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Membership for Dentists
Thank you for wanting to learn more about CDA and what we can do for you personally and professionally. CDA Members enjoy many benefits of membership. Our members belong to the largest and most respected state dental association in the country. They have exclusive access to CDA organizations including an insurance company, an insurance broker and a charitable foundation. As a member, you’ll enjoy benefits designed to support you at each stage of your career, you’ll have the opportunity to put your expertise to work for your profession, and you’ll be meeting some of the best and brightest dentists in the state.
Membership for Allied Dental Health Professionals
CDA is proud to be the only California dental professional association dedicated to the entire team! The House of Delegates made history Nov. 11 by approving membership for allied dental health professionals beginning in 2007 and casting a vote for representation of the entire dental team through CDA. Read entire article from the December Update.
Click here for an Allied Dental Health Professional application for CDA membership.
Click here for the Allied Dental Health Professional Benefits Brochure.
Tripartite Relationship
CDA is one part of a three-tiered membership structure designed to offer you, the dentist, the best service possible. We provide programs and services at the state level. On the national level, the American Dental Association offers a wealth of member services you can access, and there are 32 local dental societies throughout the state providing locally based programs and services, including job assistance, peer reviews, continuing education programs and more.
A Brief History
The California Dental Association is the premier membership association for dentists in California today. It was originally founded in 1870 in San Francisco. In 1913 the Southern California State Dental Association was established, and for 60 years organized dentistry in California was divided. In 1973, the two organizations merged to form CDA, headquartered in Sacramento. Because the association was established to provide a way for dentists to identify, express and address their interests and concerns, as dentistry has grown, so, too, has the association. We’re always careful to add programs and services that maintain the reputation and the standards of the dental profession and help dentists succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. To better respond to the needs of today’s dentists, CDA has established two subsidiary companies. The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC) offers outstanding professional liability, office property and employment practices liability insurance plans, as well as risk-management products and services. The exclusive broker of CDA-recommended Insurance Plans, TDIC Insurance Solutions offers an array of personal and professional insurance plans for dentists and their dental office employees.
How Do I Apply For Membership?
When you become an active member of CDA, you also become a member of the American Dental Association and your local dental society. As a tripartite member, you gain access to dental resources at the local, state and national levels. Now, it’s easier than ever to become a CDA tripartite member. If you are a licensed dentist in California, a full-time faculty member at one of the five California dental schools, or a licensed California dentist serving full-time military duty, you are eligible. For more information about membership in other categories, including student/graduate student, affiliate, or provisional membership, call 800.232.7645.
Membership Application
Download our Membership Application, or fill out the Online Membership Application.
To find your local dental society and submit your membership application, click here.
How Much Are Dues?
Current annual CDA membership dues are $690, although special rates are available for full-time faculty members, recent graduates, recent licentiates, and federal military/public health professionals. Current annual American Dental Association dues are $498. Each local dental society also charges dues. Please contact your local society for current due and membership information.
Does the CDA Have Payment Plans?
Yes! To make dues payment easy, we have several payment options.
Online Dues Renewal: Once you receive your dues statement, simply go online to make your payment.
Lump Sum Payment: Payment of the full amount upon receipt of statement.
Credit Card: Payment through VISA, Mastercard, or American Express.
Electronic Dues Payment (EDP) Program: Dues are deducted from a designated checking account each month.
Flexible Layaway Plan: Pay in any amount at your convenience, with the full amount due by May 31.