“Cultivating Community” was the theme of CDA Foundation’s 2025 Wellness Program Biennial Training held Oct. 17 in Sacramento. Dentists, dental society leaders and regional wellness committee members from across the state gathered to share stories, celebrate progress and explore new ways to support well-being in the dental community.
A story of recovery and renewal
The CDA Foundation Wellness Program is dedicated to supporting dental professionals who face physical or mental health challenges, including stress, burnout, depression and substance use disorder. The program’s goal is to promote recovery, resilience, and connection through confidential peer support and resource access.
During his welcome remarks, Matthew Korn, DDS, chair of the CDA Foundation Wellness Committee, emphasized that fostering community is essential to sustaining wellness in the profession.
Keynote speaker Brett Kessler, DDS, immediate past president of the American Dental Association, shared a moving personal story of addiction, recovery and purpose. “My recovery from drugs and alcohol inspired me to live my best life and do my part to make this world a better place,” Dr. Kessler told attendees. He encouraged colleagues to care for their health as their most valuable professional asset.
Regional wellness leadership in action
Korn and Steven Goldy, DDS, the Foundation’s regional wellness chairs, presented an overview of the regional committee network, highlighting its history as the first dentist peer-assistance model in California that has since evolved to focus on comprehensive wellness.
Participants reviewed best practices for identifying early signs of distress, developing employer wellness policies and respecting the confidentiality and legal protections that make peer support possible.
Dental schools and societies report success
Representatives from UCLA School of Dentistry and local dental societies shared how wellness initiatives are making an impact across California.
- UCLA School of Dentistry’s Integrative Mind-Body Wellness Initiative integrates life skills training and mental well-being tools into the dental curriculum, with dedicated lectures, workshops, monthly lunch small-group sessions, quarterly seminars and on-site counselling space.
- San Diego County Dental Society’s Well-Being Committee and Peak Performance Program offer both reactive and proactive support, from confidential interventions to mindfulness activities like yoga and hiking that build connection.
- Orange County Dental Society shared highlights from its Wellness Summits and support groups, member-driven events that encourage open conversation about stress, burnout and balance.
- Western Los Angeles Dental Society’s Women + Wellness series, funded through an ADA grant, showcased how intentional design and inclusivity can create safe spaces for meaningful connection.
Each program demonstrated how local innovation, collaboration and compassion can normalize wellness as part of professional culture.
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Gale Kloeffler
The training concluded with an overview of the Gale Kloeffler Award, which will be reintroduced in 2026 to recognize outstanding contributions to dental wellness initiatives. Kloeffler, who founded California’s first well-being program for dentists in 1982, left a legacy of empathy and service that continues to guide the Foundation’s mission.
“Wellness is not weakness, it’s wisdom,” Korn reminded attendees. “By leading with empathy and building spaces for vulnerability, we strengthen our entire profession.”
Access support or offer support
Learn more about the CDA Foundation Wellness Program, access confidential peer support or connect with your regional wellness chair.