Mid-Peninsula Dental Society (MPDS)
Mid-Peninsula Dental Society (MPDS)
Serving the Mid-Peninsula Dental Community Since 1956
History and Background
The Mid-Peninsula Dental Society (MPDS) was officially chartered on January 19, 1956, after a group of local dentists from Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Los Altos recognized the need for a regional dental society. It later expanded to include Mountain View, forming a unique bi-county organization serving both San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
First President: Frederick C. Hadeler
Initial Coverage: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Los Altos (Mountain View joined later)
Geographic Boundaries: West—Skyline Boulevard, East—San Francisco Bay
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Membership and Leadership
Current Membership: 274 dentists (as of 2024)
The society holds annual elections for officers and directors and maintains a complete archive of past presidents, underscoring its strong tradition of leadership in the Bay Area dental community.
Mission and Activities
Mission: To advance dentistry, support professional growth, and serve the public through education, advocacy, and outreach.
Key Activities:
- Continuing Education: Seminars, study clubs, educational events (first seminar held in 1957)
- Public Education: CPR training, dental law sessions, biohazard waste education
- Civic Projects: MPDS spearheaded the 1956 campaign to fluoridate Palo Alto’s water supply
Community Involvement
MPDS dentists actively participate in free dental clinics, school screenings, and public education efforts throughout the mid-Peninsula region. Their history includes civic engagement like advocacy for fluoridation and supporting community-wide oral health initiatives.
Organization and Financial Overview
- Type: 501(c)(6) nonprofit business league
- Purpose: Improve business conditions for dental professionals
- Employees: 10–19 staff members
- Revenue: Estimated between $1 million and $5 million annually
- Contributions: 55–68% of income
- Program Services: 32–45% of income
- Executive Comp: 24–28% of expenses
- Assets (historical): $98,711–$180,117 (2010–2013)
Contact Information
- Mailing Address: PO Box 1305, Menlo Park, CA 94026
- Phone: (650) 328-2242
- Website: www.mpds.org
Quick Summary
| Founded | 1956 |
| Service Area | Atherton, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto |
| Members | 274 dentists (2024) |
| Activities | CE seminars, study clubs, CPR, dental law education, community outreach |
| Structure | 501(c)(6) nonprofit, bi-county organization |
| Community Impact | Fluoridation, free clinics, public education |
| Revenue | $1M–$5M; mostly contributions and program services |
| Contact | PO Box 1305, Menlo Park, CA 94026; (650) 328-2242; www.mpds.org |