Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Georgia Dental Society | Professional Dental Network in Georgia
The Georgia Dental Society (GDS) has served as a premier organization for minority dental professionals in Georgia since its founding in 1937. Our mission focuses on addressing oral health disparities in underserved communities while supporting the professional growth of dental practitioners through education, mentorship, and community service. With over 85 years of experience, we provide 12-15 hours of continuing education annually through summer and mid-winter meetings held in diverse locations.Our organization maintains strong ties to the National Dental Association and actively engages in legislative advocacy, dental student mentorship, and scholarship programs for dental and dental hygiene students. We foster professional networking through events like the Hinman Mixer and community outreach initiatives focused on oral cancer and HIV awareness. Our leadership emphasizes member engagement, intergenerational mentorship, and expanding access to dental care resources across Georgia.
Services
Continuing Education
Scholarship Programs
Mentorship Initiatives
Community Outreach
Legislative Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1937
Highlights and features
- We offer 12-15 hours of continuing dental education annually
- Our organization provides scholarships to dental students statewide
- We maintain active legislative advocacy for dental professionals
- Our mentorship program supports students from high school through graduation
- We organize community outreach programs for oral cancer and HIV awareness
Services
Continuing Education
The Georgia Dental Society provides 12-15 hours of continuing education annually through summer and mid-winter meetings. These programs offer current, diversified training for dentists, hygienists, and dental staff. Recent meetings have featured educational opportunities in locations like San Diego and the Caribbean.
Scholarship Programs
We award scholarships to dental students at Augusta University, Meharry, and Howard Dental Schools. Additional funding supports dental hygiene students across Georgia. Our financial assistance programs help develop future dental professionals while reducing educational barriers for minority students.
Mentorship Initiatives
Our mentorship programs support students from high school through dental school graduation. Experienced professionals provide career guidance, academic support, and professional development resources to help aspiring dentists succeed in their educational and career goals.
Community Outreach
We conduct community service programs focused on oral cancer detection and HIV awareness. Our outreach initiatives improve access to dental care for underserved populations while promoting preventive oral health practices across Georgia.
Legislative Advocacy
The society actively engages in legislative advocacy through Law Day dialogues with state legislators. We provide members with updates on dental policy issues and work to shape regulations that support dental professionals and improve public health outcomes.
People
Elaine Godbee Lett, DMD
President
Dr. Lett has served the Georgia Dental Society for over 20 years. She focuses on continuing education, professional networking, and expanding mentorship opportunities for new generations of dentists.
Cherie Murray
Vice President
Dr. Murray contributes to the organization's strategic direction and supports member engagement initiatives. She participates in legislative advocacy and professional development programs.
Mordena Sullen
Recording Secretary
Dr. Sullen maintains organizational records and supports communication between members. She helps coordinate educational events and community outreach activities.
Jamal Duval
Corresponding Secretary
Dr. Duval manages official communications and member correspondence. He assists with event coordination and maintains relationships with dental institutions.
James Barron
Treasurer
Dr. Barron oversees financial operations and budget management. He ensures proper allocation of resources for educational programs, scholarships, and community initiatives.
Questions
What membership benefits does GDS offer?
Members receive continuing education credits, legislative updates, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to community outreach events.
How can I apply for scholarships?
Scholarship applications are available through our website. We award funds to dental and dental hygiene students at Georgia institutions.
What educational events do you provide?
We offer 12-15 hours of continuing education annually during summer and mid-winter meetings held in various domestic and international locations.
How does GDS support dental students?
We provide mentorship from high school through graduation, scholarship opportunities, and professional development resources for aspiring dentists.
What community initiatives do you organize?
Our outreach programs focus on oral cancer detection, HIV awareness, and improving dental care access for underserved Georgia populations.
