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Student Members

Welcome to your community. For more than 150 years, CDA has supported and empowered the best and brightest in dentistry. As the largest state association in the ADA with more than 27,000 members, CDA’s continuous growth and innovation has fostered a dynamic community that works together to shape the future of dentistry.

As a California dental student, you are now a part of this community — with full access to membership benefits. When you join CDA, you simultaneously become a member of the ADA and your local dental society. Through this tripartite membership, discover unique resources for each stage of your new profession, starting with support during school and transition into practice life.

Explore Your Benefits

Get Involved

Three Ways to Get Involved and Stay Connected

Your Local Dental Society

Network, get involved in events and benefit from support near you. Visit your local dental society’s website to learn more.

Your Student Representatives

CDA’s student delegation ensures your voice is heard in organized dentistry. The representative for your California dental school class acts as your liaison to CDA and connects you to helpful resources, key issues and special events.

Interested in leadership opportunities or other ways to get involved? Contact your elected representative.

CDA News

Student Delegate Chair explains how his upbringing shaped his leadership style

Each month, CDA spotlights a student from one of California’s seven dental schools. Get to know CDA Student Delegate Chair, Jarrad Lee, of Western University’s class of 2025.

February 16, 2024    Students & New Dentists
Dental student research spotlights interdisciplinary collaboration in latest CDA Journal collection

Research by California dental students appears in the latest CDA Journal collection with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborations.

January 9, 2024    Students & New Dentists
Herman Ostrow dental student shares a memorable first experience assisting in oral surgery

Each month, CDA spotlights a student from one of California’s seven dental schools. Get to know Nora Papazyan of Herman Ostrow Dental School's class of 2024.

December 1, 2023    Students & New Dentists

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Find your local dental society: