Recent Graduate Membership

You are the “now” of this association and we value your membership. As financial stewards of our association, our volunteer leaders often have to make tough decisions. Based on trends and analysis, leadership determined that dues structure changes were necessary to secure a healthy balance between member growth and financial sustainability.

In a growing market with changing needs, changing demographics and rapid disruption, the ADA and state societies require financial sustainability in order to invest in new programs and provide ongoing value and benefits such as advocacy, clinical excellence support, debt management and wellness resources. 

With greater financial strength, we are better positioned to pivot when needed and continue to produce valuable evidence-based resources and amplify advocacy efforts, much like what we are experiencing during COVID-19. 

Overall, we will be better positioned to ensure the continuation of organized dentistry and its contributions to the dental profession.

Through 2020, new dentists were offered a dues discount following dental school for up to 4 years ($0, 25%, 50%, 75% discounts respectively). Beginning in 2021, a discount will be available for two years as follows:

• 1st year out of dental school: $0
• 2nd year out of dental school: 50% of full membership dues
• 3rd year out of dental school: Full membership dues

If you are in a residency, advanced or specialty program following dental school, you will pay zero dues each year you are in that program. Following your program you begin the gradual acceleration to the full dues schedule above. 

In 2020, your ADA dues were X% (see below) of full dues. Effective January 2021, your national dues will be X% (see below) of full dues.

1st year out: (2020) 0% of full dues → (2021) 50% of full dues
2nd year out: (2020) 25% of full dues → (2021) 50% of full dues
3rd year out: (2020) 50% of full dues → (2021) Full dues
4th year out: (2020) 75% of full dues → (2021) Full dues

While ADA is making this change, the MDA is not aligning with the change at this time (therefore, it is not changing its dues discounts to new graduate members); however, the change has been presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration to be further evaluated it in 2021. Most MDA component societies also are not aligning with the dues increase at that time, although the Greater St. Louis Dental Society will be discussing it and making a decision at its October 2020 annual business meeting.