May 2026 General Membership Meeting Recap

Summer vibes filled the room at this month’s General Membership Meeting 🌞

Guests were welcomed by our wonderful volunteers, Leonie Smik and Cata Calderon Diaz, while bright seasonal décor and a festive taco bar dinner created a warm and lively atmosphere. All attendees were gifted a travel-size sunscreen, perfect for any outdoor Summer adventure (especially the upcoming SCCDS Annual Picnic!)

Attendees enjoyed an insightful presentation by Dr. Sampada Deshpande on Special Care Dentistry for General Dentists and Specialists. Her engaging lecture highlighted the importance of providing thoughtful, accessible care to underserved and special needs populations, while offering practical strategies to build patient trust, employ helpful accommodations, and communicate effectively with patients and caregivers.

The evening also featured an exciting raffle sponsored by Nextsum, with two lucky members, Dr. Galen Wong and Dr. Quat Tran, each winning compact intraoral cameras. Congratulations to both winners, and thank you to Nextsum for supporting our membership with these innovative prizes.

In the spirit of the evening’s focus on serving underserved communities, the Community Services Committee encouraged members to explore the many volunteer opportunities and outreach initiatives available through SCCDS. It was a memorable night of education, connection, and service-minded inspiration that attendees will carry forward into their practices and communities.

The General Membership Meetings are taking a break for the Summer! But we’ll be back before you know it for another evening of connection and continuing education. Our September GMM will feature the topic Minimally Invasive Rehabilitation – A Healthier, Less Costly and More Predictable Approach by Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz. Be sure to wear your best duds and get ready to strike a pose with our complimentary headshot booth!

Did you know SCCDS offers video archives of past GMMs? It’s a great way to review a section in more detail or catch up on missed topics.

This content is for informational purposes only. Videos do not qualify viewers to receive continuing education credits. Availability subject to agreement with presenters. Allow 2-4 weeks for videos to be processed and posted.

Events such as these are made possible with support from our generous sponsors. We encourage our members to support them in turn.