Category: The Positives

Across the nation, dentists are transforming lives beyond the dental chair through heartfelt community service. From organizing free dental clinics to mentoring future dental professionals, these inspiring practitioners exemplify compassion and social responsibility. Their efforts not only improve access to oral care but also build healthier, stronger communities. Discover how these dedicated dental heroes are giving back, one smile at a time.

Pacific Dental Services (PDS) marked a record-breaking achievement during its annual Smile Generation Serve Day, donating more than $10.6 million in dental care to underserved communities across the U.S. The nationwide event brought together hundreds of supported dental practices and volunteers to provide free oral health services, surpassing last year’s total of $7.6 million. This milestone reinforces PDS’s mission to improve access to dental care and promote overall health through compassionate service.

The University of Utah School of Dentistry is expanding its programs and facilities to better meet the growing oral health needs of Utah’s residents. With a focus on workforce development, the initiative aims to increase access to affordable dental care, train more dental professionals, and strengthen partnerships with community clinics. This strategic growth underscores the university’s commitment to improving dental health outcomes, addressing provider shortages, and ensuring high-quality education and patient care across the region.

Discover how University of Richmond researchers are reimagining public policy through the science of happiness. By combining psychology, data analytics, and social innovation, they’re designing evidence-based strategies that not only improve well-being but also drive lasting social change. Learn how these forward-thinking approaches are reshaping communities, inspiring empathy in governance, and proving that good policy can make people—and society—truly thrive.

Pacific Dental Services Foundation has donated a state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic to High Point University’s Workman School of Dental Medicine, expanding access to oral health care for underserved North Carolina communities. The innovative partnership supports HPU dental students with hands-on learning opportunities while advancing the mission of improving oral health equity. This mobile clinic donation underscores Pacific Dental Services Foundation’s ongoing commitment to community service, preventive care, and the next generation of dental professionals.

Discover how dental professionals are transforming lives through volunteerism that promotes oral health for migrant children. This inspiring public health initiative bridges care gaps, empowers communities, and highlights the powerful connection between compassion, education, and improved dental outcomes. Learn how collective efforts are making smiles brighter and healthier—one child at a time.

Discover how the University of Utah School of Dentistry made 2024 a landmark year in dental education, research, and community outreach. From pioneering oral health innovations and expanding clinical partnerships to achieving top rankings and advancing patient care, this annual review highlights the school’s commitment to excellence in education and service. Explore the transformative impact of its faculty, students, and research that continue to shape the future of dentistry in Utah and beyond.

UConn medical and dental students celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by dedicating a day of service to improving community health across Connecticut. Through free health screenings, wellness education, and outreach in underserved neighborhoods, the students embraced Dr. King’s call to serve others and promote equity in healthcare. Their volunteer work highlights UConn’s ongoing mission to combine education, compassion, and social responsibility while inspiring future healthcare professionals to lead with purpose and empathy.

East Carolina University’s Sonríe Clinic Initiative is transforming access to dental care for underserved Hispanic and Latino communities in North Carolina. By providing bilingual services, culturally competent care, and training opportunities for dental students, the program bridges crucial healthcare gaps while promoting inclusivity in oral health. Learn how ECU’s commitment to equitable dental care is creating healthier smiles and stronger communities across the region.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation across Western North Carolina, Samaritan’s Purse medical volunteers are providing essential healthcare to affected communities. Mobile medical units and volunteer doctors are delivering urgent treatment, medication, and hope to residents who lost access to local clinics and hospitals. Their rapid response is not only saving lives but also offering emotional and spiritual support to families rebuilding after disaster. Learn how these compassionate teams are restoring health and resilience to the heart of the mountains.