Board of Directors
Barry Burstein, DDS
I joined CDG in 1978 because I knew investing was important, but I had no investing experience. I felt comfortable knowing that there was an extra layer of dentists, just like me, overlooking my investment options. I knew that while nobody can predict investment outcomes, the CDG was an organization that was interested in the wellbeing of their dental investors.
CDG board member since 2015 and currently a clinical instructor at UCSF Dental School half time and practicing In San Francisco one day a week.
Education: UC Berkeley, Zoology; UCSF Dental School 1970; Mt. Zion Hospital Residency 1971
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: San Francisco Dental Society
Hobbies & Interests: Windsurfing and playing Grandparent to four grandchildren.
Lowell B. Davis, DDS, MS
I was initially invited to join CDG as an investor. At the time I thoroughly evaluated CDG’s investment programs while keeping my personal objectives as a priority for portfolio investment growth.
I learned that CDG was moving to a new open platform that allowed more investment flexibility and participation. Overall costs would be lower and professional account managers would have more oversight with investment options. I was excited about this new direction and realized that I would have more discretion over my portfolio during my professional career.
I was interested in staying in the market long term and felt very comfortable with other dentists in my network who had the same investment focus. I wanted these dentists to know more about CDG and was, in fact, doing my own marketing to help promote the Guild. Hence, I was invited to join the Board of Directors to help with new ideas and energy, as well as bringing business experience from other areas outside of dentistry.
CDG board member since 2010 and currently practicing in Oakland and Livermore, California.
Education: San Fernando Valley State University 1968; Loyola School of Dentistry 1974, DDS; Loyola School of Dentistry Graduate Program Periodontics, Certificate of Specialty and MS Oral Biology, 1974
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: Alameda County Dental Society; California Dental Association; American Dental Association; American Academy of Periodontology
Hobbies & Interests: Research and development of new formulated prophy paste, stamp collecting, travel, grape growing and vineyard development.
Donna Bigheart Hurowitz, DDS
I joined the California Dentists’ Guild for a reasonable and dependable method to save for retirement for my employees and myself. I needed an organization well-versed in my legal and allowable choices in the marketplace. CDG filled those needs.
CDG board member since 2000 and retired from practice in 2013, currently teaching part time at the UCSF School of Dentistry.
Education: UC Berkeley; University of Southern California School of Dentistry
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: San Francisco Dental Society; President of the San Francisco Dental Society 1993-94; Trustee of the California Dental Association 2001-08; Delegate to the American Dental Association 2007-08; Editor District 13 International College of Dentists
Hobbies & Interests: Reading, history, philosophy, current events, public policy and physical fitness. I love taking care of my husband and my dog, Guinness
Richard E. Leeds, DDS
I can still remember my reason for joining CDG more than 30 years ago when I said, “I never want to read about myself in the newspaper!” Now here we are, thirty years and numerous “Bernie Madoffs” later, and in its entire history, the Guild has never betrayed a dentist.
CDG board member since 1982 and currently practicing in San Francisco, California.
Education: University of Illinois School of Dentistry, 1970
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: San Francisco Dental Society
Hobbies & Interests: Sailing, tennis, bicycling, photography and traveling
Kevin Low, DDS
The California Dentists’ Guild is one of the best platforms to invest with the opportunity to use the resources of pooled money for greater investment opportunities.
CDG board member since 1998 and currently practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Education: University of California, Davis, Bachelor of Biological Sciences, 1991—Regent Scholar; UCSF School of Dentistry, 1995
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: Mid-Peninsula Dental Society
Hobbies & Interests: Spending time with my family, golfing, Seattle Study Club and Kois attendee
Michael Parrett, DDS
I belong to CDG for the peace of mind it gives me, knowing that my retirement monies are safe and gaining maximum growth with limited fees.
CDG board member since 1995 and currently practicing in San Francisco, California.
Education: University of Detroit, School of Dentistry
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: San Francisco Dental Society
Hobbies & Interests: Sailing, road and mountain biking, fishing
Donald K. Ruddell, DDS
I joined the California Dentists’ Guild to help me watch out for my financial and retirement interests. Through education at its annual meetings, the Guild has taught me a great deal with regard to investment strategy for retirement. I have seen first-hand how costs are continually monitored and minimized. We dentists in California are so fortunate to have this nearly 50-year old institution that I am surprised more states have not adopted a similar organization.
