Vision Statement
SWSPD is the home of professional and personal development for pediatric dentistry in the Southwestern District.
Mission Statement
To inspire healthcare professionals through collaborative development, meaningful relationships, personal well-being and advocacy for all children:
- Securing trusted innovative leaders, healthcare providers, and advocates for the oral health of the children in the district.
- Championing diverse sustainable, inclusive workforce and profession.
- Pursing professional development, relationships, and personal well-being.
- Providing high-quality continuing education with engaging opportunities.
Our Story
The SouthWestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry was established to fill the need for more knowledge in this limited practice field and for fellowship.
In early 1948, eight dentists unofficially formed the SouthWestern Society of Pedodontists at the Dallas Mid-Winter Meeting. They were Wayne Rose (Wichita, KS), Julian (Tubbs) Raffkind (San Antonio, TX), Joe Peabody (Houston, TX), Garnett Yearwood (Shreveport, LA), Ben Caudle (Tulsa, OK), Sumner Russman (Oklahoma City, OK), Dean Robertson (Oklahoma City, OK), and Paul Taylor (Dallas, TX).
The fledgling pedodontist group subsequently presented a Constitution and By-Laws for study and development, using the structure of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists as a model.
At the 1949 Dallas Mid-Winter Meeting, officers were elected, the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted and the Society was incorporated in the State of Kansas. The first annual meeting was held in the summer of 1949 in Oklahoma City. It was the beginning of a wonderful professional relationship for the eight dentists. Soon membership doubled in size with more building to it each year. Learning came from two sources: (a) Learned academia group and (b) Informal sessions. The tradition continues today.
Today, the SouthWestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry is a nationally recognized entity. The membership has contributed much of themselves not only to patients but to student learning and adjusting our entity to the changes in professional service structure.
