IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — smile generation® and its nationwide network of trusted dental practices recently launched a two-month fundraiser to support the Pacific Dental Services^® (PDS) Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to improve public health by improving oral health through service opportunities at the local, national and global levels. The organizations joined forces to raise money to improve access to dental care for patients with special needs and to provide specialized training for dentists focused on special needs dentistry.

The fundraising effort consisted of two parts; The first was the 60-day Smile for Special Needs campaign, which ran from September 1st to October 31st. During this period, patients at Smile Generation’s trusted dental offices received discounts on their dental services with a proposed donation to the campaign. In total, over 8,000 donors contributed to the campaign to raise over $370,000.

The second component was a week-long Stroll for Special Needs 5K event that brought together supporters in various communities across the country to stroll, run, walk or roll to raise funds for the cause. Over 1,000 participants in 27 states joined the effort, “strolling” a total of 3,000 miles to raise more than $203,000.

“Smile Generation and the PDS Foundation have created a partnership and culture to serve the underserved in our communities,” said Michael Le, executive director of the PDS Foundation. “People with disabilities have the same oral health needs as everyone else, but through the Smile for Special Needs and Stroll for Special Needs 5K campaign, we are committed to increasing access to exceptional care, compassion and understanding improve they deserve.”

For a person with special needs, typical daily tasks such as brushing their teeth, having breakfast, or driving to an appointment can be difficult. Visiting the dentist is even more difficult. In fact, one of the…