Message from the FOUNDER AND CEO, PACIFIC DENTAL SERVICES
“There has never been a more exciting time in dentistry.”
– Stephen Thorne IV, Founder and CEO
I don’t know about you, but the holiday season tends to make me nostalgic and reminisce about when my children were smaller, I was younger, and life was less complicated. There’s something comforting about remembering the past. But while I fondly think back on these memories, what really excites me is happening right now. I feel more energized today than any other time I can recall by the extraordinary growth and advancements here at PDS.
It’s only when we look back at where we came from that we can truly appreciate where we are. And only when we appreciate where we are that we can imagine where we can go.
It all started 27 years ago when PDS began by supporting one dentist at one practice in Southern California. In October, we hit our milestone of 850 PDS-supported offices. And today, we support almost 4,000 clinicians and over 13,000 team members across the nation. What a journey it has been.
I can envision a day where we are supporting tens of thousands of clinicians in thousands of practices. Of course, change and growth hasn’t been easy, but our systems and platform continue to improve and our investments in technology and advancements in dentistry and medicine will help us gain competitive advantage in the markets we serve.
In 2002, we left the analog world behind, becoming one of the first in the nation to transition to electronic dental records, which included digital X-rays. Proven technologies continue to be a priority for PDS, from CAD/ CAM to CBCT to Assisted Intelligence. More than half of PDS-supported practices are on Epic ®, the most widely used comprehensive electronic health record platform, which allows us to integrate dental and medical records.
Over 150 years ago, dentistry was separated from the practice of medicine and the Mouth-Body Connection ® was not fully understood, but today we’re leading the effort to integrate medical and dental practices and leverage partnerships that will further improve patient outcomes in not only oral health, but overall health.
And that’s not all. It has been incredible to see our impact beyond oral health through the We Serve movement.
Over the last 10 years, we helped provide more than 200,000 people with clean drinking water through charity: water and built 16 playgrounds through our partnership with KABOOM! Because of you, $86 million of dentistry was donated to vulnerable populations in need of treatment through our year-round efforts including Smile Generation Serve Day and over 460,000 volunteer hours have been spent helping others.
When we created the Pacific Dental Services Foundation in 2012, our mission was to improve overall health one smile at a time locally, nationally and internationally. Since then, we have created an international clinic in Guatemala and a non-profit office in Arizona dedicated exclusively to patients with special needs. My hope is that PDS will be the single largest provider in the country for those with special needs and their families. Additionally, the PDS Foundation has provided over 133 scholarships to the next generation of servant-hearted dental assistants to eliminate the financial barriers of joining this great profession. I can’t wait to watch the next rising star.
And today, I’m extremely excited by our latest venture, a specialty DSO supporting specialists who are interested in ownership and growing their own business. Specialty represents about 50% of our revenue with significant growth projected creating an opportunity for PDS and specialists to improve the access and care for patients in the communities we serve. It’s the whole reason this business excites me.
What do you remember over the years? Where was PDS in its growth cycle when you started? What do you appreciate most about where we are today? I invite you to email or direct message me your thoughts and memories. Imagine just how great we can be in the future.
Thank you for joining PDS on our remarkable journey over the last 27 years. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones and cheers to a phenomenal 2022 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Stephen Thorne, IV Founder and CEO @SteveThornePDS
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THE ROAD TO ROOT DISCOVERY
How emerging technology helped one patient, and team member, rediscover her smile.
Is health a journey or a destination? To some it may be a quick fix but to others it is a journey that leads them to a road of discovery. For Alissa Pope, Director of Talent Development for the Desert Mountain Region (DMR), her process in discovering the root cause of her own health issue led her to a deeper appreciation of not only the company she works for, but of the technology and opportunities that PDS provides.
Alissa has been with PDS for over 17 years and served in various roles beginning as an Operations Manager to multi-office manager to Regional Support Manager to her current role as Director of Talent Development. She has not only witnessed PDS successfully advance, but the technology in our offices evolve. While working with our offices across the DMR, she observes firsthand how technology helps set PDS-supported offices apart from non-PDS dental offices.
From VELScope®, to salivary diagnostic tests, to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems, the proven technology that PDS-supported practices offer has enabled our clinicians to evaluate various cases of oral disease. The ability to discover pathologies that other dentists cannot find results in several lives being changed for the better.
“We promote the Mouth-Body Connection® in everything we do but I still didn’t think my own oral health was connected to the health issues I was having,” Alissa said when reflecting on her case.
In 2020, Alissa was diagnosed with two tumors and had no family history that would make sense of her diagnosis.
“I had a CBCT scan done because I had been hearing about patients with asymptomatic lesions and I know how infections and inflammation can cause other issues in the body. I believe in finding
Alissa Pope Director, Talent Development
the root cause, so I wanted to have a CBCT scan to see if there could be any links in my oral health.”
Alissa decided to move forward and get a CBCT scan with her local PDSsupported dentist, Jonathan Richtsteig, DMD. She was curious about what would be discovered and how it would help her better understand what was causing these tumors. After Dr. Richtsteig performed the scan, she decided to schedule an OralDNA® Labs salivary diagnostic test the same day. The results from the CBCT scan came back and showed a lesion on a 10-year-old root canal.
“This lesion was never evident on any of the traditional X-rays I had done over the years,” says Alissa, recalling the discovery. “Once we found that lesion, I was even more excited to get my salivary diagnostic results back as I knew there would likely be pathogens causing issues in my body –and I was right.”
The salivary diagnostic test came back and identified an elevated Eikenella corrodens (Ec) pathogen, associated with widespread and tissue-invasive diseases of the lung, pancreas, heart and bone. The spread of the Ec infections is often directly associated with abscess formation.
“My dentist and I decided to remove the tooth and place an implant immediately. The oral surgeon performed the procedure and found that there was evidence of a chronic infection,” Alissa said.
Three months after the tooth was removed, Dr. Richtsteig re-took the salivary test which showed that not only had the Ec bacteria completely disappeared, but also showed a 21% reduction in the total bacteria load. Alissa’s implant has since healed, she is no longer experiencing daily pain from the tumors, and she is back to her normal self. Thanks to the emerging technology and tests this PDS-supported practice offered, Alissa was able to get to the root cause of the issue.
“I’ve always been thankful to work for PDS and for the people I get to work with, but I am now even more grateful for the proven technology that PDS-supported practices have, like CBCT and salivary diagnostics, that allowed my dentist to see the issue, act on it, and help me get my health back.”
Jennifer Stephenson Sr. Manager, Emerging Technology
PDS Supports You on Your Journey Forward
As a PDS team member, you have several options to advance your education goals.
Pacific Dental Services believes you are more than what you do, rather we see your potential and what you can do. And to show how serious we are, we are financially investing in you – our valued team members.
