Investing in You

PDS Health offers a range of education, training and leadership development programs to help you on your career journey.

At PDS Health, our talented people — you — are our greatest investment, which is why we continue to expand programs to recruit and retain the best to help you find your passion, fulfill your dreams and build your future. Whether clinical or non-clinical, we offer a wide range of programs to help you continue (and afford) your education, maintain and strengthen clinical training and connect you with mentorship and leadership development opportunities. We truly believe that when you succeed, we all do.

SUPPORT FOR TEAM MEMBERS

PDS Health offers multiple programs that make education more affordable and accessible. We understand that completing your education or getting an advanced degree opens new doors and can help you build your future — we want to ensure it’s within reach.

PDS Health College Advancement Program (CAP)

• 100% up front tuition coverage for any undergraduate program offered at Arizona State University (ASU), including books and application fees.

• Pursue your passion and advance your education, choosing from 100+ undergraduate degrees in top-ranked programs at ASU.

• 100% online coursework, accessible anywhere. To qualify, you must be a full-time team member at PDS Health working as a dental or medical assistant, healthcare coordinator or medical patient care coordinator, operations manager or medical operations manager.

“Getting my bachelor’s degree is something I wanted to do and tried to do several times and it never really worked out financially. This was the smoothest process, PDS Health took care of everything, even a book voucher…It’s an amazing feeling to have no financial burden. There is no limit to the possibilities and I’m super excited to see what this degree will do for me and what doors this opens.” – Fay Tatom, Specialty Healthcare Coordinator, Citrus Heights Modern Dentistry (Office 98), Citrus Heights, Calif., graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in organizational leadership from ASU in May 2024

The PDS Health CAP currently has a limited number of spots available and they are first-come, first-served. The wait list ranges from six months to over a year. Learn more about the program at pacificdentalservices.instride.com or call (800) 381-9683 to speak to an advisor.

Tuition Reimbursement

For team members interested in pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s or graduate degree, PDS Health may reimburse costs incurred from an accredited university or college up to $5,250 per year, the maximum allowed under IRS regulations. The degree and coursework must be related to your current position or lead to growth opportunities within PDS Health, and must be approved by your regional partner or department vice president prior to enrollment in courses. Full or part-time team members with 90 days of continuous employment are eligible to apply.

If you are interested in participating in tuition reimbursement, speak with your immediate manager.

Student Debt Refinancing

In partnership with SoFi, PDS Health offers student loan refinancing assistance. This program provides student debt rate discounts and connects team members with a specialist who provides a personalized financial assessment to help lower monthly loan payments and offers other recommendations based on your preferences. If you are interested in speaking with a specialist from SoFi, call (833) 277-7634 or email your-benefits@SoFi.com.

Facts & Stats

• $20,000: The average savings per team member.

• 1,500 PDS Health team members who received help refinancing their loans.

“I pursued my credentials to advance my career, and it’s definitely been helpful in opening new opportunities...I would encourage anyone considering it to go for it! The decisions to enter higher education while maintaining a full-time job and being a full-time mother is very daunting. When you add on the added pressure of accumulating a large debt, the idea of pursuing this dream becomes even more impractical. With assistance from the tuition reimbursement program, it has helped make a dream become reality." – Amanda Villanueva, Registered Dental Hygienist, Orange Village Dentistry (Office 413), earned her master’s degree in dental hygiene.

Leadership Development Resources

PDS Health offers several leadership development programs that are designed to help team members elevate their leadership skills and provide insights into their strengths to build a growth plan. While there will be more programs available soon, there are two programs that standout as especially valuable and that team members can access right now.

CliftonStrengths® Assessment

A tool from Gallup that helps identify a team member’s unique talents and strengths. The results are used to help you leverage better performance both individually and within your team. The assessment provides your top five strengths out of 34 along with tips that are used to create an action plan to help you achieve your goals.

While the test can be completed individually, it is most beneficial when completed as a team. PDS Health team members who completed the assessment and strategy session found it to boost morale and improve team cohesion and collaboration.

“Gallup CliftonStrengths has been an absolute game changer in our region, as it has empowered team members to focus on their natural strengths. Team members have stated they felt improvement in their overall mental health, including feeling fulfilled, valued and less anxious.” – Mary Head, Manager, Talent Development, North/South Las Vegas Region.

Leadership 360

This tool is typically used by leaders and managers in PDS Health field and support offices.

It begins with an anonymous survey completed by your manager, colleagues and direct reports that provides a 360-degree review of your leadership disciplines and behavior.

From the anonymous surveys, feedback is compiled based on the 5 Disciplines of a PDS Health Leader, the 5 Elements of Trust and the We Believes to create an individual development plan (IDP). If there’s an area with room for improvement or any area you would like to develop further, an IDP can be built around it to strengthen it.

“The 360 Feedback program provided valuable insight into my strengths and areas for growth, revealing that different roles and departments had varying perceptions and expectations of me. This helped me understand that each team looks for something different from me, reinforcing my commitment to adapting my leadership style, enhancing communication and engaging more effectively across the unique needs of each team.” – Thomas Smith, Director, Automation & Analytics, Revenue Collection.

