Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society (SBVCDS)

Overview and History

Founded in 1919, the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society (SBVCDS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) professional organization representing nearly 800 dentists—over 75% of practicing dentists in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. SBVCDS is a local component of the California Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA).

Mission and Purpose

Mission: To advance the dental profession through unity and support, empowering members to grow, excel, and thrive. SBVCDS is dedicated to supporting its members and the communities they serve while advancing the art and science of dentistry.

Public Service: SBVCDS focuses on connecting residents with caring dentists and supporting overall community oral health.

Membership Benefits

Tripartite Membership: Members of SBVCDS also belong to the CDA and ADA, receiving benefits at the local, state, and national levels.

Access to live, online, and on-demand continuing education (CE) courses
Regulatory and legislative advocacy
Legal and practice management support
Patient referral services and complaint resolution
Employee placement and job board
Professional liability insurance through TDIC
Merchant processing, leasing, and financial services
Consulting, demographic analysis, and practice support
Outreach programs and public health initiatives
Publications: Island View, CDA Update, JADA, ADA News

Continuing Education and Events

SBVCDS offers a wide variety of CE programs for dentists and staff, including CPR re-certification and radiology safety. Events include:

Live in-person CE courses
Online learning opportunities
Special events such as Shred Day
Lectures by leading clinicians

Job Board and Professional Listings

SBVCDS maintains an active job board with dentistry job opportunities and classified ads throughout the region.

Community Outreach and Public Resources

Find a Dentist: Online directory for locating general dentists, specialists, Denti-Cal providers, and emergency dental care.
Public Education: Programs to promote oral hygiene and disease prevention across both counties.
Support for Underserved: SBVCDS backs the Santa Barbara-Ventura Counties Dental Care Foundation, aiding access to care for those in need.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Linda Lacunza, MA (Compensation: $109,880 in 2024)
2022 Officers: President: Richard Hunter, Secretary/Treasurer: Daniel Nobel, Office Manager: Felipe Diaz
Volunteer board and committees manage programming, outreach, and advocacy

Financial Overview (2023)

Total Revenue: $303,563
Program Services: $288,622
Investment Income: $16,967
Miscellaneous: $3,477
Royalty Revenue: $2,500
Net Fundraising Events: –$8,003 (Loss)

Contact Information

Address: 1607 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone: (805) 648-7282
Website: www.sbvcds.org

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Founded	1919
Members	~800 dentists (75%+ of local practitioners)
Area Served	Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties
Key Benefits	CE, advocacy, legal/practice support, insurance, referrals, job board, outreach
Community Outreach	Foundation support for underserved, public education, Find a Dentist directory
Publications	Island View, CDA Update, JADA, ADA News
Executive Director	Linda Lacunza, MA
Address	1607 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
Phone	(805) 648-7282
Website	www.sbvcds.org
Revenue (2023)	$303,563