Harbor Dental Society (HDS)

Overview and Mission

Mission: To promote excellence in dentistry by serving its members and assisting the dental community in its responsibility to the public.

Vision: To be the flagship for oral healthcare excellence in the region, upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Founded: October 6, 1915 by ten dentists in Long Beach
Current Membership: 700+ dentists across 28 cities in the Los Angeles Harbor region
Affiliations: Component of the California Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA)

HDS has long played a leading role in dental health across the South Bay area.

Children's Dental Health: Helped establish the Children's Dental Health Clinic in 1931
Fluoridation: Advocated for and helped implement fluoridation in Long Beach water over 20 years
Continuing Education (CE): Offers regular CE courses and professional development opportunities for members
Public Service: Supports quality oral health care access and improves the patient-dentist relationship

Founded: 1981 as the charitable arm of HDS

Mission: To improve oral health in the underserved community through funding and volunteerism

Supports CDA Cares and Everyone for Veterans
Funds programs like the Orthodontic Program of the Assistance League of Long Beach
Backs Children’s Dental Health Clinic and school-based outreach

Leadership: Chair – Aarti Shah, DDS (2024–2025)

Donations are tax-deductible and can be made through the Long Beach Community Foundation.

Continuing Education: Ongoing CE courses, webinars, and development sessions
Public Referrals: Emergency and general referrals for Greater Long Beach residents
Community Outreach: Participation in health fairs, screenings, and volunteer programs

Harbor Dental Society (HDS) Overview
Founded	October 6, 1915
Membership	700+ dentists across 28 South Bay cities
Affiliation	CDA, ADA
Foundation	Harbor Dental Society Foundation (est. 1981)
Key Programs	CE courses, outreach, referrals, volunteer work
Main Address	2225 E 28th St, Signal Hill, CA 90755
Foundation Address	4010 Watson Plaza Drive, Suite 210, Lakewood, CA 90712
Contact	(562) 595-6303, harbordentalsociety.org