Mission Statement: Helping All Members Succeed

Vision Statement:  Central Florida's advocate for oral health.

Our History

The Central Florida District Dental Association (CFDDA) traces its formal beginnings to May 11, 1922, when 37 dentists gathered for an organizational meeting hosted by the Orange County Dental Society—now the Dental Society of Greater Orlando. Led by A.B. Whitman of Orlando, who served as the meeting’s chairman, along with J.E. Chace of Ocala and C.W. Fain of Daytona, the group adopted the Florida Dental Association's Constitution and Bylaws and agreed to meet twice a year. Annual dues were set at $10, with funds allocated to support national, state, and district efforts.

However, the roots of organized dentistry in Central Florida go back even further. Following the Civil War, James Chace—one of Florida’s earliest dentists and a pioneer in the Ocala area—founded the Florida State Dental Society in 1884, the predecessor of today’s Florida Dental Association (FDA). His legacy continued through generations: his son, Dr. James Edward Chace, was a founding member of the CFDDA and the first dentist in Florida to use dental X-rays. His grandson, Dr. Richard Chace, helped establish the University of Florida College of Dentistry in the 1970s. Today, Dr. Richard Chace Jr. continues the family tradition as a practicing periodontist in Winter Park.

The CFDDA now represents more than 1,500 members across a broad and diverse region that stretches from Alachua County in the north to Brevard County in the south. Our principal cities include Orlando, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Ocala, and Gainesville—along with numerous smaller towns and rural communities. With more than 650 dentists practicing in the Greater Orlando area alone, our district remains one of the most vibrant in the state.

Despite the size and geographic spread, the CFDDA is known for its strong sense of camaraderie. Our members are generous with their time and talents, often volunteering to serve their communities and provide care to those in need. Leadership across the district—including our six affiliate societies—reflects a spirit of collaboration, dedication, and mutual support.

Today, a growing number of young dentists, both women and men, are stepping into leadership roles, continuing our proud tradition and shaping the future of dentistry in Central Florida.