New Leader for State Dental Group; R. Kent Farnsworth Also Recognized as UCLA School of Dentistry Alumnus of the Year

Business Wire, Nov 26, 1999

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 26, 1999--

Sacramento dentist R. Kent Farnsworth, D.D.S, has been installed as president of the California Dental Association at its annual House of Delegates meeting.

The 18,000-member professional organization represents about 80 percent of the state's actively practicing dentists and has headquarters in Sacramento.

"This is an extremely critical time for the dental profession, as we continue to increase access to quality oral care for all Californians," said Farnsworth.

"As president of a volunteer organization committed to providing the best care possible, we must keep our association accessible, accountable and adaptable to the changes facing the health-care environment and, most importantly, to our patients."

One of the biggest issues that Farnsworth will promote during his tenure is to reach out to the increasing ethnic and gender diversity of current dental school graduates and non-members of the association. In his address to the House of Delegates, Farnsworth pointed out that nearly 40 percent of current graduates are women.

"We must understand the differences and embrace the changes of those who may want to become members of CDA," he said. "I intend to make sure that all who have the talent and desire to serve will be welcome in this association."

Farnsworth will also work to help establish an association-sponsored low-interest loan program to help recent dental school graduates deal with the staggering debt many incur during their education. According to the 1998 ADA Survey of Dental School Seniors, graduating dental students can incur up to $150,000 or more of educational debt.

In addition, Farnsworth will continue association support of the state's attempt to fluoridate California water systems. Presently, of the 150 largest cities in the United States that do not fluoridate their drinking water, 85 are in California. Major cities without fluoridated water include San Diego, San Jose, Bakersfield, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Merced and Modesto.

Farnsworth graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry in 1970. Having served on the CDA's Board of Trustees and Executive Committee as well as on the Board of Directors of CalDPAC, CDA's political action arm, Farnsworth is keenly aware of the issues.

"Patients today have better oral health than their parents and grandparents, and their children will have better oral health than their parents," said Farnsworth. "I'm going to work very hard within the legislative and regulatory process to continue that trend."

In addition to his installation as president, Farnsworth was recently recognized as the 1999 "Alumnus of the Year" for the UCLA School of Dentistry.

"Dr. Farnsworth has admirably demonstrated a high level of commitment and dedication to the dental profession throughout his career," said Tim Comstock, executive director of the California Dental Association. "Not only has Kent been active in nearly every aspect of organized dentistry, he has tirelessly offered his effort and expertise to his alma mater."

Farnsworth and his wife, Jain, reside in Sacramento. They have four children.