Manager, PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs. “It’s a historic moment, but the greatest impact will be on our patients and the many more we’ll be able to serve thanks to this certification. It signals that we offer the clinical expertise and resources needed to make each dental visit safe, comfortable, and successful for our patients.”

“We’re thrilled to add another level of care for the autism community at the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs office,” said Michael Le, Executive Director, PDS Foundation. “We know that there is a significant lack of access to trained staff and facilities that can properly care for autistic patients. This certification is a big step in addressing that gap and providing greater access to care for those who need it. Better oral health leads to better overall health, and this certification will help us reach more patients who might otherwise struggle to find the care they need.”

Since 2001, IBCCES has been the leader in training and certifying professionals in autism, neurodiversity, and cognitive disorders across healthcare, education, and corporate sectors worldwide. IBCCES programs for healthcare professionals ensure staff are knowledgeable and equipped with the tools needed to serve this growing but underserved community. The organization is the only credentialing board offering these programs, which include continuous training, long-term support, and insights from both experts and autistic self-advocates.

“Autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals often do not have access to dental care with staff that have the training to assist and accommodate their needs," says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We are proud to certify the PDS Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office as a Certified Autism Center™. We hope their example will set the precedent for all other practices to follow suit.”

To further support individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities, IBCCES created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, a free online resource for families seeking certified locations and professionals. Each listed organization has met the rigorous standards to earn the CAC designation.

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 IBCCES

Committed to providing The Global Standard for Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.