The CDA Foundation’s board of directors plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission. The board’s guidance leads ongoing efforts to support dental professionals, reduce barriers to care and improve Californians’ oral health through volunteerism and funding. Get to know Alma Clark, DDS, a member of the board.
A long-time commitment to community oral health
With a career spanning over 35 years, Dr. Clark has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving vulnerable communities and advancing oral health initiatives.
Clark began her journey into dentistry at a young age, inspired by her experiences as a high school Red Cross volunteer. It was there that she first recognized the dire need for dental care within underserved populations, a realization that propelled her into a lifelong career in dentistry. After graduating from dental school, Clark was awarded a National Health Service Corps Scholarship, which allowed her to work in a health workforce shortage area. Here, she served vulnerable populations, gaining invaluable experience that would inform her later work with the CDA Foundation.
Leadership in ethics and dentistry
Beyond her clinical work, Clark has held numerous leadership positions that highlight her dedication to dentistry and the profession’s ethical practices. She served as president of the Contra Costa Dental Society and was a member of the CDA Board of Trustees. Additionally, she served as chair of the CDA Judicial Council and led the American Dental Association’s subcommittee on ethics. Clark’s contributions to the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws, and Judicial Affairs have been instrumental in guiding the professional conduct of her peers.
Fifteen years ago, Clark first became involved with the CDA Foundation as a member of the Grants and Awards Committee. It was here that her background serving vulnerable populations and her analytical skills in reviewing applications for student loan repayment grants became invaluable. Her expertise has also been essential in developing roadmaps to support programs that address dental workforce shortages. In doing so, she has helped to cultivate the next generation of caring and competent dental professionals.
Encouraging peer involvement
When asked what she would tell others wondering about CDA Foundation initiatives, Clark replied, “My peers and the public need to know that access to care remains a concern for children and older people. Our most vulnerable population segments are where support can have a lasting ripple effect.”
For those who want to make a difference, Clark suggests partnering with the CDA Foundation as a volunteer. “Getting involved is easy by contacting the Foundation,” she explains. “You can obtain information regarding volunteering at future events and also philanthropic donations, which help to fund supplies and equipment needed to support better health care outcomes for all.”
Clark’s wealth of experience and dedication to public health make her a valuable addition to the CDA Foundation Board. Her passion for fostering access to dental care and promoting oral health equity aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission. As a board member, she continues her lifelong commitment to advancing the collective best interest of society by advocating for initiatives that protect and enhance public oral health.