PDS offers four ways to help you on your journey both personally and professionally. Find a program that is right for you and take the first step toward your future.
We believe that by investing in the growth and development of our team members, we are investing in the future of our company.
— Stephen Thorne IV, Founder and CEO
COLLEGE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM
Who is eligible: Full-time Operations Managers, Benefits Coordinators and Dental Assistants who have been employed for 30 days or more.
In partnership with world-class academic institution, Arizona State University, the College Advancement Program offers eligible team members 100% up-front college tuition coverage toward an undergraduate degree of their choice, book expenses up to $150 per session ($300 per term), and any mandatory fees (including reimbursable application fees) – as long as you remain employed with PDS or a PDS-supported practice.
Space in the program is limited and applicants will be considered on a firstcome, first-serve basis. New academic sessions open every seven to eight weeks.
For more information about this exciting opportunity or to start your college journey now, please visit PacificDentalServices.Instride.com .
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Who is eligible: All team members who have completed 90 days of continuous employment and are in good standing.
Pacific Dental Services offers reimbursement for costs incurred by a team member for education through an accredited university or college that either offers growth in an area related to his or her current position or might lead to promotional opportunities. Tuition reimbursement is available for associate, bachelor or graduate degree programs.
Team members should request tuition reimbursement in advance through their immediate manager, with Regional Partner/ VP final approval prior to submitting a tuition reimbursement form. To review the policy to see if this program is a fit for you, please visit the People Services Benefits page on PDSConnect under Education Benefits.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
Who is eligible: All team members.
We are committed to the professional development of all team members and will provide financial assistance for those activities that improve knowledge, abilities and skills that are mutually beneficial to you and PDS. Activities considered eligible under this program include workshops, lectures, conferences or seminars and courses, licenses or certificates mandated by law or regulation for your job. In some cases, assistance will also be provided for registration or travel costs in accordance with state and federal regulations. Speak with your Regional Partner or department leader to see if your professional development activity qualifies under this program.
For more information, please visit the People Services Benefits page on PDSConnect under Education Benefits.
How a Passion for Patient Care Launched Two
Dental Assistants’ Careers
Pacific Dental Services is committed to providing Dental Assistants (DAs) with opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Our DAs have countless opportunities to explore their passion for better patient care and elevate their day-to-day performance within their practice as well as within the industry. Let’s take a closer look at the career journey of two long-term PDS team members who started their careers as DAs and have truly embraced the opportunities available to them within the company:
Shari Landes, RDA
“After high school, I remembered my love for dentistry and thought dental assisting would be a good way to bring meaning into my world while helping others.”
Registered Dental Assistant
“After I received my RDA certification, I started working in a private practice. I realized that what you learn in school is not always what you are taught in a dental practice. I also learned to be open to new techniques and ideas, and how dental assisting becomes a new dance with each dentist you assist.”
Luis Moran, RDAEF
“Early in my career, I decided to take every opportunity to better myself and my work environment. I promised myself I would come to work every day and learn everything possible to make things happen for me so that one day I could truly make a difference.”
Registered Dental Assistant
“Watching how Owner Dentist Sonny Chokka, DDS, interacted with his patients inspired me to do the same and execute the Perfect Patient Experience ®. I listened, shadowed, took notes and expanded my clinical knowledge – I did everything I set out to do. Dr. Chokka motivated me to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and with direct support from him I became a Registered Dental Assistant in Expanded Functions (RDAEF).”
Registered Dental Assistant in Expanded Functions
“The mentoring I received from Dr. Chokka energized me to continue to do more and become a lead, and to show others what a true lead is. A lead that leads by example, a lead that develops their team, a lead that focuses on character and not just competency, a lead that helps others find their calling.”
“When I look back on the past 20 years, I see how much knowledge I’ve gained, how many goals I have accomplished, and still, I continue to want to better myself and open the next door to an even better future.”
Luis Moran, RDAEF
CEREC ® Instructor
“I was excited to start with PDS in a position to help implement technology that was going to change how we delivered dentistry. It was so rewarding to see the CEREC CAD/CAM numbers rise and become a consistent form of dentistry in all PDS-supported practices.
Lead Dental Assistant/ Benefits Coordinator
“The next step in my journey was working as a Lead Dental Assistant (LDA) for a large DSO-supported practice. This experience was the anchor for my knowledge today. I soon progressed into the Benefits Coordinator, function role where I really learned how I could use my experiences to connect with others, build relationships and gain trust.”
Instructor
“A few years into dental assisting, I was offered a teaching position at the school I had attended. I spent five years in that role, learning new teaching techniques for different types of learners, and going into offices as the extern coordinator.”
Regional Back-Office Trainer
“I was soon promoted to Regional Back-Office Trainer. Today, I enjoy establishing relationships with clinicians, dental assistants and various levels of management. I teach multiple workshops and strive to encourage others who started off just like me.”
Back-Office Trainer
“My passion for mentoring others led me to become a back-office trainer.”
New Markets Team
“I was then given the opportunity to join the De Novo/New Markets team, in addition to CEREC training. Our three-person team was responsible for ensuring everything was ready for an owner dentist and team to enter the office and start work. I remember when we moved into Colorado and Texas and started working with regional teams. I worked on this team for 10 years until I started expanding into other departments concurrently.”
Back-Office Compliance
“Reflecting on where I best served, I moved into the Purchasing Department with a dedicated focus in compliance. During this time, I learned a lot about how FMS worked, the procurement process, the importance of vendor relationships, and protecting the PDS brand.”
Compliance Department
“Two years ago, I moved into the Compliance Department. I can honestly say some of our proactive procedures allowed us to move through challenges like the Ebola outbreak, COVID-19 pandemic, insurance audits and dental board audits with ease. The team is researching, interacting with industry experts, developing processes to reduce liability, mitigate issues and create safe dental visits on a daily basis. Because of this team, PDS is the top in our industry in terms of compliance and is regarded as being diligent, compliant and proactive.”
“If you would have told me this would be where I landed, I would have laughed and responded, ‘No way,’ but I can tell you, this is my heart.”
Shari Landes, RDA
A Crowning Achievement
The journey of the crown at PDS and beyond.
Long before Pacific Dental Services supported its first practice in 1994, one of the smallest, but arguably greatest feats in cosmetic dentistry made its mark on the map. The crown, or cap, sits on top of a tooth to help restore shape, size, function and appearance. As early as 700 B.C., archeologists discovered crowns made by the Etruscans, a civilization from modern-day Italy. Originally crafted from ivory and bone, human or oxen teeth were secured in place with gold bands. Later in 200 A.D., crowns and bridges were made primarily from gold and only afforded to the wealthy and women.
Around this same time, ancient Egyptians made replacement teeth using seashells and placed them into gums with a hammering method. To say much has changed since then would be an understatement.
