What is the California Dental Association (CDA)?

The California Dental Association (CDA) is a nonprofit professional organization representing nearly 27,000 dentists across California. It offers continuing education, advocacy, and practice support services.

Does the CDA offer continuing education (CE) courses?

Yes, CDA provides dental CE courses through its events like CDA Presents, as well as year-round online and in-person learning opportunities for dental professionals.

What is CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry?

CDA Presents is an annual conference and educational event hosted by the California Dental Association, offering CE credits, hands-on workshops, and lectures from dental experts.

Who can join the California Dental Association?

Membership is open to California dentists, dental students, hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, and other dental team members. Out-of-state dentists may also join.

What is the CDA Foundation?

The CDA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the association, supporting access to care through programs like CDA Cares and student loan repayment grants for dentists serving high-need communities.

California Dental Association (CDA)

Overview
Mission and Vision
Membership
Services and Support
Advocacy and Public Health
CDA Foundation
Governance
Annual Conference & Events
Summary Table
Local Dental Societies

Overview

The California Dental Association (CDA) is a nonprofit professional organization representing organized dentistry across the state. Founded in 1870, CDA is the largest constituent of the American Dental Association (ADA), representing nearly 27,000 dentists through 32 local dental societies in California. The CDA supports members through continuing education, advocacy, and essential practice resources, contributing to the advancement of dentistry throughout the state.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To support members in their practice and service to the public through innovation in education, advocacy, and related programs.

Vision: To be the recognized leader for excellence in member services and advocacy, promoting oral health and the profession of dentistry.

Membership

Membership in CDA is open to California dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, and other dental professionals. Dentists practicing or residing outside California are also eligible to join. CDA membership includes access to the local dental society, CDA, and the ADA, providing a three-tiered support system at the local, state, and national levels.

Since 2025, CDA membership renews based on an anniversary date system—members enjoy a full 12-month membership from the date of joining or last renewal.

Services and Support

CDA offers a robust range of benefits to members, including:

Continuing dental education (CE) and professional development opportunities
Practice support and risk management resources
State and national legislative advocacy
Legal and licensure protection services
Subscription to the peer-reviewed Journal of the California Dental Association

Find CDA CE Courses

Advocacy and Public Health

The CDA is a leader in public health and dental legislation. It actively supports programs that enhance oral health across California, including school-based fluoride varnish programs and efforts to prevent oral diseases such as oropharyngeal cancer. The association works with state lawmakers to promote legislation that improves both the dental profession and the well-being of the public.

CDA Foundation

Founded in 2001, the CDA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the association. Its mission is to improve oral and overall health by reducing disparities and increasing access to care through several community programs:

CDA Cares: Free dental clinics serving underserved Californians, providing over $25 million in care to 30,000+ individuals.
Student Loan Repayment Grant: Places dentists in high-need clinics. Since 2002, this initiative has delivered more than $25 million in services to over 100,000 patients.
Grants and Awards: Supports dental professionals and nonprofits through funding assistance.

Governance

The CDA is governed by member-elected leaders who help guide the future of the organization. Its headquarters are located in Sacramento, California. As of 2025, the association is led by President Dr. Max Martinez.

Annual Conference & Events

One of the CDA’s signature events is the annual CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry. This event attracts thousands of dental professionals to engage in high-level CE, hands-on workshops, and lectures led by national experts. The conference is an essential part of California’s dental CE ecosystem and a valuable opportunity for networking and professional development.

See how this connects to California dental CE requirements.

Summary Table

California Dental Association at a Glance
Feature	Details
Founded	1870
Type	Nonprofit, professional association
Members	~27,000 dentists
Headquarters	Sacramento, California
President (2025)	Max Martinez, DDS
Major Programs	Advocacy, CE, CDA Foundation, CDA Cares
Key Event	CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry
Official Journal	Journal of the California Dental Association
Website	cda.org

Local Dental Societies

When dentists join CDA, they are also members of one of California’s 32 local dental societies. These societies offer localized support, events, and networking tailored to each community. Local dental societies in California: