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150 Years of CDA

1870

Our Bold Beginning

The California Dental Association is founded by 23 visionary dentists.

1885

Professional Integrity

State regulation of the profession is finally enacted, creating the Board of Dental Examiners.

1912

Cooperative Strength

The National Dental Association reorganizes to adopt a tripartite membership concept.

1973

A Unified Community

Northern and Southern California come together as one membership organization.

1974

Innovation in Education

The first scientific session for a united CDA establishes one of the leading dental conventions in the nation.

Program from the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting
1980

Taking Action

The Dentists Insurance Company is founded by a small group of CDA members to protect only dentists.

1995

Community Fluoridation

With CDA’s advocacy, AB 733 ensures millions of Californians receive fluoridated drinking water that fights tooth decay.

Fluoridation in California
2001

Changing Lives

The CDA Foundation is established to improve the oral health of all Californians.

Give health, hope, and happiness.
2009

Practice Support

Dedicated experts begin helping members navigate the business side of dentistry.

2015

Dedicated Director

Supported by CDA’s Access Plan for oral health, Dr. Jay Kumar is appointed as the state dental director.

2015

Collective Buying Power

The Dentists Supply Company is founded.

Let's save together.
2016

Fighting for Oral Health

Funding California healthcare, research and prevention through Prop. 56, the Tobacco Tax Act.

2018

Landmark Litigation

An unprecedented settlement is won on behalf of dental benefit plan transparency and fair dealings.

CDA vs Delta
2020

Response & Recovery

Guiding dentists through the pandemic and back to practice, while advocating for financial relief and sound clinical care.

Facing tough questions? We have answers.
2020

TDSC Joins Henry Schein

A new company, TDSC.com, Powered by Henry Schein, is formed to continue offering members access to everyday low-price dental supplies.

TDSC.com Powered by Henry Schein

There’s so much happening at CDA.

For 150 years, we have been on the forefront of advocacy, education, practice support and community engagement. See what we’re doing in our milestone anniversary year and how we help dentists to be ready for what’s next.