By the 1800s, metal crowns were no longer considered fashionable and a more aesthetically-pleasing option was in high demand. Enter Charles H. Land, dentist and pioneer of the jacket crown, a ceramic crown that fits over the tooth like a jacket and patented in 1905. (Coincidentally, Land was also the grandfather of famed aviator, Charles Lindbergh.) The jacket crown was widely used until about the 1950s, but they lacked durability and would often break or crack.
In the early 90s, around the time PDS was formed, there were very few crown choices to offer patients and the overwhelming majority were porcelain fused to metal (PFM). There were typically three methods for making crowns: in a dental lab, manufactured pre-fab crowns or within the dental office itself. If a patient was willing, dentists could have the lab make a porcelain fused to gold (PFG) crown instead or occasionally full gold crowns (FGC), but this option was primarily for elderly patients during mid-last century.
Lab-made crowns: A little later, labs began to use some newer materials but still applied old techniques to make crowns. This is when the PFG started having variations of gold material and crowns such as Captek™ and Goldtech Bio2000 ® became available. The advantages for Captek was improved gum health and for the Bio2000, more flexural strength, or more biocompatibility.
Manufactured pre-fab crowns: The stainless steel, pre-fab crown have been around for many decades. It is a hollow, thin crown and primarily used on deciduous (baby) teeth. Cosmetically, these crowns aren’t ideal as they are metal in color although some prefab crowns are now being made of zirconia, again primarily used on deciduous teeth, offering better aesthetic than a metal crown. Disadvantages of both include higher risk of poor fit.
700 B.C. – Early examples of restoration bridges made from gold bands and wires by the Etruscans, a civilization from modern-day Italy.
200 A.D. – Crowns and bridges were made primarily of gold and afforded to the wealthy and women.
1770s – Prior to the American Revolution, Paul Revere made a brief career as a dentist with a practice in Boston, creating dentures made from ivory for local residents. Partial denture attributed to Paul Revere.
CEREC ® -made crowns: CEREC crowns derived their name from the process of how they are made using a CEREC imaging unit and then milling a pre-made ceramic block. Initially, the material offerings were very few such as the Vita Mark II and Empress. These were comparable with porcelain strength to the older PFM crowns.
E-Max/Blue Block: Next arose what is still the most popular material at PDS-supported offices – the E-max, often called Blue Block for its purplish hue, is milled wet in its raw state prior to being fired in an oven to reach tooth color appearance and final strength. These crowns can be two to four times stronger than the older PFM crowns and more aesthetically desirable.
Lava™ Crowns: After the 1950s, porcelain crowns were available but rarely used due to weakness and fracture until labs began layering porcelain crowns, such as Lava Crowns, making the interior of the crown from zirconia and stacking the weaker porcelain on top for cosmetics. This technique produces a crown with less fracture risk but still cosmetic.
Zirconia Crowns: Today, at many PDS-supported offices, we can now offer 100% zirconia crowns such as the Katana™ crown and the BruxZir ® crown, a popular lab-made choice. These crowns are four to six times stronger than the older PFM crowns, though less cosmetic than other CEREC block choices, and preferred for use on molar teeth.
Looking Ahead
So, where do we go from here? Academic research is being conducted to make crowns that have extra abilities such as piezoelectric charge to stimulate gum tissue and kill bacteria as well as micro-LED lights to irradiate gum tissue and provide phototherapy. 3D printed versions of crowns are also being evaluated but have not quite reached mainstream due to material choices and efficiency to make.
With faster, evolving technology, the future of the crown, in an otherwise remarkable journey, looks bright and has earned its name fit for royalty.
Charles Rodgers, DDS Vice President, Clinical Quality
1889 – Charles H. Land patented a crown covered in porcelain, called a “jacket” crown.
1950s – Abraham Weinstein developed porcelain fused to metal crowns but were often prone to chipping and cracking.
1980s – CAD/CAM Technology is introduced.
2021 – CEREC dental crowns offer patients the advantage of getting a crown on the same day in one office visit.
The Registered Dental Hygienist’s Journey
Paving the way towards a brighter future in dental hygiene and compassionate care.
Over the last century, the role of the dental hygienist has evolved since the first dental hygiene program was founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1913. The advancement and advocacy of our role was founded by many great leaders, such as dental hygienist, dentist and author of Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, Esther Wilkins, and organizations like the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), established in 1957. The primary role for dental hygienists was to help control plaque and caries. Although it was thoughtfully progressive at the time, dental hygienists have opened many doors to help advance dentistry and provide the compassionate care they are known for today.
Today, PDS has almost 1,200 supported dental hygienists that advocate for oral and whole-body health every day. The paradigm shift in dentistry has accelerated our role to include a focus as oral health care providers. At our core, hygienists perform inflammatory control and treat periodontal disease. However, it’s no longer just about cleaning teeth; it’s about taking a proactive and predictive approach to disease management.
Throughout our journey we have been given tools and modalities that help us provide better care to ensure our patients remain healthier and happier. Through the use of proven, integrated technologies such as dental soft tissue diode lasers and tissue fluorescence screening tools, we are able to better serve our patients’ whole-body health and not just their oral health.
Like the dental hygienist role, our society continues to evolve and the course of nature changes as we adapt and embrace new ways of living. For example, the rapid changes in societal norms have created a new and more vulnerable population: young people under the age of 50. With oropharyngeal cancers on the rise due to HPV and lifestyle changes, the VELscope ® oral cancer screening system and other tissue florescence technology can help us better screen this population that was previously considered as low risk.
Helping advance the level of care we provide patients is the integration of salivary diagnostic testing. Thanks to this innovative and convenient method of testing, our previously reactive approach to periodontal disease has now been accelerated to a level of predictive care. In many cases, we are able to “see” potential pathogenic bacteria before any clinical signs and/or manifestations appear, allowing us to establish a more predictive response to our treatments through genetic screening.
Through these tools we are able to take a quantitative approach and not limit ourselves to the less tangible, qualitative approach. However, if we can embrace both methods when providing care, we can help patients connect the dots and, in some cases,
“We can help bridge the gap in systemic care by being the first line of defense and their whole-body health advocate.”
before their physicians suspect anything is amiss. We can help bridge the gap in their systemic care by being their first line of defense and their whole-body health advocate.
There is no better time than now to be an oral health care provider. PDS has invested in the Hygienist-in-Training (HIT) program to enhance the journey of personal growth and professional development. This is an investment in our future supported dental hygienists, proven to help create a synergy of their competence and confidence to provide the level of care their patients require and deserve.
The shift the dental industry is experiencing has emboldened our role by extraordinary measures. As stewards of oral and whole-body health, we are paving the way towards a brighter future in dental hygiene and compassionate care. Our voices are being heard through research, advocacy and legislation. Our destiny has no limits, but in order for us to take part we must be involved. Together, we can continue to shape the future of oral health care.
