PDS Health logo
 
 

Dedicated

 

to leading change in health care
 

 
 
OUR STORY
NEW IDENTITY
LEADERSHIP
NEWS
 

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Our Story

The journey to PDS Health began over three decades ago in Southern California. Established in 1994 by Founder and CEO Stephen E. Thorne IV, Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) embarked on a mission to become the “Greatest Dental Company in America” by supporting the growth and success of dental practices nationwide. Over the years, it expanded its scope, supporting its first pediatric dental practice in 2008 and its first primary care medical practice in 2016.
 

Understanding the link between oral health and overall health (Mouth-Body Connection®), PDS recognized the importance of bridging dentistry and medical care to improve patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs. Its technology teams collaborated closely with Epic® to enhance its comprehensive health record system for use in the dental field — an initiative that brought together medical and dental data to form complete, longitudinal health records. PDS was the first large dental organization to implement this system into its nationwide network of dental practices, a bold strategic move that demonstrated its commitment to bringing dental-medical integration to life.

PDS Health woman meeting doctor
 

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Our New Name

PDS is respected for leadership in innovation and excellence within the healthcare industry, paving the way for further advancement throughout the United States under its new name, PDS Health.

 

More than just a new brand, this evolution is a reflection of a legacy rooted in a deep understanding of the Mouth-Body Connection®. Envisioning a landscape where the integration of dental and medical care is not just an aspiration but the standard practice, PDS Health leverages its strong foundation and advanced, proven technologies to redefine the standards of healthcare delivery.

 

PDS Health offers a wide range of services to supported clinicians, whether they be in general dentistry, dental specialties or primary care. The company is designed to meet the evolving needs of patients and providers alike.

 

As PDS Health continues to shape the future of integrated health care, it is guided by its purpose to drive positive change in the healthcare industry and build a healthier, happier tomorrow for all.

Doctor with patient
 
 

PDS Health Today

 

4,600+ Clinicians

 PDS Health supports more than 4,600 clinicians

4,600+ Clinicians

1,000+ Practices

Supporting over 1,000 dental and primary care practices

 1,000+ Practices

24 states

Found in 24 states nationwide

24 states

15,000+ Team Members

Over 15,000 team members nationwide

15,000+ Team Members
 
 
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Leading the World in Dental-Medical Integration

 

Oral health is fundamentally linked to overall health, affecting conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. Historically, however, oral health care has been isolated from general health care, existing in a silo that compromises patient care and overlooks the role of oral inflammation in systemic conditions. Dental-medical integration seeks to bridge this gap, integrating dentistry and medical care, into a holistic, patient-centric approach that holds the promise to improve overall health, and PDS Health seeks to be a leader in this transformative effort.

 

Education

We are dedicated to raising awareness about the Mouth-Body Connection® through our multi-disciplinary educational initiatives. We provide comprehensive education to our team members, supported dental and medical providers, and their patients about the crucial link between oral health and overall health. By highlighting how oral conditions can impact broader health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer, we equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to provide informed, holistic care. Our efforts are designed to increase awareness and create a more integrated healthcare environment, ensuring that every patient receives the comprehensive care they deserve.

Partnerships

Our approach to dental-medical integration is driven by a range of strategic collaborations that extend well beyond traditional boundaries. Our partnerships range from joint ventures with health systems to alliances with academic institutions, and active roles on boards of prestigious research institutes and scientific advisory councils, both in the U.S. and internationally. These collaborations are vital as we work together to push forward ambitious agendas that integrate oral health with medical care and expand oral healthcare access, especially for aging populations. Through these partnerships, we are setting new standards in health care, ensuring that oral health is an integral part of patient wellness across the board.

Advanced, Proven Technologies

We invest in advanced, proven technologies that significantly elevate the standard of patient care. PDS Health was the first large dental group to implement Epic across our supported dental practices nationwide, creating true, longitudinal health records that integrate medical and dental health histories. This integration enables healthcare providers to diagnose and treat with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, we leverage predictive, preventive analytical tools, utilize precise imaging technologies, and offer same-day dental restorations ― advancements that enhance both the efficiency and effectiveness of the care provided by our supported clinicians.

Advocacy

At PDS Health, we advocate for policy changes that enhance access to integrated healthcare services, while highlighting the integral role of dental care. We support initiatives to include medically necessary dental coverage in Medicare and participate in key collaborations like the CDC’s medical-dental integration partnership with the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. These efforts are crucial for establishing a comprehensive healthcare system that considers the health of the whole person. By advocating for these policy changes, we strive to create a healthcare environment where dental and medical care are seamlessly connected, promoting better health outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

 

 
 
PDS Health continues the journey started by Pacific Dental Services in 1994, with a vision to redefine health care through the integration of dental and medical services. Its approach, centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry. As a leading provider of integrated healthcare support, the company delivers a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers, enhancing operations and care delivery for clinicians across the U.S.
 

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Executive Leadership

 
Stephen E. Thorne IV
 

Stephen E. Thorne IV
Founder and CEO

 
Scott Beck
 

Scott Beck
Vice Chairman

 
Carolyn Ghazal, DDS
 

Carolyn Ghazal, DDS
Chair of GP Platform Development

 
Dan Burke
 

Dan Burke
Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer,
General Counsel

 
 
David Baker
 

David Baker

Chief Information and Digital Officer,
Senior Vice President, Technology

 
Joanna Rodgers
 

Joanna Rodgers
Chief Administrative Officer,

Senior Vice President, People

 
Jon Thorne
 

Jon Thorne
Chief Operating Officer, 

Senior Vice President, Operations

 
Taylor Hawes
 

Taylor Hawes
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

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News Highlights

 
 

March 29, 2024   |   Smithsonian Magazine

 
 
 
 

The Future of Oral Health Care