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Mission and History

Since 1865, the members of the Illinois State Dental Society have proudly represented the interests of the dental profession and the patients they serve. Nearly a century and a half later, ISDS members continue to not only represent organized dentistry, but also ensure that the highest quality dental care is provided to the public.

Mission Statement

ISDS: A Short History

The Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) formed in Chicago in 1865. Today, ISDS enjoys a strong membership base of over 6,300 dentists, dental hygienists, dental lab technicians and dental students. The Society is comprised of eight trustee districts and 23 local component dental societies.

The Board of Trustees, the executive body of the ISDS, is composed of the President, the President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 14 elected Trustees. The Speaker of the House serves as an ex-officio member. The ISDS Editor and the Executive Director are appointed officers of ISDS. The House of Delegates is the governing body of ISDS.

Thirteen standing committees study issues related to several key areas of interest. The committees make recommendations to the Board of Trustees and the House of Delegates on specific issues relating to dentistry.

The Society’s official publication is the Illinois Dental News. Other publications include the dh Focus for our dental hygiene members and the quarterly Communiqué for state and local dental leaders.

Milestones in Illinois Dental History

1865

The Illinois State Dental Society is formed. Delegates to the American Dental Association convention are elected and a committee is formed to draft bylaws for the newly formed Illinois State Dental Society. Dr. Adam Clark VanSant serves as the first president of the Illinois State Dental Society.

1869

Dr. Greene Vardiman Black “father of modern dentistry” presents a paper before the dental society on the use of gold foil.

1870

Dr. G. V. Black elected president of the Illinois State Dental Society.

1881

Passage of the first Dental Practice Act.

1883

First dental school in Illinois opens, the Chicago Dental Infirmary, which later merges with Loyola University in 1926.

1897

Dr. G. V. Black becomes dean of Northwestern University Dental School.

1905

A new Dental Practice Act is passed and, as a result, all Illinois dental schools establish a four-year professional course of study.

1931

Publication of the Illinois Dental Journal begins.

1938

Water fluoridation studies conducted in Galesburg and Quincy.

1951

Illinois State Dental Society passes a resolution endorsing fluoridation. The city of Assumption, Illinois becomes the first community to sponsor permanent use of fluoride in drinking water.

1961

The LICID (Legislative Interest Committee of Illinois Dentists) formed “to promote and further the interests of the public and the dental profession in matters of legislation and administrative regulations, to develop among the public and the dental profession an awareness of political issues which relate to public health and welfare, and to disseminate dental health information to the public.”

1967

Fluoridation of public water supplies becomes law for all of Illinois.

1967

The Illinois Dental Service is formed; later becomes Delta Dental Plan of Illinois.

1975

Legislation passes to allow for expansion of duties by dental assistants.

1978

A dental referral service is established to provide reduced-fee denture care to patients who meet established criteria. This program was expanded to include comprehensive care for senior citizens and expanded again in 1981 to accept all citizens meeting criteria, regardless of age.

1983

An access program using portable equipment was established for the homebound, elderly and citizens with physical or mental disabilities.

1986

ISDS sponsors first State Fair Smile Contest.

1990

The House of Delegates form of government for ISDS is established.

1995

Illinois Dental Journal becomes the Illinois Dental News.

1999

ISDS lobbying efforts secure passage of expanded duties for dental assistants and hygienists.

2000

ISDS elects its first woman president, Dr. Trucia A. Drummond, of Chicago.