Summer LaMoureaux, RDH Program Manager, Hygiene Operations
The Clinical Excellence Journey Begins and Ends with Patient-Centric Care
Since 1994, the PDS platform has continuously supported clinicians on their journey towards clinical excellence through the use of proven, integrated technology and chairside education to help patients understand the link between oral health and whole-body health. As trusted clinicians within their communities, our supported dentists strive to serve patients by leveraging the Perfect Patient Experience ® (PPE) to understand their needs. This approach has enabled clinicians to retain patients in their practices for many years in their continued quest to create Patients For Life ® (PFL). When executed properly, the PPE improves case acceptance which helps clinicians achieve their goal of keeping their patients healthier and happier. Comprehensive care with a proactive approach to diagnosis and treatment planning has proven to improve the overall health of our patients.
Advanced, proven technology has been part of the platform for decades as digital X-rays, electronic health records and CEREC ® CAD/CAM are standard in all PDS-supported practices. Same-day dentistry is what sets PDS apart from other DSOs, yet the concept remains unfamiliar to many patients. Patients in need of crowns or emergency dental work are pleasantly surprised when they learn our supported dentists have access to technology to deliver the dentistry they need and want, which leads to a positive and efficient dental experience.
As we transition our focus more towards the Mouth-Body Connection ®, our quest in creating Healthier, Happier Patients ® takes on a whole new meaning. Science is on our side as more studies link oral pathogens to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and maternal health. Over 50% of PDS-supported practices have transitioned to Epic ® , the most widely used comprehensive health records system, allowing supported clinicians to have a more comprehensive view of patients’ medical and dental health histories. The detailed health histories serve as a valuable resource for our supported clinicians to further educate patients of the benefits of good oral health and ways to maintain it to better improve their whole-body health.
The journey in helping patients maintain better oral health doesn’t end there. Advanced digital imaging, like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), is taking hold as a core element to many of our supported practices as it enables clinicians to make more accurate diagnoses for better longterm solutions. In many cases, new patients who visit a PDS-supported practice are asymptomatic. If a patient accepts the clinician’s recommendation for a CBCT scan and pathology is discovered, it is common for the patient’s impression and treatment plan acceptance to improve.
Chairside salivary diagnostic testing is also being leveraged to help patients not only improve their oral health, but to support them in achieving improved overall health. Salivary diagnostic testing during exams, such as those offered by OralDNA ® Labs, empower patients to take control of their oral health. It’s our responsibility to educate our patients so they may continue to have improved treatment outcomes in their journey towards better health. As we gain a clearer understanding of the Mouth-Body Connection, our role expands beyond being just a dentist but rather, an oral health care provider.
The integration of the aforementioned technologies will allow PDS-supported clinicians to deliver an unparalleled quality of care for each and every patient. As a dentist, I consider it a privilege to be supported by the PDS platform. Collectively, we as owner dentists are supported by the Greatest Dental Company in America.
Carolyn Ghazal, DDS Chair, GP Platform Development
FOLLOW @EXPERIENCEPDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
BY JOSH WHIPPLE, SENIOR DIRECTOR, TALENT AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
As we continue our efforts to hire extraordinary team members, we encourage you to like and follow our @ExperiencePDS Instagram and Facebook pages. Our goal is to strengthen our connections with those who are interested in joining the PDS team while broadening our reach and providing insight into our company culture. We share content about our organization’s focus on service, clinical excellence, proven technology, career opportunities and more.
If you’d like us to share what you’re doing, remember to tag us at @ExperiencePDS.
Bianca Velayo, DMD (left) instructs a dental student during a CAD/CAM boot camp at NSC.
San Joaquin Valley College DA students at CEREC ® CAD/CAM Bootcamp.
SHARE YOUR 5-STAR EXPERIENCE WITH US
Websites that publish reviews by current and former team members, like Glassdoor and Indeed, are leading destinations for job seekers to research companies and decide if they want to join their team.
We want to hear from you. Please visit Glassdoor and/or Indeed to share a review about your personal 5-star work experience. Potential candidates consider former and current team member reviews to be one of the most reliable sources of information and they help us recruit top talent (like you!) as our organization continues to grow.
Pediatric Introduction to Clinical Excellence
PDS-supported pediatric dentists at Pediatric Introduction to Clinical Excellence (PICE), which included a hands-on pediatric aesthetic crown workshop hosted by Eric Ellis, DMD.
Pictured here (L-R):
Elysia Sybert, DDS, Kim Trinh, DDS, Carlynn Chappell, DDS, Sara Karlin, DDS, Zehra Zaid, DDS, Ray Tucker, DDS, and Anna Shahinian, DDS.
Focus on the Core Basics while Evolving for the Future
The PDS University ® (PDSU) – Institute of Dentistry is committed to recruit, retain and teach supported clinicians to execute the PDS platform and become the best clinicians possible. The Institute is focused on driving clinical competence and confidence through Clinicians Leading Clinicians in Clinical Excellence ® Clinical excellence results in case acceptance with quality clinical outcomes creating healthier, happier patients. These strategic principals will continue to be at the forefront for the PDSU – Institute of Dentistry faculty as the evolution of the Institute continues over time.
Over the past two years the main focus was to identify and implement strategies to more closely align the Institute structure and subject matter expert core topics with the success of PDS-supported clinicians and the PDS platform. The Institute must be inclusive of all clinical instructors and content offered in the PDS-supported environment. This outlook allows the Institute to expand, scale and align across multiple learning channels while focusing on key strategies such as dental-medical integration with the Mouth-Body Connection ® being supported by our new technology platforms: Epic ®, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and ultimately Assisted Intelligence (AI).
As PDS-supported clinicians begin their educational journey with new technology platforms, it is important that the key topics supporting associate dentist (AD) “ramp and success” remain at the forefront of education. The Perfect Patient Experience ®, diagnosis and treatment planning, and CEREC ® CAD/CAM remain core to an AD’s education in their first 120 days in a PDS-supported practice. New hires will see elements of the Mouth-Body Connection, Epic and CBCT woven throughout their Introduction to Clinical Excellence (ICE) curriculum, which represents the first steps on the journey to becoming a fully-fledged PDS-supported clinician.
The Institute’s board of chairs continues to evolve the structure of the Institute in order to strengthen the PDS platform with the long-term vision of PDS in mind. The PDSU – Institute of Dentistry’s vision remains “to be THE learning community platform for PDS-supported clinicians to share best practices, engage in ‘best in class’ action-oriented education and develop mentor/mentee relationships.”
