History and Structure

Founded in 1869, the San Francisco Dental Society (SFDS) is the oldest dental association in California and a founding component of the California Dental Association (CDA). As a local component of both the American Dental Association (ADA) and CDA, SFDS represents more than 1,100 licensed dentists and 800 student members.

Mission and Values

Mission: To promote oral health and serve as the recognized resource for dental professionals in San Francisco.

Core Values: Ethical practice, professional growth, community service, and a commitment to elevating public dental care standards.

Membership and Benefits

SFDS members include practice owners, educators, specialists, part-time and public health dentists, and students from the University of the Pacific and UCSF Schools of Dentistry.

Key Member Benefits:

• Supportive professional network and community
• In-person and online CE courses, webinars, and workshops
• Free on-demand CE platform for members
• Exclusive discounts on HIPAA tools, e-prescriptions, and membership plans
• The Bridge quarterly newsletter and Bridging the Gap e-news covering news, legislation, and management
• Leadership and committee opportunities
• Marketing exposure through industry partner programs

Continuing Education and Professional Development

SFDS provides a robust CE calendar with regular in-person and virtual courses, hands-on workshops, and year-round webinars. Members also enjoy free access to a CE on-demand learning platform.

Featured Event: “Dentists' Night Out” in 2025 aboard the California Hornblower, blending networking with celebration.

Community Involvement and Outreach

SFDS collaborates with schools, clinics, and public agencies to improve oral health access and education.

Key Programs and Partners:

• Project Homeless Connect: Free dental services for the homeless
• City Smiles Connect: Local oral health advocacy and education
• Kindergarten Screening Program: In partnership with SF Department of Public Health
• Oral hygiene education at school and health fair events
• Partners include UCSF, UOP, Remote Area Medical, SFUSD, SF Firefighters Union, and Clinic by the Bay

Governance and Committees

SFDS is governed by a Board and supported by committees that drive local dental initiatives. Each committee has appointed chairs and vice-chairs.

Committee Areas:

• Community Dental Health
• Ethics and Professional Conduct
• Finance and Budget
• Governance and Leadership
• Legislative Affairs and Advocacy
• Membership Engagement
• Professional Development
• Political Action

Industry Partnerships and Sponsorships

The SFDS Industry Partner Program connects sponsors with a targeted audience of over 1,800 dental professionals and students.

• Ad placements in The Bridge newsletter
• Features in the weekly Bridging the Gap e-newsletter
• Collaborative sponsorships and event support opportunities

Contact Information

Address: 2143 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone: (415) 928-7337

Fax: (415) 928-5297

Website: www.sfds.org

Quick Summary

Learn More About the California Dental Association