What and where is the Fox River Valley Dental Society?

The Fox River Valley Dental Society is an affiliate of the American Dental Association and a component of the Illinois State Dental Society. Membership includes dentists and dental specialists within Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb Counties.

Incorporated in 1960, the Fox River Valley Dental Society was formed by its leaders with three purposes in mind:

• The advancement of the dental profession in general, technical and scientific education;
• The promotion of social and benevolent activities among the members of the dental profession;
• The encouragement of cooperation with the medical profession and other healing arts in all matters of mutual interests and advantage to the members of the society and the public in general.

Dr. Robert E. Barnes of Aurora served as the first President of the Society. At that time, the President was responsible for most of the administrative functions of the organization, and these duties were run from within his dental office. By 1977, it was determined that the Society was in need of a central office and an Executive Director to handle the growing administrative duties involved with running the expanding organization. Since that time, the office has been run by an Executive Director, who reports to 11 Directors responsible for forming the policies, procedures, and activities of the organization.

Currently, Fox River Valley Dental Society has approximately 280 members. The original purposes of the Society continue to be principles upon which the Society operates. Each year five scientific dinner meetings are offered to its members for the purpose of providing continuing education opportunities for the advancement of the dental profession. An annual golf outing provides a social outlet for members, their families, and dental labs/suppliers. A Directory of Membership is published each year, and a monthly newsletter is distributed to advance communication among its members. Cooperation with local hospitals, participation in community activities, and coordinating special events serve to promote optimal oral health throughout the communities represented.