In addition to incorporating introductory content into already existing courses, Minh Pham, DDS, a PDS-supported owner dentist and Institute CBCT subject matter expert, developed fundamental content for the new CBCT user. The CBCT curriculum is assigned to dentists prior to installation of their CBCT unit. This curriculum was designed for various learning styles and includes educational videos, example training cases, an organized step-by-step workflow on how to read a CBCT image and various other resources. Dr. Pham is focused on scaling this education by training regional instructors of CBCT in every market. This curriculum will continue to evolve as key learnings from the CBCT implementation are identified. For more information please visit the CBCT page on PDSConnect.
PDSU – Institute of Dentistry
The foundation of Clinicians Leading Clinicians in Clinical Excellence remains the same and the PDSU – Institute of Dentistry is committed to researching, creating and teaching world-class education to empower PDS-supported clinicians. For more information on how to get involved with The PDSU –Institute of Dentistry please email PDSInstitute@pacden.com
Lacey Schicker Senior Manager, General Practice Platform Development
XP AWARDS 2021
2020 OFFICE OF THE YEAR
Downey Promenade Dental Group
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
2020 DE NOVO OF THE YEAR
Davenport Modern Dentistry
Central Florida Region
2020 MOST IMPROVED OFFICE OF THE YEAR
Hub Plaza Dental Group
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
2020 REGIONAL SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR
Sam Hansen
South Inland Empire Region
2020 REGION OF THE YEAR
Pacific South Coast Region (now known as South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region and Orange County Region)
2020 PEDIATRIC OFFICE OF THE YEAR
My Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics - Pearland Gulf Coast Region
Joshua Golden, DDS We Serve Award
Sam Hansen 2020 Regional Support Person Of The Year
Jenny Caskey Diamond Award
David King, DDS Diamond Award
Shauna Jennings Diamond Award
PDS Founder and CEO Stephen Thorne presented the keynote address during the interactive virtual event.
AWARD OF DISTINCTION
Cara Cavanaugh Support Centers - NSC
WE SERVE AWARD
Joshua Golden, DDS West Sunrise Dentistry
Christine Tipton Falls Church Modern Dentistry
DIAMOND AWARD
Jenny Caskey Support Centers - NSC
Miranda Huff Tennessee Region
Shauna Jennings Nevada Region
David King, DDS Midwest Region
Katherine Novales North Los Angeles Region
Rich Simpson Desert Mountain Region
Kasandra Weir, RDH Rocky Mountain Region
Kasandra Weir, RDH Diamond Award
Rich Simpson Diamond Award
Cara Cavanaugh Award of Distinction
Christine Tipton We Serve Award
Katherine Novales Diamond Award
Miranda Huff Diamond Award
PLATINUM AWARD
Angelica Aube, RDH
Massachusetts/Virginia/ Maryland Region
Claudia Bueno
Desert Mountain Region
Mindy Buoncristiani, DDS
Northern California Region
Joe Cea Support Centers - NSC
Esmeralda Chiang, DMD Gulf Coast Region
Cullen Crom Georgia Region
Karen Culbertson Washington/Oregon Region
Edward Davis, DDS
San Diego Region
Karla Davis
Gulf Coast Region
Oriana Diaz
Orange County Region
Eric Ellis, DMD
Desert Mountain Region
Demi Godina
South Inland Empire Region
Jaime Gutierrez Washington/Oregon Region
Jordin McEntire
Northern California Region
Mounu Nakayama Nevada Region
Erika Rawls
South Florida Region
Valerie Robledo
South Florida Region
Lauren Salzillo
Nevada Region
Olivia Santillan, DDS
South Dallas/Fort Worth Region
Brianna Segovia
Rocky Mountain Region
Julie Senamontry
Rocky Mountain Region
Heather Shulga Support Centers - NSC
Brian Taylor Orange County Region
Chelsea Ullyot Central Florida Region
Karim Zaklama, DDS
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
XP AWARD
Alex Arauz South Florida Region
Gloria Arce Central Florida Region
Alan Arizmendi Perez
Desert Mountain Region
Brianna Armstrong Support Centers - NSC
Alexa Benz Midwest Region
Mindy Buoncristiani, DDS Platinum Award
Oriana Diaz Platinum Award
Heather Shulga Platinum Award
Demi Godina Platinum Award
Jordin McEntire Platinum Award
Cullen Crom Platinum Award
Edward Davis, DDS Platinum Award
Angelica Aube, RDH Platinum Award
Claudia Bueno Platinum Award
Julie Senamontry Platinum Award
Brianna Segovia Platinum Award
Lauren Salzillo Platinum Award
Eric Ellis,DMD Platinum Award
Esmeralda Chiang, DMD Platinum Award
Karla Davis Platinum Award
XP AWARD (cont.)
Cindy Bernardo Northern California Region
Bria Bethea Carolinas Region
Yoofi Biney Massachusetts/Virginia/ Maryland Region
Shana Bredeson Nevada Region
Rachel Cardin North Dallas Fort Worth/ Oklahoma Region
Annie Chau San Diego Region
Chante Conway Gulf Coast Region
Aleasha Deister Midwest Region
Rami Dimitri, DDS South Inland Empire Region
Gabrielle Dorr Gulf Coast Region
Claudia Duarte North Los Angeles Region
Stephanie Dutton Gulf Coast Region
Derica Ellison Georgia Region
Yadira Escalante Gulf Coast Region
Rabia Farrkh Rocky Mountain Region
Nicole Gamble Georgia Region
Maegan Gerrish San Diego Region
Dawn Hannah Desert Mountain Region
Sylvia Jimenez, DDS Washington/Oregon Region
Emerald Keyner
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
Mohammed Khakwani, DMD Desert Mountain Region
Christina Kim, DMD Orange County Region
Krista Koehler, DDS Minnesota Region
Maria Leake, DMD Nevada Region
Kelly Lemoine Northern California Region
Alicia Lowry Nevada Region
Diane Ly Support Centers - NSC
Corina Maldonado San Diego Region
Tamara Martinez Gulf Coast Region
Nicole McGovran
Northern California Region
Zumra Merdanovic, RDH South Dallas/Fort Worth Region
Chelsea Mills Central Florida Region
Kyle Moll Washington/Oregon Region
Dalia Monsivaiz
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
Nidia Moreno, RDH Desert Mountain Region
Michelle Naranjo Northern California Region
Toreano Norris Northern California Region
Bumi Ogunsola Tennessee Region
Linda Ortega-Sandoval Desert Mountain Region
Seema Patel, DMD Gulf Coast Region
Margaret Patterson Washington/Oregon Region
Stephanie Pearlman Support Centers - DSC
Maria Ponce North Los Angeles Region
Jessica Quintero
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
Viridiana Reyes North Los Angeles Region
Ashley Ridilla, RDH Rocky Mountain Region
Sarah Rosser Rocky Mountain Region
Daniella Smith
North Dallas Fort Worth/ Oklahoma Region
Priscilla Sosa
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
Rachelle Tetherow Washington/Oregon Region
Christopher Tolmie, DDS South Florida Region
Wendolyn Torres Creque, RDH Gulf Coast Region
Stacey Tran Support Centers - NSC
Diana Vales
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
Kenya Venzor Rocky Mountain Region
Heydi Vivas
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
Kathryn Wynne, DDS Rocky Mountain Region
Regina Yanez
South Inland Empire Region
OWNER DENTIST MEETING
SEPT. 15-17, 2021 | DALLAS, TX
In September 2021, PDS welcomed hundreds of Owner Dentists for the annual OD meeting in Dallas for the first time since 2019. The excitement in the room was palpable, inspiring and maybe even emotional as we joined together once again for an extraordinary exchange of ideas and to further clinical excellence.
