PDS Health and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) have entered into a strategic partnership to provide ADHA members access to the Smile Generation Dental Plan. According to the company, this initiative aims to offer licensed dental hygienists and their families a more flexible and affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance.
The Smile Generation Dental Plan includes reduced pricing on a range of services, such as cleanings, exams, crowns, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics. The plan does not include deductibles, annual maximums, or waiting periods, and it has a low annual membership fee, the company said. Family members of ADHA members are also eligible to enroll.
According to the company, the plan will be available starting in October 2025 at more than 1,000 PDS Health practices across the United States. More information is available at smilegenerationdentalplan.com/adha.
This collaboration comes in response to data highlighting the lack of dental benefits among practicing dental hygienists. Research from the ADA Health Policy Institute, conducted with ADHA and other oral health organizations, found that over 25 percent of dental hygienists do not have dental insurance coverage. More than one-third do not receive dental benefits through their employer.
“Dental hygienists play a vital role in improving oral health and overall health outcomes,” said Jeremy Jonckheere, vice president, strategic payor partnerships at PDS Health. “We are proud to collaborate with the American Dental Hygienists' Association to support their members with meaningful access to care while helping practices strengthen workforce retention.”
The ADHA stated that the offering supports its efforts to improve member well-being and address long-term workforce challenges. The ADA Health Policy Institute report Dental Workforce Shortages: Data to Navigate Today’s Labor Market identified lack of health benefits as one of the top barriers to retaining dental hygienists in clinical settings.
“We're proud to partner with PDS Health on this innovative solution that directly addresses what our research shows dental hygienists need most,” said Lancette VanGuilder, president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. “When we see barriers to our members' success, we take action. This partnership ensures dental hygienists have practical access to the care they provide every day.”