If you are a licensed dentist in California and you want your retirement nest egg to grow with minimal costs, then you should join the California Dentists’ Guild. The education you receive at its annual meetings, with the camaraderie of your peers, and the personal service you receive from the Guild staff are all icing-on-a well-conceived-cake!
CDG board member since 1998, currently practicing full time in Oakland, California.
Education: University of the Pacific, Bachelor of Arts Chemistry 1980; University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery 1984
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: Alameda County Dental Society; California Dental Association; American Dental Association, Past-President of the Alameda County Dental Society (1993-1994); Served on the BOD of ACDS for 11 years; Past-President of the California Dentists’ Guild (2006-2012)
Hobbies & Interests: Backpacking, mountain climbing, snow skiing, jogging, birding, spending time with wife and family
Jack M. Saroyan, DDS, FACD, FAGD
I have been a CDG member since 1967 and I am now enjoying monthly distributions from my retirement account. I joined the Guild to pool my investments with other dentists for the benefit of lower commission costs and full retirement services. I also appreciates the educational benefits of the financial marketplace at the annual meetings.
CDG board member since 1967, retired and living in San Francisco.
Education: UOP Dugoni Dental School, 1962
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: As a former member of the Armenian Dental Society of California he has completed 5 humanitarian visits with the Armenian Dental Society of California and has been recognized by the American Dental Association for his service to the Armenian people
Hobbies & Interests: Some of the positions he has served in are: Editor of the Journal of the California Dental Association, President of the San Francisco Dental Society, and President of the California State Board of Dental Examiners. With a renewed career in dental education, Dr. Saroyan serves on the faculty at the UOP Dugoni Dental School from which he graduated in 1962. Throughout his dental career he has taken an active role in the organized profession of dentistry
William P. Tennant, DDS
I became a member of the California Dentists’ Guild when I first entered private practice. I wanted guidance in planning for my future. The Guild has provided education and support to remain focused on retirement planning during the last 30 years and now I am beginning to enjoy the benefits!
CDG board member since 1985 and currently practicing in Berkeley, California.
Education: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 1971; General Practice Residency — Veterans Administration, 1973; SchulzahnKlinik der Stadt Berne, Switzerland, 1976
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations: Berkeley Dental Society; Berkeley Dental Society President, 1992; Academy of Laser Dentistry, 1998; Academy of Osseo integration, 1986
Hobbies & Interests: High Sierra hiking and photography
David Refaee DDS, MAGD
I have been a member of the CDG since 1998.
As a board member I had an assignment of comparing a few firms that were offering retirement plans.
I concluded that the Guild was offering the best value for the services available.
Education :
BS Electrical Engineering, University of Texas 1987,
MS Electrical Engineering , University of Texas 1990,
DDS University of The Pacific 1997
Affiliated Dental Society & Associations :
Santa Clara County Dental Society,
Monterey Bay county Dental Society
Academy of General Dentistry,
International Congress of Oral Implantologists,
Seattle Study Club
Hobbies :
Hilking, Dirt biking, Movies.
Here is my contact information :
Cell : 408- 656-5044
dr.refaee@att.net
David A. Refaee DDS, MAGD Tel:(831) 426-1444
Five Gables Family Dentistry
500 Mission Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060
mysantacruzdentist.com
Sheila Saenz
My husband and I joined the Dental Guild in 2004 after years of writing a check each year to fund our 401k without knowledge of where it was being invested. We didn’t know the right questions to ask, were busy running the day to day operations of a dental practice and raising a family. Joining the Guild offered us financial education, a safe place to ask questions and how to properly plan for our retirement.
Education: BA Sociology, Cal State University Fullerton; Teaching Credential, University of San Diego.
Background: Retired teacher of Health Information Administration, Los Angeles Unified School District; Retired Office Administration and assisting in my husband’s dental practice.
Hobbies and Interests: Traveling and making memories with my kids and granddaughters.
