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As a student member of CDA, you are part of a dynamic community of professionals who work together to shape the future of dentistry. Students at California’s six dental schools have full access to membership benefits. CDA offers unique resources for each stage of your career, starting with support during dental school and transition into practice life.
Connect to the profession’s best and brightest in our online community, at the nation’s most exciting dental convention, and through leadership opportunities.
Tap into the expertise of our dedicated analysts online, by phone and at special events. Navigate challenges in the business side of practice and access a full resource library.
If you haven’t already, use your ADA number to set up your CDA member access online. Then, log in any time to enjoy members-only resources.
We understand that you’re just getting started, so we’ve designed savings, support and solutions to help you get ready to enter your new profession.
Connect with dental students across California to share insights, offer encouragement and foster camaraderie. Whether you're a D1 and have questions on what to expect or a D4 who can offer guidance, you’ve got the support of your peers and CDA.
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To offset some of the financial burden of careers in public or community health, CalHealthCares awards grants to select physicians and dentists who commit to provide access to care for Medi-Cal patients. The next application cycle begins in January 2020.
Learn About CalHealthCares
As a graduating senior, you can update your membership information or complete the membership application online. After licensure, you will become a member of the ADA, CDA and the local dental society closest to your school. When you establish a permanent address, contact your local dental society or update your profile online.
You will remain a part of the dental society local to your school until you graduate. Then your local dental society will be determined by your primary practice address. If you do not have a practice address, the transfer will be determined by your home address.
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Absolutely. Once you return to California and start practicing, you can update your membership with your new information.
Yes. Contact CDA directly to transition to postgraduate membership.
Your first year of free CDA membership will start when you finish the program.
No. You will transition automatically to a tripartite (ADA, CDA and your local dental society) member when you graduate.
Yes. As soon as you begin to practice, you will need to contact CDA or your local dental society with your new address. If that new address is outside your dental school component's territory, your membership may be transferred to the society local to the address of your associateship.
Our helpful member service representatives are here for you. Call CDA at 800.232.7645 to speak directly to a representative about your membership application or to obtain your ADA number. You can also update your membership information online.
Kristian Ross-Patchin Director, Membership & Administration
800.232.7645