South Carolina Dental Association

The South Carolina Dental Association was established in 1869. Among its early purposes was to advocate against quack dental practitioners who lured clients with deceptive advertising. In 1875, the SCDA achieved passage in the SC General Assembly of the state's first dental practice act which called for the election of a board of examiners authorized to issue licenses to graduates of accredited dental colleges without examination and to all other applicants upon examination. The SCDA held statewide meetings for its members, and in 1928 organized regional districts within South Carolina for the more manageable administration of the association. In 1959, the SCDA opened an office in Columbia from which the association was administered. The SCDA continues to provide professional support and leadership to members of the dental community in South Carolina.