During the 1962 American Dental Association Conventions, 12 interested dentists met in Miami, Florida to hear Dr. T.A. Stevenson, medical secretary of the United Presbyterian Foreign Missions, outline the dental needs of church-related hospitals and clinics all over the world. That group selected Dr. John McInnes, a dentist from Tucson, Arizona, as temporary chairman and named itself “The Christia
n Dental Society” (CDS). The Society opened its membership to Christian dentists of all denominations interested in furthering foreign mission dental programs. CDS was formally organized in 1963 during the annual ADA convention in Atlantic City and in 1965 CDS was granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3)of the Internal Revenue Code. Membership in CDS is open to dentists, dental students and other dental professionals of all Christian faiths interested in fellowship and furthering the foreign dental mission program. All prospective members are required to accept CDS’ Statement of Faith. In keeping with the intentions of its founding members, the Christian Dental Society seeks to proclaim the love of Christ by providing dental care to the needy, both here and abroad. It is our hope and prayer that, as treatment is offered around the world to meet the dental needs of our fellow man, the Lord will work through our efforts to draw people to Himself, and to encourage those who belong to Him.
