District of Columbia Dental Society Selects SmithBucklin for Full-service Management

August 25, 2014

The District of Columbia Dental Society (DCDS) selected SmithBucklin to provide full-service association management.

Founded in 1866, DCDS is the professional dental association of the nation's capital, representing more than 600 dentists, oral surgeons and dental professionals.

DCDS promotes the growth of the dental profession through educational programming, advocacy for its members and raising the oral health literacy of the D.C. community. The society is a chapter of the American Dental Association.

Doug Fesler, who works for SmithBucklin in the Healthcare + Scientific Industry Practice, has been selected to serve as the permanent executive director for the society.

He previously served as the organization's interim executive director, and he will continue to provide DCDS with strong strategic vision as well as extensive experience managing nonprofit organizations.

"We believe SmithBucklin is the ideal fit for our society, and we are confident that this new partnership, with Doug serving as executive director, will result in a successful growth strategy for DCDS," said District of Columbia Dental Society President Robert W. Emery, DDS.

"It is a privilege to serve as management partner to such a venerable and highly regarded dental society," said David Schmahl, SmithBucklin's executive vice president & chief executive, Healthcare + Scientific Industry Practice.

He added, "Through our expertise with dental organizations and the commitment of the society's volunteer leadership, we believe the association will achieve significant growth and elevate DCDS to its envisioned next stage. We are committed to helping the society enhance both its governance and the overall value it provides its members."

In his role as executive director, Fesler will lead all aspects of the association's strategy and operations and be responsible for meeting goals set by DCDS's leadership.

"I am excited to be part of a team that is passionate about its profession, community and future," Fesler said. "I am looking forward to furthering the board's strategic goals of providing support for members' professional and leadership development; optimizing opportunities to build its culture, leadership, identity and financial reserves; shaping the future of the profession; and making the society a model for improving oral health literacy and outcomes."

In addition to his role with DCDS, Fesler continues to serve as associate executive director of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, an association he has been involved with since 1997.

He participates in long-range goal setting and works closely with the board and thought leaders to identify, define and develop strategic plans to address key challenges in clinical practice.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact