What We've Learned From Years of Dental Outreach

Every year, on Serve Day, the third Saturday in August, we provide dental outreach to underserved patients at no cost to them. After delivering millions in donated dentistry, here are the top ten things we learned about serving others and the power of dental community outreach.

#1: A confident smile holds all the power.

Every year, we treat patients who lose confidence because of their smiles. Losing confidence makes it challenging to maintain relationships, nail the job interview, or perform their best. For example, our patient Sherry struggled with confidence due to her smile. See how a restored smile helped Sherry find her confidence again in her Serve Day Stories video.

#2: A smile is contagious. 

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."

– Mother Teresa.

Smile Generation Serve Day allows patients nationwide to receive a smile they can give others. And who doesn’t think more smiles are a good thing?

#3: There is power in numbers.

Over 900 Smile Generation-trusted offices nationwide have donated over 408,000 hours so far. Our teams have spent this time serving more than 27,000 patients, most of whom might not otherwise have received the necessary dentistry we provided.

#4: Serving is in our DNA. 

Serving our communities is at the core of what we do. From Sacramento to Miami, one thing is for certain: Smile Generation-trusted offices serve their communities. In addition to Serve Day, we partner with organizations locally, nationally, and internationally to bring smiles to others throughout the year. Learn more about the ways we give back! 

#5: Oral health = Overall health.

We are passionate about The Mouth-Body Connection. New research suggests numerous connections between periodontal disease and the risk of systemic diseases, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Taking care of your oral health is essential to your overall health. Throughout the years, we have seen how patients' overall health improves after they receive dental work. Meet George, who explains how donated dentistry improved his life. 

#6: Teamwork makes the dream work.

Smile Generation-trusted dental offices have provided over $57 million in donated dentistry. However, this life-changing care is only possible on Serve Day with the support of every clinician and their team members.

#7: Lead with kindness.

"Be the reason someone smiles."

– Roy T. Bennett 

In all that we do, we prioritize putting others’ needs above our own.

#8: Happy tears are a real thing.

Patients have received many dental treatments, such as CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, inlays, onlays, and dentures. The transformation makes an impact. When a patient sees their new smile, and we can watch the joy spread across their face, we feel connected, and tears are often mingled with smiles.

 #9: No matter what, WE SERVE. 

"I've found when people engage in the physical act of service – of giving oneself and one's time and talents to serving others – it changes our hearts and minds about what is truly important in life."

 – Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services. 

Our team will show up for dental community service even during a global pandemic. In 2020, Smile Generation-trusted clinicians from coast to coast came together during the pandemic while safely social distancing to provide access to care to those who needed it when they needed it most.  

#10. Everyone wins with dental outreach.

When we think of serving others, we are quick to assume the one receiving care is the one who has a life-changing moment. However, that couldn't be farther from the truth. We have seen those who serve with us on Serve Day experience a transformative day followed by a life of service.

Smile Generation Serve Day is an annual day of service and part of a nationwide giving campaign. Patients receive comprehensive oral health care, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, scaling and root planing, restorations, and extractions. It also includes local service projects such as cleaning up community parks or volunteering at local food banks.

It has been our honor to serve our communities with our efforts to provide access to care and dental outreach. We look forward to continuing our service and bringing smiles to many people, including ourselves.