Irvine, Calif.-based Pacific Dental Services is launching a college advancement program, making it the first DSO to offer eligible employees 100 percent tuition coverage for an undergraduate degree of choice, according to an Oct. 26 news release.

In partnership with InStride, a global provider of strategic workforce education, the program is open to PDS operations managers, benefits coordinators and dental assistants. The DSO will measure the program’s success and hopes to add other positions in the future.

The program initially will be through InStride’s partnership with Tempe-based Arizona State University, ranked most innovative college by U.S. News & World Report seven years in a row. PDS will cover all tuition, book expenses and any associated mandatory fees. Academic partners from InStride’s network will be added to the list of institutions where PDS employees can apply in the future.

In addition to the program, PDS offers a traditional tuition reimbursement program up to $5,250 per year.

PDS has more than 850 supported dental offices across the U.S.