The Contra Costa Dental Society Board of Directors will ask members to consider a comprehensive update to the Society’s Bylaws at the October General Membership Meeting.

The proposed revision is the result of an extensive governance review led by the CCDS Governance Task Force, with review and input from legal counsel and the California Dental Association. The goal has been to modernize the Society’s governing document, clarify roles and responsibilities, and better distinguish between fundamental governance provisions that belong in the Bylaws and operational procedures that can be maintained through Board-approved policy.

Among the proposed changes are updates to Board composition and leadership succession, creation of a Leadership Development Committee, clearer definitions of committee and Executive Committee authority, modernization of member meeting and voting procedures, and updated provisions governing membership and member discipline.

While the revision is comprehensive, the Society’s fundamental purpose and members’ important role in CCDS governance remain. Members will continue to elect Society leadership and retain the governance rights established in the proposed Bylaws.

Review the Proposed Changes

To help members understand the proposal, CCDS has prepared two documents for review:

• Proposed 2026 CCDS Bylaws – the complete text of the proposed governing document.
• Guide to the Proposed 2026 Bylaws Amendments – a plain-language overview of the major changes, the reasons behind them, and their practical effect.
  

Copies of both documents will be available for members to review at the September General Membership Meeting, providing an opportunity to become familiar with the proposal before the vote.

Members are encouraged to review the materials and bring any questions they may have.

Member Vote in October

The proposed Bylaws will be presented to the membership for consideration at the October General Membership Meeting.

Additional information about the October meeting and member vote will be provided in advance in accordance with the Society’s notice requirements.

We appreciate members taking the time to become familiar with these important updates as CCDS works to establish a clear and durable governance framework for the years ahead.