More Than Smiles: Dental Groups Unite to Nourish Local Communities

SARASOTA, FL – November 26, 2025 – During a season centered on gratitude and giving, a nationwide network of dental practices has mobilized to address a fundamental community need: food security. Dental Care Alliance (DCA), a leading dental support organization, has announced the results of its second annual Care & Share Holiday Food Drive, an initiative that collected over 7,000 food items for families across 41 communities. The effort highlights a powerful intersection of corporate responsibility and grassroots action, demonstrating how large healthcare organizations are expanding their definition of community care.

The initiative, which ran from November 1-21, brought together hundreds of DCA-supported dental practices, their team members, and patients. Their collective effort resulted in a wave of support for 43 local food banks and charities, far surpassing the organization's initial goals. This success story is not just about numbers; it’s a compelling case study in how corporate infrastructure can be harnessed for profound social impact.

The Power of Collective Action

At the heart of the Care & Share food drive is the principle of collective impact. By activating its vast network of more than 400 practices across 24 states, DCA transformed individual acts of generosity into a coordinated, national campaign. Local teams didn't just place collection bins in their lobbies; they dedicated 60 hours of volunteer service to sort, pack, and deliver donations directly to community partners, ensuring the aid reached those who needed it most.

This hands-on approach underscores a commitment that goes beyond a simple corporate donation. In addition to the thousands of food items, DCA also made a significant monetary donation to the Feeding America Food Bank of Northwestern Indiana, continuing a pattern of providing both direct supplies and financial stability to its non-profit partners. A similar drive in 2024 included a donation to Fayette Samaritans in Georgia, indicating a sustained, strategic approach to its philanthropic partnerships.

"The ability to give back is an honor, but what moves me most is the collective generosity of our team. Their commitment to serving others makes me proud to represent DCA," said Larry Benz, Chief Executive Officer for DCA. "Sharing the holidays with family is a blessing—and using that time to make a difference for others makes the season even brighter."

This sentiment reflects a growing understanding in the corporate world that employee engagement is a powerful force for good. By empowering local practices to lead the charge, DCA fostered a sense of ownership and direct connection to the communities they serve daily, turning team members into frontline ambassadors of the company's values.

DEI as a Driving Force for Community Good

This initiative was not born in a boardroom but was spearheaded by Dental Care Alliance's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. Established in 2020, the council's mission extends beyond internal policy to drive tangible external change. The food drive serves as a prime example of DEI in action, translating core values into community support.

"Our Care & Share Holiday Food Drive is a powerful reflection of our commitment to putting people first and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others," stated Cad Shannon, Co-Chair of the DEI Council and Vice President of Learning & Leadership Development. "Acts of giving are powerful but acts of giving together are transformative. This food drive shows what true inclusion looks like: everyone contributing so everyone can thrive."

This philosophy is embedded in the DEI Council's broader work. The council has launched other key programs, such as the Women of DCA Employee Resource Group, which aims to champion equity and amplify the voices of women who constitute a majority of the dental workforce. Furthermore, DCA's status as a founding member of Women in DSO®, a non-profit dedicated to empowering female leaders, demonstrates a long-term investment in building a more inclusive industry. By driving the food drive, the DEI Council illustrates that its focus on equity includes addressing systemic community challenges like food insecurity, which disproportionately affect underserved populations.

An Evolving Role for Dental Organizations

While impressive, DCA's philanthropic efforts are part of a larger, transformative trend within the dental industry. Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), once viewed primarily as business-management entities, are increasingly stepping into the role of community pillars. As these organizations grow in scale, so too does their capacity—and perceived responsibility—to contribute to public well-being.

This evolution is evident across the sector. Pacific Dental Services, for instance, has donated over $57 million in oral healthcare through its annual "Smile Generation Serve Day" since 2011. Likewise, Aspen Dental's "Healthy Mouth Movement" has provided free dental care to over 30,000 veterans and other underserved individuals since 2014, with its TAG Oral Care Center in Chicago donating over $10 million in services in just two years. These initiatives focus heavily on leveraging the core competency of DSOs: delivering expert dental care to those who lack access.

In this context, DCA's focus on food insecurity is a unique and vital contribution, addressing an immediate social determinant of health. Oral health is intrinsically linked to nutrition and overall wellness, and by tackling hunger, DCA is addressing a root cause of many health disparities. The success of its food drive showcases a different but equally important model of DSO philanthropy—one centered on mobilizing a vast network to meet foundational community needs.

From Holiday Giving to Year-Round Healthcare

The success of the Care & Share Holiday Food Drive is not an endpoint but a stepping stone. Looking ahead, Dental Care Alliance has clearly stated its intention to build on this momentum. The organization and its DEI Council aim to broaden their charitable efforts into a year-round commitment, with a specific focus on a familiar frontier: supporting access to dental care in underserved communities.

This strategic pivot would align DCA's philanthropic mission more closely with its core expertise, bringing its community impact in line with the direct-care models pioneered by other industry leaders. While concrete timelines and specific programs have not yet been announced, the declared ambition signals a deeper integration of corporate social responsibility into the company’s long-term vision. By expanding beyond seasonal giving to address the ongoing dental needs of vulnerable populations, DCA is poised to make an even more profound and lasting impact, truly advancing its mission to create a lifetime of healthy smiles for everyone.