Benefits of CDA Membership
Allied Dental Health Professional (ADHP)/Auxiliary Training
The revised “On the Job Training Manual” is an excellent resource for training beginning dental assistants, teaching proficiency in clinical skills or for cross-training from office staff. Cost of the manual is $70 for CDA members. CDA can also provide information on education programs in radiation safety, coronal polishing, RDA exam preparation, and can provide program locations for dental assisting programs, RDA, RDAEF, RDH, and dental laboratory technology education. To order the “On the Job Training Manual or for information on education programs, please call 800.CDA.SMILE (232.7645).
Building & Business Personal Property
TDIC offers comprehensive protection for your dental office and building, and their contents with its Building & Business Personal Property policy. Coverage is provided on a replacement cost basis and automatically includes many built-in limits and coverage. For more information, contact The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC) at Web site www.thedentists.com.
Buying a Practice
Buying a practice may be a dentist’s most important financial and professional commitment. To make the most informed business decision, evaluate the seller’s profile and records, employment agreements, patient profiles and records, contractual agreements, financial assets and liabilities. This document outlines recommended steps to take for protecting your liability when purchasing a practice. For more information, contact TDIC at Web site www.thedentists.com.
CDA-endorsed Programs
CDA endorses a number of practice management and personal financial programs that can enhance both your professional and personal life. All programs are reviewed and approved by a group of practicing dentists before earning an endorsement from CDA. We call these our CDA-endorsed Programs. As a CDA member, you have easy access to an array of services that can benefit you, your patients and your practice. Following is a listing of our CDA-endorsed Programs:
Practice Management Services
CDA Business MasterCard® or VISA®
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Demographic Site Analysis
Dental Equipment Leasing & Financing
Dental Patient Financing
Merchant Credit Card Processing
New Office Start-Up Financing
Office Supplies
Practice Acquisition Financing
Practice Equity Loans
Practice Management Services
Practice Management Supplies
Spore Check System
Personal Financial Services
CDA Personal MasterCard® or VISA®
CDA RewardsSM American Express® Card
CD & Money Market Accounts
Lines of Credit
For more information about CDA-endorsed Programs, visit the CDA-endorsed Programs Web site or send an e-mail to endorsedprograms@cda.org.
CDA-endorsed Insurance Plans
All CDA-endorsed Insurance Plans are brokered and administered by TDIC Insurance Solutions, a California Dental Association company. Each year Insurance Solutions pays dividends back to CDA.
Insurance Solutions offers a comprehensive line of CDA-endorsed Commercial and Life/Health Insurance Plans. The association’s Product Evaluation Committee oversees all the insurance plans Insurance Solutions offers. The committee is a group of practicing dentists who are the membership’s “voice” in assuring the insurance plans Insurance Solutions offers are high quality, competitive and serve CDA membership’s needs.
All of the plans offered by Insurance Solutions are designed to provide protection for you, your family and your practice at every stage of your career. Following is a listing of all CDA-endorsed Insurance Plans offered by Insurance Solutions:
CDA-endorsed Commercial Insurance Plans
Building & Business Personal Property Insurance
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Professional & Business Liability Insurance
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
CDA-endorsed Life/Health Insurance Plans
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Business Overhead Expense Insurance
Health & Vision Insurance
HSA-compatible High Deductible Health Plans
Individual & Group Life Insurance
Individual & Group Disability Income Insurance
Long-term Care Insurance
For more information about CDA-endorsed Insurance, or to receive an online quote, visit tdicsolutions.com.
CDA's Regulatory Compliance Manual
Fighting through the regulatory jungle? CDA's "Regulatory Compliance Manual" can help members prepare compliance documents for Cal-OSHA and for the Department of Health Services, which enforces the medical waste laws. The manual contains sample forms and copies of the regulations dentists must have. The cost to members is $48.49 including tax and shipping. Call 800.CDA.SMILE to order the manual.
Child Abuse/Domestic Violence Issues
Are you aware that CDA staff is available to answer your questions regarding child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect, and domestic violence? Call 800.CDA.SMILE.
