Dr. James Sanderson

The CDA Foundation’s board of directors plays a vital role in fulfilling the nonprofit organization’s mission. The board leads ongoing efforts to support dental professionals, reduce barriers to care and improve Californians’ oral health. Get to know board member James Sanderson, DDS.

A champion of organized dentistry

Dr. Sanderson graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1982. He attended Georgetown University School of Dentistry before returning to California to establish a practice in his home community of Solano County. 

Sanderson is a long-standing member and champion of organized dentistry. He has been a member of the Napa-Solano Dental Society, CDA and ADA since 1986. Over the years, he has served in many leadership roles, including two terms as president of the Napa-Solano Dental Society, as a delegate to the CDA House of Delegates and as a CDA trustee. 

A heart for philanthropy 

Sanderson has a true heart for giving back and says the Foundation’s community service work brings him the greatest fulfillment as a board member. “I believe the philanthropy of the Foundation is the core of CDA. Philanthropy is at the core for most dentists,” said Sanderson. 

He has volunteered at every CDA Cares clinic but one and served as chair for the CDA Cares Solano County events in 2014 and 2019. He has also donated his time, talent and resources to the Solano County Smile-N-Style Program, serving as a volunteer classroom dental teacher and providing no-cost dental care for migrant children throughout Solano and Yolo counties, as well as for those entering the foster care system through the Solano County Courts. 

When asked what he would like his peers to know about getting involved, Sanderson responded: “Access to dental care is one of the biggest issues in dentistry and California public health. CDA and the Foundation continue to educate the legislature on the need for better funding for the uninsured population. CDA can be directly credited for achieving a state dental director for California, assisting with increasing care through federally qualified health centers and the dental schools. California needs more dental providers for this underserved population.”