Step 1: Still in school? Stay in touch with the ADA. Let us know your post-graduation plans and new contact information. Update us!
Step 2: Complete an ADA Membership Application anytime after you graduate and before December 31.
Step 3: The ADA or your state society will process your application.
Keep an eye out for more membership information in your mailbox. ASDA and ADA student members: your membership is valid until December 31 of your graduation year.
Tripartite Membership
Tripartite membership means that you hold membership at the local, state and national levels.
If you will be in private practice as an associate, an employee or on your own, in a group practice or clinic, or on the faculty of a dental school, tripartite membership is for you.
You'll pay $0 dues at the national level your first year after graduation. See below for more details on our new grad discount.
Apply here or contact your state dental society.
Recent graduates can join the ADA for as low as $0 through the Reduced Dues Program.
If you earned your D.D.S. or D.M.D. in 2024, your year 1 is 2025.
Year 1: You pay $0 in dues.
Year 2: You pay 50% of full national dues.
Year 3 and thereafter: You pay the full national dues amount.
Continue graduate student membership throughout your training and pay $0 in national dues the year after your training is completed.
If you will be going in to a graduate program, residency or specialty training program that lasts at least one year, graduate student membership is for you. (Tripartite membership may be available.)
Apply here or contact your state dental society.
Federal Dental Services Membership
As a federal dentist, you can join the ADA directly. If you will be completing residency training while in the federal services, be sure to fill out the Advanced Education Program section on the application.
If you will be in the Army, Air Force, Navy, U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or other full-time federal employment, Federal Dental Service (FDS) membership is for you. (Tripartite FDS membership is available in many states.)
You'll pay $0 dues at the national level your first year after graduation.
Apply here.