About Us

History of the Society

The Mid-Peninsula area became a potential dental society entity after World War II as the dentists practicing in the area increased in number. The concept of a Mid-Peninsula Dental Society was conceived at the Tuesday luncheons of a small group of local dentists. These men had the vision and courage to recognize a mutual professional need for such a society which would include dentists in Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Los Altos. California Dental Association President, William S. Smith, officially presented the charter January 19, 1956.

Frederick C. Hadeler was installed as President, Alan R. Cass as President-Elect, James R. Cross, Treasurer; John S. Ledgerwood, Editor; E. Pearl Hannah, Librarian-Historian; Carl H Ellertson, Jr. and Joseph B. Weeden as Directors.

The boundary on the west was Skyline Boulevard and on the east San Francisco Bay. Several years later, Mountain View voted to join the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society, making a total of four cities. The society is unique in its geographical limits; it is the only bi-county society in the California Dental Association. Since the official presentation of the charter, the society has grown in size, influence, and prestige and has participated in many worthwhile civic projects. On June 19, 1956 a successful community dental society project provided the people of Palo Alto with protection from dental caries by fluoridation of its water supply.

In 1957 under Seminar and Study Club Chairman, Shirl S. Fox, the society held its first annual Dental Seminar at Adobe Creek Lodge, Los Altos. Since that time highly successful yearly seminars have been held. The seventh Annual Seminar was presented at Palo Alto Hills Country Club in September, 1963 under the Chairmanship of Gorden Kretchmar. These events are attended each year by many members from neighboring societies; a testimonial to the quality and worth of these affairs. After eight years of existence, the society consisted of 188 dentists. Today, the membership consists of 274 members and the society serves the cities of Atherton, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Mountain View and Palo Alto.

Mid-Peninsula Dental Society Presidents