title: The Massachusetts Dental Society: 150 years of greatness.
abstract: Over the last century and a half, the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) has evolved from a small group of dentists meeting to share knowledge into a complex, well-functioning organization of nearly 5,000 dentists that meets the needs of its members, as well as those of the general population. Its mission is dedicated to "improving the oral health of the public and professional development of its membership through initiatives in education, advocacy and promotion of the highest professional standards." What began as a small group of dentists has evolved into a large, effective body that has endeavored to better the practice of dentistry and improve the oral health of residents in the Commonwealth. And in 2014, the MDS is celebrating its Sesquicentennial.
authors.forename: Charles B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Millstein
mesh_terms: D003816:Dentists, Women / Q000266:history; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000266:history; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D054584:National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (U.S.) / Q000266:history; D012953:Societies, Dental / Q000266:history* / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States