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CDA Membership FAQ

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Membership & Eligibility

Who can join CDA?

Dentists and dental students  are eligible membership through CDA. General membership is also available to dental hygienist, laboratory technician, assistants and business administration members of the dental team, as well as to dentists practicing outside of California.

What does “tripartite” mean?

By joining, California dentists automatically enjoy membership and services to three dental organizations: their local dental society, CDA and the ADA. This tripartite structure provides support at the local, state and national levels.

How do I join?

Apply online with one easy application and your license or ADA number.

What is the membership year?

The CDA membership year runs from January 1 to December 31.

How do I renew?

Membership renewal begins in the month of December for each calendar year that follows. Invoices are available under My Account on cda.org before dues are due on January 1. If you’re a current member who has signed up for autopay monthly payment, your membership will automatically renew each year. To make your membership payment in full or switch to autopay, log in to cda.org, select My Account and follow the prompts to Pay Dues.

I let my membership lapse. What do I do?

Contact CDA at 800.232.7645 for assistance reinstating your membership and restoring access to your benefits.

I recently moved/relocated to California from a different state.
Does my membership move with me?

Yes! If you already paid annual dues, your tripartite membership will transfer to California. Contact CDA and update your contact information on cda.org. If you moved to California and have not yet paid dues this year, visit cda.org and complete an online application.

What is life membership?

An active or retired member dentist who is in good standing for at least 30 consecutive years (or a total of 40 years if there was a break in membership) and who has reached 65 years of age or older the previous calendar year is eligible for life membership. Member dentists who attain the requirements for life membership qualify for discounted dues. Contact CDA for dues owed as life member.

What is retired membership?

CDA members who retire from the practice of dentistry and who do not earn income from performing any dental-related activity become eligible for retired membership the year following retirement. Members are required to submit an affidavit of retirement to CDA.

Dues Payments

Can I make monthly payments?

As an active or life active CDA member dentist, you have a convenient option to autopay dues. With autopay, equal monthly payments are automatically deducted from your chosen checking or savings account on the fifteenth of the month until paid in full. Your membership will automatically renew each year with your first payment deducted in January.

How do I sign up for autopay?

It’s easy to sign up for autopay online. Log in to cda.org, select My Account and then select Pay Dues. Then, choose Monthly Payments (Bank Account). You’ll then receive an email confirmation and schedule that details your monthly payment schedule.

Are there any fees for autopay?

The autopay option has an annual service charge of $12, which will be equally divided among the months of the year. If a deduction is declined due to insufficient funds, closed account or stopped payment, a $25 fee will be charged.

How do I change my billing account?

To change the checking or savings account for your monthly payments, log in to cda.org, select on My Account, select Update Autopay Account and follow the prompts. You can change your bank account or cancel your autopay participation at any time.

What CDA members are saying

“Being the CDA rep for the Dugoni class of 2023 has been an amazing experience. California Dental Association is progressive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of its members and student members.

—Michael Ricupito, DDS '23 (UOP)

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