If you are interested in completing a Leadership 360 survey, reach out to the organizational and talent development team at orgdev@pacden.com to schedule a consultation and learn more about the cost and the process.

Thorne Center for Excellence

The Thorne Center for Excellence offers several programs designed to empower, engage and build a broad and deep collection of talented leaders to shape the future of PDS Health as we continue to grow in the markets we serve.

The main program, Leadership Edge, hosts two cohorts a year of senior leaders from PDS Health teams. Participants are identified in the annual talent review process with final cohort approval by Steve Thorne.

The seven-month program includes four areas of focus:

• Leadership Brand – Participants review known leadership styles, how to articulate personal values and stories in order to better focus on becoming a leader others choose to follow.

• Leadership Influence – Identify opportunity and build skill in each of PDS Health’s 5 Elements of Trust to motivate and inspire action in others and create highly engaged and productive teams.

• Leadership Impact – Focus on driving results personally and through others and learn how to use accountability to improve relationships and results.

• Leadership Vision – Identify talent in others to grow and develop current and future PDS Health leaders.

Each Leadership Edge cohort meets for four in-person sessions that include guest speakers and three virtual sessions to reinforce coursework. One of the featured speakers in 2024 was Olympic track and field relay coach for Team USA, Mechelle Freeman, pictured with the inaugural cohort.

Congratulations to our first graduating cohort (in alphabetical order): Lionel Clayton, Regional Partner, South Inland Empire; Deepika Dhama, DDS, MultiPractice Owner Dentist; Diana Do-Yabut, DMD, Regional Clinical Partner and Multi-Practice Owner Dentist; Matt Ornelas, Regional Partner, Greater Sacramento; John Pham, Sr. Director of Digital Marketing and Operations; Stephanie Ross, Regional Partner, Northern Colorado; Kim Valko, Regional Partner, Inland Desert; Chris Yamashita, Vice President of Finance and Karim Zaklama, DDS, Regional Clinical Partner and Multi-Practice Owner Dentist.

The next Leadership Edge cohort will begin in January 2025.

HAL-C Higher Ambition Leadership Certificate

This certificate is designed for high-performing leaders at the manager and director level to advance their skills and engage their teams. The 12-week program is virtual and includes two hours of online work followed by a two-hour workshop with up-to 36 members in the cohort each week.

Participants are from a cross-section of different companies and placed in virtual teams to help internalize new concepts and complete assignments. The curriculum is designed to be iterative and encourages inquiry and self-discovery.

“HAL-C helped me explore and enhance my leadership skills to better serve in my role and support team members at PDS Health. The weekly virtual sessions were accessible and provided me with tools that helped me examine my strengths and areas for growth as well as create a more clearly defined purpose and values. Since completing the program, I’ve successfully used the tools and insights I learned to improve my communication and management techniques.” – Jennie Browning, Sr. Director, IT Business Services.

General Leadership Development Courses

Available at any time to team members are leadership development courses rooted in 5 Disciplines of a PDS Health Leader and 5 Elements of Trust. These courses reinforce the PDS Health Leadership Model and can be taken at any point in your career journey to deepen knowledge and expertise.

The goal of these courses, in addition to HAL-C and the Leadership Edge program, is to empower and encourage your growth so that all team members can develop the skills necessary to be successful.

If you are interested in one of these programs, please reach out to the organizational and talent development team at orgdev@pacden.com.

SUPPORT FOR CLINICIANS

Continuing Education

Clinical excellence is woven into the culture at PDS Health and we offer comprehensive continuing education (CE) for dental, medical and specialty clinicians.

Clinical education offerings have three main areas of focus:

1. Clinical Excellence

2. Business Acumen

3. Leadership Fundamentals for Providers

Within these focus areas are courses, hands-on workshops and training that are complimentary to team members. This allows providers to maintain their licenses and credentials, and expand their knowledge and expertise so they can continue to deliver exceptional care while growing their career.

Whether you’re onboarding as a new associate dentist and getting a crash course in CEREC ® CAD/CAM training or you’re a dental assistant seeking guidance and support in pursuing your dreams of becoming a dentist, continuing education is designed to support you at every level.

We created the curriculum so that you can see a path toward a life-long career in health care.

Introduction to Clinical Excellence

The Introduction to Clinical Excellence (ICE) program is designed to equip PDS Health dentists with fundamental skills and knowledge of our dental platform. This program focuses on the Perfect Patient Experience™ to ensure quality patient communication as well as the fundamentals of CEREC ® technology. Participants will delve into effective diagnosis and treatment planning approaches that prioritize each patient’s overall health. Through hands-on training, case studies and expert-led discussions, this program aims to enhance clinical competencies while fostering a patient-centered approach to dental care.

For more information about continuing education for dentists, please contact Lacey Schicker at schickerl@pacden.com.

