San Francisco Dental Society (SFDS)

Advancing Dentistry and Public Oral Health in San Francisco Since 1869

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

San Francisco Dental Society At-a-Glance
Founded	1869
Members	1,100+ dentists, 800 dental students
Affiliations	ADA, CDA
Benefits	CE, networking, discounts, leadership, publications
Community Programs	Project Homeless Connect, City Smiles Connect, school screenings, health fairs
Committees	Ethics, Governance, Membership, Legislative, Development
Industry Outreach	Newsletter ads, sponsorships, partner program
Contact	2143 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123; (415) 928-7337; www.sfds.org