Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD)
A Message from the President

By Thomas Tanbonliong, DDS

It is my honor to serve as the new President of the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD). As a former President of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD), I am proud to lead another organization that continues to advance pediatric oral health through professional collaboration, leadership, advocacy and education.  

Our mission is to provide outstanding membership services and effective communications between and amongst the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, its component districts, and the State/Province Units of WSPD.  We are committed to cultivating future leaders, strengthening professional connections, and improving oral health outcomes for children throughout the Western United States and Canada.

The WSPD is a cohesive organization representing members from 11 Western States and three (3) Western Provinces of Canada. Our strength lies in the diversity of perspectives and experiences within our leadership. The current Executive Committee reflects that commitment, with members serving from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alberta, Canada, and Wisconsin (our Executive Director spent many years in Alaska but relocated to Wisconsin). This geographic diversity helps ensure that WSPD remains responsive to the needs of Pediatric Dentists across the region.

A key example of that commitment is the WSPD  StAMP Fund, which funds Pediatric Dental Residents attending the Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference (POHAC). By supporting resident participation in advocacy efforts, we are investing in the next generation of leaders who will champion children’s oral health at the local, state, and national levels.

We are also pleased to welcome our new WSPD Leadership Intern, Dr. Esther Gao. Dr. Gao is a graduate of Oregon Health & Science University and is now in private practice with the Kaiser Permanente Group in Oregon. Her enthusiasm, leadership potential, and commitment to pediatric dentistry make her an outstanding addition to our organization.

The WSPD continues to provide integral support for the CSPD through multiple initiatives. The WSPD contributes $13,000, the highest level of sponsorship, to support the CSPD annual session. In addition, the WSPD provides the funds for the resident poster awards and supplies judges for the poster competition. The WSPD has a membership booth at the meeting where attendees receive the humorous badge ribbons and WSPD souvenirs.  The WSPD is  grateful for the unwavering support, partnership, and collaboration with the CSPD. The strong relationship between our organizations has created meaningful opportunities to support our members and foster future leaders in the specialty.  We are proud of this enduring partnership and look forward to strengthening this bond even further in the years ahead, continuing to work side by side to elevate Pediatric Dentistry and both organizations.  

As we look ahead, I encourage all members to support the WSPD by maintaining their annual membership dues. Membership dues directly support leadership development, resident programs, educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and the partnerships that strengthen our profession. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and impactful organization dedicated to improving the oral health of children throughout our region.