The event featured presentations from the PDS Foundation, an update on the Epic® rollout and the Mouth-Body Connection® and Stephen Thorne, founder and CEO, provided the keynote presentation. Maria Emanuel Ryan, DDS, Ph.D, vice president and chief clinical officer for Colgate also shared a special presentation on the connections between oral and overall health.
For those who were unable to join, we plan on seeing you at the 2022 XP April 22-24 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Together, we will continue to increase access to care and lead the way into the future of dentistry. Below are some images from this exciting three-day event.
Stephen Thorne and Diana Do-Yabut, DMD
David Bryant, VP, Operations Support, Karim Zaklama, DDS, Paula Larson, Regional Partner, Sonny Chokka, DDS, Paul Awad, DDS
Robert Benavides, DDS and Dan Burke, Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer & General Counsel
Stephen Thorne and Bart Stears, DDS
The Owner Dentist meeting serves a number of important outcomes. It celebrates the community of clinicians that continues to grow and thrive and shows what is possible for all providers as we celebrate what some of the best are able to achieve, raising the bar for all. Finally, we communicate a fresh vision for the future based on the new additions to the platform. ”
Jon Thorne, COO and SVP, Operations
Stephen Thorne and Zulema Valdivia, DDS, the periodontist at the helm of Periodontics Health Group, a newly formed specialty DSO in Florida and the first of its kind with PDS.
Lulu Tang, DMD and Kyle Poulsen, DDS
Anthony Falone, DMD, Patrick Perodin, Regional Partner, Sonny Chokka, DDS, Robert Schroff, DDS, Aseel Mukbel, DDS, Shawn Fuller, DDS
Stephen Thorne and Joshua Golden, DDS
General Session featuring Stephen Thorne, Founder & CEO
Janie Peters, Senior Director, Clinical Informatics, presented Epic and the Mouth-Body Connection ® with Ashley Spooner, DDS, D.ABDSM.
Maria Emanuel Ryan, DDS, Ph.D. VP & Chief Clinical Officer, Colgate, presented Connections Between Oral and Overall Health
Friends of the Foundation
Where Did We Begin to Serve?
April 16, 2006, on the beautiful island of Oahu in Waimea Bay Beach Park, a 6 a.m. church service was held while the sun rose on a beautiful Easter morning. The title of the service was: “The Day After Your Resurrection.” It was a unique message, as the pastor challenged the crowd to create an enduring call-to-action.
For PDS, it was the call to be an organization that serves. Since that day 15 years ago, we have been on a remarkable journey through which many lives have been touched:
• Over $86 million worth of care provided through donated dentistry
• More than 19,000 patients served through Smile Generation Serve Day
• Eight hours of paid volunteer time each year for every PDS team member
• Collected donations and items such as sports equipment, toys, food, jackets, socks and more for non-profits across the nation
• Clean, safe drinking water for 215,000 individuals through charity: water
• 16 KABOOM! playgrounds built in communities we serve
• Building partnerships with national non-profit organizations like Special Olympics International and the PDS® Foundation
It has been an incredible start, but the sky is the limit as we journey together to be the provider of choice in all the markets we serve. Please join us as we continue to create a healthier, happier world.
Visit the We Serve Center (by clicking on the tile in Okta) for details on how you can start a life of service today.
Kyle Guerin Director, PDS Foundation & Corporate Social Responsibility Carli Kingsley Senior Specialist, Corporate Social Responsibility
ANNIVERSARIES
DEBORAH ELSTAD Auditor, Insurance Claims
ROC, Billing Operations
I am so grateful to have worked with Pacific Dental Services as an Operations Manager for 24 years and now as an auditor with ROC. I am blessed to work with team members who consistently believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, and for the wonderful memories and lasting relationships with caring people who show mutual respect and kindness. Thank you to all who I have been lucky to work with, both now and in the past.
BRADY AASE
SVP, Strategic Market Development and Support Accounting/Finance
The We Believes Behavioral Framework has always been at the center of my journey at PDS. In my 25 years here, each belief at one time or another has taken center stage. Whether the Great Recession in 2007-2009 or more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, I have relied on the We Believes for words of wisdom such as, “only God knows what tomorrow holds” or “the way we do business is as critical as whether business is good or bad.” I’ve learned that constant learning and adaptability are vital to overcome such obstacles. I have an incredibly rewarding job and I can’t imagine doing anything different.
ELLEN ARCALA, RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
College Dental Group and Orthodontics
San Diego Region
It is quite a milestone to reach 25 years of service to this company. I am very blessed and grateful for giving me the opportunity and privilege to work with my amazing team. PDS has guided me to be a better clinician with their principles and beliefs. I enjoy the work I do with a focus on education and giving quality care to my patients. I look forward to many more years of service with this awesome organization.
GLORIA HERNANDEZ
Operations Manager II
Chino Hills Dental Group and Orthodontics
South Los Angeles/ North Inland Empire Region
In my 25 years at PDS I have grown as an Operations Manager and as a leader. I’ve had the opportunity to lead team members in becoming leaders themselves. Many great moments and achievements began here at PDS.
PAULINE CRANGLE
Specialty Dental Assistant Orthodontics
South Los Angeles /North Inland Empire Region
I’ve enjoyed working at PDS. I’m grateful for all the people I met and worked with throughout my journey.
DEEPIKA DHAMA, DDS
Owner Dentist, Hamner Dental Group and Orthodontics
South Inland Empire Region
My 20-year PDS journey has been a remarkable one. I am surrounded by an astounding team along with a company who values the success of ODs who are committed to creating Healthier, Happier Patients.
EDWIN ESPELETA, DDS
Owner Dentist, East Murrieta Dental Group and Orthodontics
South Inland Empire Region
It’s been a great honor to share this journey with a growing, dynamic company. The We Believes Behavioral Framework has helped me develop a growth mindset while keeping my principles in a centered foundation. Cheers to many more years (or until my kids graduate college).