Code of Ethics
The CDA Code of Ethics provides member dentists with clear principles and guidelines with regard to the conduct which a dentist is expected to follow in carrying out professional duties. For more information, call 800.CDA.SMILE or e-mail roya.main@cda.org.
Continuing Education
Short on C.E. units? Not only can members receive continuing education units by attending free courses at Scientific Sessions, but you also have the opportunity to obtain C.E. at home. CDA and its subsidiaries are pleased to offer a number of online learning opportunities for licensees and all dental health care providers seeking added knowledge in a certain subject area. Online courses are available at www.cda.org.
Delinquent License Notification
Did you know that each year CDA compares delinquent license information from the Dental Board of California with members' license information on file? Many times, members are unaware that their license is delinquent. After receiving a courtesy notice from CDA, members have the opportunity to correct the licensure status before penalties are assessed. The service is available to CDA members only.
Dental Career Presentation Resources
Are you planning or participating in a dental career presentation or career fair? CDA is excited to introduce the “Orange Chair Diaries” recruitment program that provides a contemporary DVD and materials to appeal to a young and diverse audience of middle school and high school students. This resource kit was developed to “speak” to them during a time when they are beginning to explore their future career opportunities. The kit is ideally suited for use at career fairs or individual classroom presentations and features a memorable mascot – a vintage orange dental chair. Careers in Dentistry brochures are available free of charge to supplement the presentation. Call CDA at 800.CDA.SMILE for additional information.
Dental Management Services Organization Contract Analysis
Dental Management Service Organization (DMSO) Contract Analysis is now available to CDA members free of charge. This service can greatly benefit those members who are considering selling their practice to a DMSO. Members interested in this service should call CDA at 800.736.7071, ext. 4256, or e-mail roya.main@cda.org.
Dental Plan Contract Analysis Service
Did you know that CDA offers a contract analysis service? This service can be very helpful if the dentist is thinking of signing up with an insurance carrier – and is a free service available only to members. For more information, call CDA at 800.232.7645, ext. 4969, or e-mail kira.hough@cda.org.
Direct Reimbursement
Frustrated with the diminishing provider options available in this managed care environment? Tell your patients who are employers about Direct Reimbursement, the self-funded dental benefits concept that preserves freedom of choice. There are no provider lists and few, if any, exclusions or restrictions. Brochures, plan documents and assistance are available to employers and members. Empower the fee-for-service practice today. For more information, call 800.736.7071, ext. 4961, or e-mail wally.dacruz@cda.org.
Electronic Dues Payment Program
The Electronic Dues Payment (EDP) is a payment option that allows you to pay your dues in six equal installments. This program is offered to members free of interest charges, processing fees and down payments. Call 800.CDA.SMILE for deadlines and information on participating in this program or e-mail contactcda@cda.org.
Legislative Advocacy
CDA monitors and evaluates approximately 2,500 pieces of legislation annually for their potential impact on dentistry and public health and also actively participates in the regulatory process of the Dental Board and other state and local agencies. This proactive involvement positions CDA to drive legislative and regulatory activity and communicate member feedback to key policymakers.
Peer Review
Peer Review was established by CDA and its 32 component dental societies to assist its members in resolving disputes with patients regarding quality and/or appropriateness of dental treatment, utilization, and/or potential irregular billing practices. Peer Review is a relatively simple process and an extremely effective alternative to legal action. Inquiries can be directed to 800.736.7071, ext. 4290, or e-mail raquel.viteri@cda.org.
Practice Interruption and Mutual Aid Group Guidelines
The Practice Interruption and Mutual Aid Group Guidelines were developed by CDA to help member dentists form mutual aid groups, which act to sustain a group member's practice in the event of disability or death. The Guidelines also offer tips on organizing financial data and storage of patient records. To request a copy of the guidelines call 800.CDA.SMILE (232.7645), or e-mail contactcda@cda.org.
Professional Liability Insurance
TDIC offers Professional & Business Liability coverage designed specifically for dentists. Employment Practices Liability coverage is also offered as an option within the professional liability policy. This is a benefit offered exclusively to CDA members.
Unlike most insurance policies available to dentists, TDIC professional liability policy is a participating policy, enabling TDIC to return unused claims dollars in the form of policyholder dividends whenever claims experience is especially favorable.
