Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society (SBVCDS)

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

Learn More About the California Dental Association