Tuesday, Oct 6, 2015
Dear Harbor Members - Today is a special day of celebration.
Harbor Dental Society (HDS) began in Long Beach, not far from here, at the Hotel Schuler on October 6, 1915. Dues were $1.00 per year, and membership consisted of TEN Long Beach dentists! From the beginning, Harbor has shown a strong commitment to improving the oral health of the communities it serves. In fact, Harbor members have played an integral part of the Children’s Dental Health Clinic since its establishment in 1932. The Clinic is our communities’ non-profit Dental Home for children (birth through 21 years) from low income families, including children with medical considerations.
Harbor Dental Society continues to shine bright because of its stars of more than 700 member dentists, representing a multitude of diverse cultures and ethnicities. What started as a study group of a few dentists has developed into a strong representation of the profession.
Truly the success of our society is the result of our members' tireless efforts, dedication and devotion. In the past, we have been able to successfully recruit and motivate volunteers and many of them have gone on to become great leaders in the community and at the CDA and ADA levels as well. These extraordinary members have learned and experienced the rewards of contributing, leading and serving others.
The key to our continued success as a nonprofit professional membership organization depends on our volunteers and leaders. In addition to encouraging new volunteers and leaders, it is important to recognize and appreciate the past and current volunteers. Thank you for all your diligent and selfless service.
Our members are the pillars of our organization. Your dues and participation support all of our core activities such as continuing education, community outreach missions and social activities. Our society exists for our members and because of our members. I am proud to say that our membership is among the most active and loyal compared to other similar organizations.
I would like to take this time to express my sincere appreciation to all the members for all your loyalty, participation and contribution to our society. Each one of you is a vital part of our society. Without you, Harbor Dental Society would not have such a rich history.
Harbor Dental Society is very proud and excited to have celebrated this history with its 100th Anniversary Gala on September 19, 2015 at the Long Beach Hilton. For those who attended Harbor's 100th Anniversary Gala, I hope you enjoyed what was a fun-filled event, celebrating all things Harbor. The Gala overflowed with 330 guests where memories were made, members brought together, old friends reunited, and new friendships formed - all in the glitz and glam of the Great Gatsby era.
The next issue of The Journal will have lots of photos so stay tuned!
I am truly grateful Harbor has wonderful support for all we do, including the 22 sponsors and 43 advertisers who made the 100th Anniversary Gala a smashing success. Thank you all for your valued support and generosity.
Ashok
Ashok Mehta, DDS
President 2015
Harbor Dental Society
Thank you sponsors for your generosity and support of Harbor Dental Society’s Centennial Celebration!
Platinum Sponsors
Lakewood Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/David H. Kim, MD, DDS
William J. Worden, DDS Pediatric Dentistry
Gold Sponsors
Benco Dental
Huntington Beach Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Wells Fargo
Centerpiece floral arrangements sponsored by
Tim Silegy, DDS, Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Silver Sponsors
Alamitos Oral Surgery
Tony T. Chi, DDS
Citi Practice Finance Group
Dora Lee, DDS
Emigh Dental Care
Mark A. Garlington, DDS Orthodontics
HD Orthodontics, Heather Desh, DMD, MS
Mehta Dental Group
Bronze Sponsors
Brodsky Orthodontics
Chang Orthodontics
Gary L. Glasband, DDS
G & H Dental Arts, Inc.
Henry Schein Dental Surgical Solutions
Max B. Martinez, DDS
Merrill Lynch