What is the Harbor Dental Society (HDS)?

HDS is a professional organization of over 700 dentists serving the South Bay and Greater Long Beach area through CE, advocacy, and outreach.

What services does the Harbor Dental Society offer?

HDS provides continuing education, public dental referrals, health fair participation, and community service through its foundation.

What is the Harbor Dental Society Foundation?

Founded in 1981, the foundation improves oral health for underserved communities and supports programs like CDA Cares and Children’s Dental Health Clinic.

How can I contact HDS?

Call (562) 595-6303 or visit harbordentalsociety.org. After-hours referrals are available at (877) 577-2248.

Does HDS provide CE courses?

Yes, HDS offers regular CE courses, webinars, and professional development opportunities for dentists across the region.

Harbor Dental Society (HDS)

Promoting Oral Health and Dental Excellence in Long Beach and South Bay Communities

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.

History and Membership

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)

Key Initiatives and Impact

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

Harbor Dental Society Foundation

Founded: 1981 as the charitable arm of HDS

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

Key Activities:

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.

Services and Programs

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

Contact Information

Main Office: 2225 E 28th St, Signal Hill, CA 90755
Foundation Office: 4010 Watson Plaza Drive, Suite 210, Lakewood, CA 90712
Phone: (562) 595-6303 (main), (562) 595-6301 (admin)
After-Hours Referral: (877) 577-2248
Email: Kristin@HarborDentalSociety.org
Website: harbordentalsociety.org

Quick Summary

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