California Dental Association Prepares Dentists to be First Responders During Mass Disasters
Sacramento, Calif. – With the potential to generate an additional 30,000 healthcare providers during a crisis situation, and the constant threat of terrorism and natural disasters, the California Dental Association (CDA) has made engaging its member dentists to be first-responders and work with emergency officials a top priority.
With the modification of the Dental Practice Act that took effect on January 1, 2009, a dentist’s role during an emergency is more important than ever. Dentists who are part of their local emergency response teams and/or have received appropriate training can assist during an emergency by providing services for which they have been trained.
“Dentists have education and training that make them valuable members of emergency response teams,” said Joyce Galligan, RN, DDS, CDA member and the first dentist on the Los Angeles Medical Reserve Corp. “We all want to do everything we can to help during an incident, but it takes preparation and training to know what our role should and should not be. This course will help California’s dentists understand how to fill those critical roles in an emergency and work better with local officials in order to help save lives.”
The first course was given by Dr. Galligan, associate professor at the USC School of Dentistry and director of the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Dental Task Force, at CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry in Anaheim in May. Participants not only reviewed the basics of being a first responder, but learned about being a triage officer and how local, state and federal agencies may utilize dental professionals during a disaster. It was one of the most popular courses of the entire weekend, with every seat full in a room that sat nearly 200 dentists.
CDA will host the lecture again at CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry in San Francisco this September. With word traveling quickly about the important role of dentists in emergency response planning, a full house is expected again.
The California Dental Association is the non-profit organization representing organized dentistry in California. Founded in 1870, CDA supports its members in their practices and service to the public through innovation in education, advocacy and related programs. CDA also contributes to the oral health of Californians through various comprehensive programs and advocacy. CDA’s membership consists of more than 24,000 dentists, making it the largest constituent of the American Dental Association. For more information, visit
cda.org.