Los Angeles Dental Society (LADS)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Service Area
• Mission and Activities
• Membership Benefits
• LADS Foundation
• Governance and Committees
• Community Engagement
• Events and Services
• Summary Table

Overview

The Los Angeles Dental Society (LADS) is a professional dental organization serving dentists and the public in central Los Angeles. As a component of the tripartite membership system, LADS membership includes automatic enrollment in the California Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA), offering layered support at local, state, and national levels.

Service Area

LADS represents dental professionals in a broad and diverse region of Los Angeles, including neighborhoods such as:

• Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, City of Commerce, Cudahy, Downey
• Downtown LA, Hollywood, Huntington Park, Koreatown, Leimert Park, Los Feliz
• Lynwood, Maywood, Mid-Wilshire, Silverlake, South Gate, Watts, West Hollywood

Mission and Activities

LADS is committed to supporting its members through continuing education, networking, advocacy, and public service. Key activities include:

• Continuing education (CE) courses for license renewal
• Leadership development and networking opportunities
• Referral services for both patients and dental professionals
• Community outreach and oral health education programs
• Employment exchange and career support for dental professionals
• Chemical abuse support programs for member well-being

Membership Benefits

LADS members enjoy access to numerous benefits designed to support clinical practice and professional growth:

• Discounted CE courses and webinars
• Malpractice insurance and endorsed programs via CDA and ADA
• Professional recognition and leadership opportunities
• Patient and peer referral networks
• Social and networking events

LADS Foundation

The LADS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting oral health access and education in the Los Angeles community. Programs include:

• Scholarships for dental students at USC
• Grants for community dental clinics
• In-kind donations to nonprofits and outreach programs

Governance and Committees

LADS operates under the guidance of a board and various standing and special committees, including:

• Executive Committee: Oversees organizational strategy
• Program Committee: Coordinates CE programs and events
• Finance, Nominating, and Membership Committees
• Peer Review Committee: Resolves disputes per CDA guidelines
• Ethics and Legislative Committees: Ensure ethical practice and monitor relevant policy changes

Community Engagement

LADS actively participates in public health efforts and collaborates with community organizations to provide oral health education. The society also engages in outreach events and supports community-specific dental initiatives and partnerships with local clinics and schools.

Events and Services

Los Angeles Dental Society offers a variety of services to its members and the community, such as:

• Regular CE webinars and in-person training
• Shred & E-Waste Disposal days for safe equipment and document handling
• Timely newsletters and member updates

Summary Table

Learn More About the California Dental Association