Orange County Dental Society (OCDS)

Overview

The Orange County Dental Society (OCDS) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit membership organization serving over 2,500 dental professionals in Orange County, California. As of January 2025, OCDS is the largest of California’s 32 dental components. Membership includes access to state and national dental associations through its tripartite model with the California Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA).

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission: To advance growth, advocacy, and wellness for dental professionals and the communities they serve.

Vision: To be the leading, trusted, and supportive resource for Orange County dental professionals that promotes excellence in oral health.

Core Values: Community, Inclusion, Relationships, Education, Innovation.

Tagline: Empowering growth, advocacy, and wellness.

History

OCDS was founded in 1919 with just seven members and officially incorporated as a 501(c)6 nonprofit on April 14, 1948. It has since grown into a thriving organization with 2,530 members, continuing to support oral health in Orange County for over a century.

Services and Member Benefits

Membership Structure

OCDS membership includes simultaneous enrollment in the CDA and ADA, ensuring representation and support at local, state, and national levels.

Key Member Benefits

• State-level advocacy on behalf of dental professionals
• Patient referral system via phone and web
• Social and networking events (mixers, outings, installations)
• Continuing education (CE)—in-person and free online CE via Viva Learning
• Job board and classified listings
• Support for dental students and allied dental health professionals
• Licensing resources and renewal assistance

Innovations and Partnerships

OCDS embraces technology to help its members succeed:

• Dental.com: Provides AI-powered tools for patient engagement, including virtual assessments, chat assistants, and referrals.
• Torch Dental: Offers OCDS members up to 32% savings on dental supplies with AI-powered procurement systems for operational efficiency.

Community Outreach

OCDS Dental Health Foundation (OCDSDHF)

Formed in 1997 as a 501(c)3 public benefit nonprofit, the Foundation focuses on expanding access to oral healthcare in Orange County.

Primary Initiatives:

• Free dental care for homeless shelter residents since 2019
• Volunteer-supported screenings and treatment for underserved communities
• Donations fund dental supplies and equipment for outreach events

Leadership and Staff

• Executive Director: Shalyn Robers
• Membership Relations Manager: Stephanie Franklin
• Events & Advertising Coordinator: Anissa Cardona

OCDS maintains a historical record of its past presidents since 1919, reflecting over a century of leadership in organized dentistry.

Contact Information

Address: 790 The City Drive South, Suite 450, Orange, CA 92868

Phone: (714) 634-8944

Website: www.ocds.org

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (Closed Holidays)

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