For more information, call 800.733.0635 or visit thedentists.com.
Publications
The Journal of the California Dental Association is a monthly publication designed to keep members abreast of the latest in dental technology, scientific issues and practice management information. Update provides a forum for discussion of issues confronting organized dentistry and association happenings.
Required Postings
There are several items an employer and a dentist must post in their office in an area accessible to all employees. CDA has a poster set, which included required posters from Cal-OSHA, California Department of Industrial Relations, U.S. Department of Labor, and the Dental Board of California. To order a set of posters call 800.CDA.SMILE, or e-mail contactcda@cda.org.
Risk Management
Risk Management Advice Line: TDIC’s risk management staff offers free, one-on-one advice for CDA members seeking assistance with questions or concerns about liability. Our risk management staff is available to assist member dentists and their employees who have questions or concerns about potential claims or troublesome patient situations. Whenever you are in doubt about handling a difficult patient, a risk management representative can help you find a solution. If you are a CDA member, you can use this service for advice or support—regardless of whether you are a TDIC policyholder. Call 800.733.0634, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.
Risk Management Education Courses: TDIC's risk management seminars have helped thousands of dentists practice more confidently and productively. We have also helped them pay less for TDIC professional liability coverage. By attending RM11: Charting the Course, TDIC policyholders or members who become TDIC policyholders receive a two-year, 5 percent premium discount. This course is available to dentists and dental staff. For more information, visit the TDIC Web site at thedentists.com/seminars.htm.
Resources and Reference Guides: TDIC offers a variety of forms and reference guides free to CDA members to help them manage and reduce their liability. Available materials include informed consent forms in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean; sample letters; the Risk Management Reference Guide; the Employment Practices Suite; and many others. For more information, visit thedentists.com, or request a complimentary copy of the Risk Management Products & Services catalog at thedentists.com/rm/brochure/.
Scientific Sessions/Annual Meetings
CDA sponsors two scientific meetings each year, one held in Anaheim and the other in San Francisco. These meetings provide an opportunity for members to obtain the necessary continuing education credits for licensure renewal and to visit hundreds of vendor exhibits displaying the latest in dental equipment and dental materials. To preregister for sessions or for more information, call 800.CDA.SMILE (232.7645), or e-mail contactcda@cda.org.
Separating From Practice Packet
If you are thinking of retiring or leaving your practice, you want to be sure that you've taken the necessary steps to ensure that your patients are adequately informed in reasonable time to find another dentist. Tips and sample letters on how to properly notify patients as well as other interested parties when separating from a practice. Information to assist you is available in TDIC’s publication “Separating from Practice.” For more information, or to obtain a copy, please call TDIC at 800.733.0634 or online at thedentists.com. (Requires ADA Number to log in.)
Stages Newsletter
From insurance, risk management, education and professional resources to community outreach and much more, Stages provides four, stage-specific issues to ensure members receive timely and pertinent information based on their unique stage of practice. Click here to view current issues.
Starting a Practice
CDA has prepared a checklist for the new practitioner entitled "Guidelines for New Dentist" which details key regulatory and personnel requirements that need to be considered when making plans to start your own practice. To obtain the checklist, call 800.CDA.SMILE (232.7645), or e-mail contactcda@cda.org.
Third Party Payer Information/Resources
CDA’s Member Programs Division is available to assist CDA members and their office staff with concerns, problems and questions regarding third-party payers and their practices. Staff can assist you with expediting reimbursement, corresponding with third party payers and knowing your legal rights when it comes to third party payer practices.
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions and information on current issues regarding third party payers. For more information, or to contact a Member Programs staff member who can assist you with a specific problem, please contact us at 800.CDA.SMILE (232.7645).
Using the CDA Logo to Market Your Practice
CDA encourages its members and component dental societies to incorporate the CDA logo into their business systems and advertising to market their practice. For more information, see Tools to Help Your Practice, or call 800.CDA.SMILE (232.7645).
Well-Being Program
Well-being Committees of the California Dental Association provide confidential assistance to members of the profession, their spouses and staff members. For alcoholism and chemical dependency information and/or help, call 800.CDA.SMILE (232.7645) for the number of the well-being volunteer near you.