Stories of Hope

Hear from the people who fuel our mission: the partners whose heart for service drives access to care and the individuals we serve.

A Home for Oral Health

After moving to Arizona from out of state, Melissa, Rob and their daughter Gracie struggled to find a dental office that met Gracie's unique needs - until they found the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs. Hear from Melissa's first hand experience at our office.

"The clinic was a breath of fresh air. Right from the moment we walked in, I knew this was a place meant for us. The large waiting room has a quiet room with different sensory toys for Gracie, and the receptionist was very kind.

From the x-ray tech, to the dental assistants, to the dentist, everyone was easy to work with... they were equipped with everything we could need, and it was clear they took the time and effort to attend to my daughter’s needs. Every Special Needs child is different, and there can’t be a one-size-fits all approach.

I’m so grateful for the Pacific Dental Services Special Needs clinic, and the care they’ve provide for my family.”

Oral Health is Better Health

The PDS Foundation Clínica Dental is educating patients about oral health's connection to overall health. When using the Mouth-Body Connection educational materials in the office, Dr. Rodrigo Letona stated: "The explanation for patients is much more didactic [now]. When I gave the information prior, patients had difficulty understanding. With these posters, the information is far simpler, and the patient sometimes takes a photo to read later." Implementing an educational piece has improved patients' understanding about why they should continue regular visits.

Dreams Become Reality

“I was 14 years old and fate had destined me to wear braces for a year, a very small sentence compared to many. I had always loved going to the dentist but my orthodontic dental assistant... inspired me to be a dentist. I have ventured on a very long path since I graduated high school in 2010, but my goal has always been to be an Orthodontic Dentist.

This.. dental assisting [program] is a needed step to that goal... I not only seek a career as a dental assistant but will maintain it throughout my dental education. It has been a difficult road… as the firstborn within a first-generation family. I hope to not only educate myself during this time, but also be able to provide my own students (as a high school teacher) with the resources necessary to obtain their passions.

Receiving this scholarship means that I can focus on my future studies and not worry about making ends meet for my family... this was definitely life changing. This is a point in my life that I am going to remember for the rest of my life... it is living proof that you can achieve your dreams no matter what."

- Ariana Espinosa, Cycle 3 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Give to the PDS Foundation

Join us in creating a better tomorrow. You can help provide education, dignity, and greater access to oral health locally and globally. Your generosity goes directly to our programs providing dental care to communities in Guatemala, improving oral health access for people with special needs, and supporting the next generation of dental assistants and health care leaders across the country.

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