Our History

Founded on October 6, 1915, by a study club of ten dentists in Long Beach, Harbor Dental Society has grown into a professional community representing 700 dentists across 28 cities in the Los Angeles Harbor area. Our members are also members of the California Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA), connecting local leadership with a broader voice for dentistry.

Advancing community oral health has been central to Harbor’s work from the beginning. In 1931, the Society helped establish the Children’s Dental Health Clinic in Long Beach, expanding access to dental care for children. Beginning in the 1950s, Harbor also led a twenty-year effort to bring fluoridation to Long Beach’s water system.

Today, Harbor continues that legacy by supporting dentists in delivering quality care, strengthening relationships with patients, and promoting access to oral health services for everyone. Through education, advocacy, and professional collaboration, we help members grow throughout their careers while upholding high standards of ethics and integrity.

What began as a small study club remains rooted in a shared purpose: supporting one another, strengthening our profession, and improving the oral health of the communities we serve.