UCLA School of Dentistry’s Community-Based Clinical Education Expands to PDS Health Sites
Through this agreement, D.D.S. students will participate in four-week rotations at several PDS Health practice sites across Southern California.
PDS Health, an integrated healthcare support organization, has recently affiliated with the UCLA School of Dentistry’s Community-Based Clinical Education (CBCE) initiative to expand clinical training opportunities for fourth-year dental students.
Through this agreement, D.D.S. students will participate in four-week rotations at several PDS Health practice sites across Southern California. Treating patients in real-world clinical environments, students apply their academic knowledge under the supervision of experienced oral health professionals. Participating PDS dentists – or preceptors – serve as clinical educators affiliated with the School.
An estimated 36,000 patients in underserved communities have received more than 90,000 dental procedures through CBCE since it was launched in 2018. The initiative now has practice sites spanning seven states. The UCLA School of Dentistry’s commitment to providing community-centered oral health care dates to its 1964 opening. Now in its 61st year, the school strives to deliver humanistic, high-quality, affordable patient care to all segments of the population, including individuals with special needs, complex medical conditions, or who face significant challenges in finding private sector dental services.
PDS Health, building on the foundation of Pacific Dental Services established in 1994, provides integrated support services to dental, specialty, and medical providers across the U.S. The organization emphasizes the link between oral and overall health and incorporates technologies such as AI-powered imaging and advanced diagnostics to modernize care delivery. Through its systems-based approach, PDS Health aims to enhance both clinical operations and patient outcomes.