Lead DA Program

This program builds and refines dental assistants’ leadership skills. The training focuses on how to motivate and lead team members to achieve goals and build trust in an office. The program focuses on personal development, communication, time management, business acumen and lead assistant responsibilities.

If you are interested in learning more about the Lead DA program, contact Rose Olague at olaguer@pacden.com.

“The Lead DA program opened my eyes to opportunities I never believed would have been possible as a stay-at-home mom. PDS Health University provided me with the training and the resources so that I could help my team succeed. I was able to show new dentists how to streamline processes and help the team manage extremely busy schedules thanks to what I learned in the program.” – Samantha Gravesen, Regional Back Office Trainer, Midwest Region.

Dental Assistant in Training + Dental Assistant Development Program

The Dental Assistant in Training and Dental Assistant Development programs are considered the foundation of PDS Health University’s DA training.

The Dental Assistant in Training program is designed for team members with no oral health experience and provides an introduction to the DA position. The primary role of the Dental Assistant in Training is to become proficient in the basic functions and responsibilities of a DA so that they can support the clinical success of a dental practice. Team members progress through the eight-week Dental Assistant in Training program before moving on to the Dental Assistant Development program, which is a 12-week training that expands on their Dental Assistant in Training education and focuses on safety and infection protocols, CEREC and other processes to support clinicians and the back office.

Once all 20 weeks are complete, DAs have the tools to support an office and patients, and can further develop their career down a number of additional pathways at PDS Health University.

Dental Hygiene

As an oral healthcare provider and partner to the dentist, dental hygienists have a critical role in delivering direct patient care. An expert in the Mouth-Body Connection ®, dental hygienists help predict, prevent, treat and manage chronic inflammatory diseases like periodontal disease.

Through integration of technology and saliva diagnostics, dental hygienists are better equipped to provide precision care for their patients and, in some states, the ability to deliver targeted laser therapies that help patients achieve better disease management outcomes. The curriculum offered at PDS Health University offers some of the most advanced, evidence-based education and training available to providers within the industry.

If you’d like more information about the program, contact Summer LaMoureaux at lamoureauxs@pacden.com

“PDS Health University has been the key to unlocking my dental hygiene career. With state-of-the-art training, a community of peer mentors, and a focus on the latest technology and techniques, I have gained so much confidence and skills that have allowed me to better care for my patients.”

– LaShaundra Ruby, Registered Dental Hygienist and Clinical Hygiene Leader, Edgewood Smiles Dentistry (Office 889), Georgia Region

Your Success is Our Priority

These programs are designed to invest in our team members, supporting your growth and development at every stage of your professional journey. By providing resources, training and opportunities for advancement, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing talent within our organization. Here are a few examples of team members who have been able to advance their careers at PDS Health.

CARYSSA COOK

Regional Manager, Reno Region

Employed with PDS Health: 8 years

“PDS Health’s investment in my development is deeply meaningful. It makes me feel valued and heard. I’m grateful for the growth opportunities I’ve discovered here. Special thanks to Regional Partner Alicia Montarbo, who has championed my progress from the start. Over eight years, I’ve grown personally and professionally in ways I never imagined. I’ve become more patient, confident and communicative, which has positively impacted me. This growth has enabled me to support my team’s development, just as I’ve been supported in mine.”

AMBER MCELVAIN

Regional Manager, Oregon Region

Employed with PDS Heath: 9 years

“Investing in my development through PDS Health has transformed my life and health, inspiring me to excel. Growth comes from embracing feedback, showing vulnerability and adapting to change. A positive mindset helps tackle daily challenges. My previous regional manager pushed me to grow personally and professionally, enhancing my EQ skills for better partnerships. Achieving my goal of becoming a regional manager in a new state has been an exciting challenge. I’m grateful for this opportunity and eager to reach more milestones with PDS Health, viewing my current role as a stepping stone in my ongoing career journey.”

TANIA RUIZ

Regional Manager, Greater Sacramento Region

Employed with PDS Health: 13 years

“PDS Health has provided excellent tools and resources for my professional growth. The organization’s support and community have boosted my confidence in making business impacts and building strong teams. The company’s investment in my development demonstrates its commitment to our team members’ future and shows that they value my contributions. This support has challenged me to improve my self-awareness and emotional intelligence, enhancing my leadership skills. I’ve had numerous opportunities to develop mentorship and coaching abilities, aligning with my long-term goals. I’m thrilled to continue growing with PDS Health and be part of our ongoing innovation.”

JACKIE DENMARK

Specialty Regional Manager, Georgia Region

Employed with PDS Heath: 8 years

“The investment in my development at PDS Health means a great deal, reflecting the organization’s commitment to my success and professional growth. It shows the organization values both my current contributions and future leadership potential. This support motivates me to continuously improve my skills and expand my knowledge base. Coming from a small-town private practice, PDS Health has opened my eyes to broader opportunities I hadn’t imagined. I’ve experienced significant personal and professional growth here and am thriving in this dynamic environment. I’m grateful for these opportunities and excited about my future with the organization.”