PATRICIA GAMMON
Regional Collection Specialist
South Inland Empire Region
It has been a pleasure and honor to work alongside and support the South Inland Empire Region for 20 years. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best RPs, RMs and OMs who have inspired me to grow personally and professionally. As the We Believes Behavioral Framework states, “Only God knows what tomorrow holds.” I am excited to be part of this journey with PDS and look forward to what the next 20 years bring.
CAROL GARNER
Regional Manager
San Diego Region
It’s hard to believe that 20 years with PDS has already gone by. These years have been professionally challenging, yet exciting at the same time knowing that I played a role in the company’s growth. It has also been personally rewarding, especially regarding the relationships I have formed with the Operations Managers, ODs, and the trust and loyalty that my two RPs have given me during these years. What a journey it has been.
RITTU GILL, DDS
Owner Dentist, Crossroads Dental Group and Orthodontics
South Los Angeles/North Inland Empire Region
My journey with PDS started in 2001. I have witnessed the technological advancements PDS has provided its ODs to help bridge the gap in the Mouth-Body Connection®, from charts and QSI to chartless with CPS and now Epic ®, developers, digital sensors and lasers to name a few. These advancements have shaped the world of dentistry. It is deeply gratifying to be part of a leading dental company.
ANDREA MOORE, DDS
Owner Dentist, The Dental Office of Beaumont
South Los Angeles/North Inland Empire Region
Thank you to the PDS team for your generous support and great care during my 20-year journey. It has been a pleasure to work with a company that will do everything it can to help me succeed.
KAROLINA MORENO
Representative, Contact Center
NSC
Working with PDS has been amazing. I’ve had the privilege to meet exceptional people along with great professional opportunities to grow within the company. No number of words can accurately capture my wonderful experience at PDS.
ERICA STAPLETON
Regional Manager
South Inland Empire Region
I am extremely blessed to have found stability, growth and success in my 20 years with PDS. There are so many amazing mentors, leaders and friends that have contributed to my journey. Thank you all.
SHARON TORRES
Specialty Benefits Coordinator, Parkway Dental Group
South Los Angeles/North Inland Empire Region
PDS has helped me to become the best that I can be. I have learned tremendous amounts of programs working with the PDS team, one of them being Epic. It’s a hard challenge, but one that is rewarding. I would like to thank everyone for making my PDS journey a great one.
ANNIVERSARIES
YEARS
Desert Mountain
Lori Barberini-Poisson, RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist 9/13/06
Maria Granados
Lead Registered Dental Assistant 4/5/06
Linda Smith Operations Manager 7/12/06
Jessica Travis
Lead Dental Assistant 8/30/06
Nichelle Valenzuela Lead Dental Assistant 6/21/06
Nevada
Cari Callaway-Nelson, DDS, FAGD Dentist, Owner (General Practice) 8/22/06
Matt Borack Lead Engineer, IT Enterprise Applications 1/4/11
Krystal Brown Representative, Customer Service Smart Pay 8/29/11
Daniel Burke Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer and General Counsel 9/26/11
Raymond Cho Manager, Data Management and Analytics 1/17/11
Berneice Dang Manager, Facilities 12/28/10
Roger DeMond Administrator, Information Security 2/7/11
Jennifer Ferrell Supervising Senior, Tax 9/26/11
Lindsey Haas Specialist, New Market Development and Front Office 5/16/11
Rosie Jimenez Auditor, Insurance Claims 12/20/10
Marina King Administrator, Credentialing 3/14/11
Melissa Rosales Senior Manager, Plan Partnerships and Credentialing 6/16/08
Karen Ruiz Auditor, Insurance Claims 3/28/11
Lillian Santiago Specialist, Field Development 7/22/11
Elisa Sentani Specialist, Field Development (Practice Management System) 7/18/11
Sergio Soto-Melgoza Project Manager, Construction 9/23/11
Roy Talavera Manager, De Novo IT 7/15/11
Kirstin Taylor Analyst, ROC Product 1/3/11
Kimberly Taylor Director, Real Estate Development 4/11/11
Oscar Torres Specialist, Field Development 7/11/11
AROUND PDS
Mukilteo Owner Dentist, Dr. Esther Ra, went the extra mile, literally. She represented her office during the Seattle marathon.
The Seattle 2 team enjoying a lunch outing.
The Covington team enjoyed meeting community members at a local farmer’s market
A collection of “Things” from Palm Beach Gardens
Hillsboro Owner Dentist, Dr. John Duro, poses with a happy patient during Smile Generation Serve Day 2021
Olathe 2’s Associate Dentist, Dr. Alipour, celebrates with her team members during her wedding.
Team members at Sunrise received the We Serve Award.
Champlin’s Owner Dentist, Dr. Siraj Bachani, and his Dental Assistant working on CEREC® training
Congratulations to the North Los Angeles region’s Lead Dental Assistant graduates!
are
provide
The team at Sparks 3 is ready for their grand opening
The Rocky Mountain region is a proud sponsor of the Special Olympics’ Plane Pull
Regional Partner Jamie Harris explains the importance of case acceptance to Benefits Coordinators
The Oregon region congratulates their new Specialty Lead Dental Assistant, Katie Cseh
Congratulations to newly engaged couple, Washington Regional Manager, Emily Rawls, and Silverdale Operations Manager, Joe Stoia
Nona 2 is ready to kickstart Smile Generation Serve Day 2021
Heights celebrating World Smile Day
Lake
Columbia
The team at Richfield celebrating Associate Dentist, Dr. Krista Koehler
The team at Rancho Cucamonga 3
ready to
the highest level of care
Another successful OralDNA® class at HSC in the books.
The Reno Specialty Team kicking off Q4 with some teambuilding activities
Celebrating Central Florida Regional Marketing Manager, Jhalisson Castro’s, five-year PDS work anniversary.
Florida region celebrates Lead Dental Assistants.
New
Happy Halloween from the forest at Miami 1.
The Owner Dentists and team celebrated the opening of Wildomar 3 with a private ribbon cutting.
Central
Clinicians celebrating a successful Owner Dentist Meeting in
Mexico.
First Owner Dentist Meeting in South Colorado.
Celebrating the opening of Henderson 9, a medical - dental integrated supported practice, with an official ribbon cutting.
The team at Clearwater 1 doing a ZOOM!® whitening demonstration.
Team members rocking their Smile Generation T-shirts.
New Mexico South Colorado’s Regional Back Office Manager, Jessica Garcia.
The team at Miami Shores is excited to treat patients
Murrieta 2 showed their appreciation to their front office team with flowers.
Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month with the hygienists at Vacaville.
Burbank celebrates their Hygiene
Chaska’s Lead Dental Assistant adding her name to the wall in support of Smile for Special Needs.
Henderson 9’s Pediatric Specialist, Ray Tucker, DDS, during a news interview.
Celebrating World Smile Day at Champlin.
