CDA Announces Appointment of New Chief Legal Officer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Dental Association has announced the appointment of Dean Frieders as its new chief legal officer. Frieders succeeds Alison Sandman, who is retiring after 20 years of dedicated service to the organization.

"We searched for a leader with deep legal expertise who aligns with our values and culture," said Peter DuBois, executive director for CDA. "Dean's background as an attorney and an executive with extensive experience advising membership-based organizations and multi-entity enterprises made him a highly qualified successor to Alison Sandman. His commitment to expanding access to healthcare for underserved communities further proved he was the right leader to join our organization, and we are very pleased to welcome him to CDA."

Frieders comes to CDA from Work Health Solutions, a California-based occupational health care company where he oversaw the legal, compliance and regulatory functions for a complex, multi-state operation. His legal background encompasses insurance law, commercial contracts, healthcare regulatory compliance, real estate, employment law, technology and data privacy, and legislative advocacy.

"CDA is an organization with a deeply important history and commitment to serving its members and advocating for oral health and the dental profession," said Frieders. "I am honored and excited to join the organization and work alongside staff and members to advance that important work across the state."

Frieders holds a law degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he graduated with highest honors. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science, summa cum laude, from North Central College in Illinois.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Frieders is committed to volunteer work and community service. He's served on multiple public health task forces and helped develop statewide public health initiatives, including a medical strike team model capable of responding to urgent health needs in medically underserved communities. That model has supported responses to COVID-19, mpox, H5N1 and other public health threats. His work has also included efforts to improve medical literacy, expand access to care and support more equitable health outcomes for Californians.

Caption: The California Dental Association has announced the appointment of Dean Frieders as its new chief legal officer.

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About the California Dental Association

The California Dental Association has represented organized dentistry in the state of California since 1870. Unlike a regulatory body or licensing board, CDA is a professional association, one that supports members' success and service to the public through education, advocacy, expert guidance, practice resources and connection. Today, CDA is 27,000 members strong, works in partnership with 32 local dental societies and is the largest constituent of the American Dental Association. Learn more at cda.org.