Ensuring a Strong Future for the Profession of Dentistry

Our strength comes from individual dentists – more than 163,000 nationwide and over 1,700 in Iowa who understand the value of a united profession. By joining organized dentistry, you enhance your ability to achieve success and excellence as a dentist.

Tripartite membership in the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, and the district dental society provides benefits at the national, state, and local levels.

District Dental Society Provides:

• Networking opportunities with fellow dentists from your region of the state to discuss best practices and brainstorm solutions to issues concerning dentistry.
• Biannual business meetings with IDA leadership and local district leadership to discuss Iowa politics, Iowa Dental Board developments, and other issues impacting the practice of dentistry.
• Social and CE opportunities close to you.

Iowa Dental Association (IDA) Provides:

• The political voice of Iowa dentists through advocacy on issues such as Medicaid reimbursement, scope of practices, patient safety, and more.
• A resource to answer state-specific questions on licensure, insurance, and more.
• A comprehensive source for information through our members-only content on our website, weekly e-newsletter, and social media.
• A resource to obtain mandatory education for license renewal and other educational offerings.
• Discounted pricing on services and products through the IDA Endorsed Companies program.
• Representation with other organizations and agencies to ensure the dentist’s perspective is heard. These agencies include: Iowa Dental Board, Iowa Dental Hygienist’s Association, Iowa Department of Public Health, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, and others. A recent example of this was IDA’s work with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy regarding e-prescribing guidelines to allow dentists who write few prescriptions and do not prescribe opioids to receive waivers more easily.

American Dental Association (ADA) Provides:

• A voice for dentists at the national level through federal advocacy. The ADA’s efforts elevated dentistry to #4 on the FEMA PPE priority distribution list during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ADA subsequently assisted in making KN95 masks available to all members.
• Financial tools, 401K, student loan refinancing, and professional insurance.
• Clinical resources – evidence-based answers to advance patient care and capture emerging science.
• Continuing education opportunities – clinic and practice management topics.
• More

For more information on the tripartite membership, contact IDA staff at 515.331.2298.