Celebrating Ortho Days of Fun at Menifee 1.
Shadow Mountain and Las Vegas 12 at a fun team building event.
Team in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month.
Coral Gables is ready for Epic go-live.
Elk Grove threw their Pediatric Specialist, Winston Lin, DDS, and Orthodontic Specialist, Amir Soleimani, DDS a duo baby shower.
Federal Way Owner Dentist, Jessica Ahn, DMD, showing Associate Dentist, Amir Soleimani, DDS, how to prep.
Team members from the South
Region celebrating their Specialty Dental Assistants for graduating from their lead program.
Chaska Owner Dentist, Dr. Jithendranathan, and her hygienist are ready to educate patients about periodontal disease.
happening
Ocoee welcoming patients with big smiles.
The team at Belton 1 cheering on their favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Magic is
at the Harry Potter themed baby shower at Belton 1.
Inland Empire
Ready for a fun and productive Receptionist Workshop.
Prepared to provide the Perfect Patient Experience ®
North Los Angeles region’s PPE® Study Club facilitated by West Hills’ Owner Dentist, Belinda Simonian, DDS.
Simi Valley 3’s Owner Dentist, Katina Magdos, DDS, enjoys a birthday surprise.
Midwest Region Kansas City Lead Dental Assistant Charge.
Team Bloomington is ready for Fall.
Lutz team members greeting the community.
The team at Auburn WA surprise their Dental Assistant with a
Vice President of Marketing, Digital and Patient Experience, Nina Robinson, catching up with the field marketing teams during the Executive Senior Management Operating and Financial Review.
Oregon Region Dental Assistants volunteering at Ruth Haven Day Shelter for Women and Children.
Welcoming new team members during New Hire Orientation.
The team at St. Peters celebrates their one-month anniversary.
Team members posing for a photo after their morning huddle.
The team at Fresno 1 is here to serve the community.
baby shower.
The Seattle 5 team welcoming new patients in the community.
CONGRATULATIONS! NEW OWNER DENTISTS
DR. BRONIKA ATOARDOSHAHI Modesto Smiles Dentistry Northern California Region
DR. ALLYSON HANSON Dentists of Metairie Gulf Coast Region
DR. SANAZ KHALEGHI Beaumont Smiles Dentistry South Los Angeles/North Inland Empire Region
DR. TEJ SINGH Salt Lake Modern Dentistry Rocky Mountain Region
DR. KIMBERLY AIKEN East Oaks Dental Group North Los Angeles Region
DR. MAHDI MOJARRAD Springfield Dental Group Massachusetts/Virginia/ Maryland Region
DR. RAKSHITH RAVIKUMAR
DR. CAITLIN CHIDSEY Olathe West Dentistry + My Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics Midwest Region
DR. SALVADOR MELARA Visalia Modern Dentistry Northern California Region
DR. ASEEL MUKBEL Lake Barcroft Dental Group Massachusetts/Virginia/ Maryland Region
DR. EDWARD DAVIS Carlsbad Village Faire Dentists San Diego Region
DR. SHINAN GUO Coppell Modern Dentistry North Dallas Fort Worth/ Oklahoma Region
DR. SHWETA PARULEKAR Fallon Dental Group Northern California Region
DR. MITEN PATEL Wildwood Dentists Central Florida Region
DR. MANPREET KAUR Marketplace Smiles Dentistry Northern California Region
Orthodontics Desert Mountain Region
DR. DEVON PUCEL Chesterfield Smiles Dentistry Midwest Region
DR. BRIAN SMITH
DR. SAMMI KIM Bristow Fountain Dentistry Massachusetts/Virginia/ Maryland Region
DR. CORNELIUS DANIEL Conyers Smiles Dentistry Georgia Region
Florida Region
DR. SARA KARIM Coral Springs Modern Dentistry South
DR. MICHAEL WISTROM Cedar Hill Modern Dentistry South Dallas Fort Worth Region
DR. PRIYANKA SHAH-MODI Cypress Dentistry Gulf Coast Region
DR. LI-JEN “ERIC” WANG Marysville Modern Dentistry Washington/Oregon Region
DR. LACEY YATES Frisco Crossing Dental Group North Dallas Fort Worth/ Oklahoma Region
DR. JANELLE DIAZ Dentists of Miami Gardens South Florida Region
DR. CHENG “LULU” TANG Sahara Modern Dentistry Nevada Region
JULY 2021
DR. DENNIS ANDREOPOULOS Every Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics Desert Mountain Region
DR. ALEXANDRA FILI Hermitage Modern Dentistry Tennessee Region
AUGUST 2021
DR. ROBERT SCHROFF Chelmsford Modern Dentistry Massachusetts/Virginia/ Maryland Region DR. BRIAN LEDIN Gateway Smiles Dentistry Desert Mountain Region
SEPTEMBER 2021
DR. OMEIR ANSARI Davenport Modern Dentistry Central Florida Region
DR. PATRICK ANGHEL Ranch Plaza Dental Group Nevada Region
DR. KUANYU “ROGER” LIN Stadium Dental Group Northern California Region DR. MARY MABRY Lakeland Modern Dentistry Central Florida Region
DR. ANGELA HAN Dentists of Buford Georgia Region DR. WILSON YIP Dentists of Lenexa Midwest Region
DR. SIMRAN GILL Nut Tree Smiles Dentistry Northern California Region
DR. JOSHUA ARMSTRONG Northeast Gilbert Dentistry Desert Mountain Region
DR. ERIN MCEVOY Sparks Modern Dentistry Nevada Region
DR. SARAH OWEIS Union Village Modern Dentistry Nevada Region
DR. TIFFANY MOORE Dentists of Northpark Gulf Coast Region
DR. BRITNEY PULLIAM Sandy Plains Dental Group Georgia Region
DR. KATARZYNA MORCHAT Leon Springs Modern Dentistry Gulf Coast Region
DR. SHAROD MCKINNEY Pasadena Modern Dentistry Gulf Coast Region
DR. CLAUDIA CAMACHO Dentists of Pico Rivera South Los Angeles/North Inland Empire Region
DECEMBER 2019
DR. LISA OCHOA Austin Modern Dentistry Gulf Coast Region
DR. ELIZABETH DINH Lakewood Modern Dentistry Rocky Mountain Region
DR. PHILIP BATES
DR.
SINGH
41 New Offices, 2 New States
PDS Historical Milestones
1994
PDS® founded
2012 PDS® Foundation established
2019
Over 2 million CEREC crowns
2002
Electronic Dental Records, Digital X-rays & CEREC®
2016
First PDSSupported Medical Office
2020 CBCT & Glance AI
2009
First PDSSupported Pediatric Office
2018 Introducing Mouth-Body Connection®
2021
Epic® Dental-Medical Integration and Periodontics Specialty DSO
