The IDA and ADA provide many valuable resources for new dentists - those less than 10 years out of dental school - to succeed in their practice and to interact with other early career dentists.
The ADA offers multiple resources and tools to guide you through your career. Get information on salary negotiating, compensation calculating, choosing a career path, and more.
The IDA has ways for you to get involved through multiple committees, helping to advocate for the profession and your patients, and networking opportunities. All dentists are encouraged to network during the IDA annual conference, IDEAS, at the New Dentist Social on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Coralville.
Dentist and Dental Student Social
Join dental students, residents, and dentists from across Iowa at The Vine in Coralville from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 6, for cocktails and appetizers.
All IDA member dentists, dental graduate students/residents, dental students, and their guests are invited for a relaxed evening to catch up with classmates and make new connections with dentists throughout Iowa. It's a perfect way to kick off the University of Iowa Homecoming weekend!
Visit the IDA Facebook page to see who is planning to be there and hit "going" if you are able to attend. We will see you on Friday, October 6!
Event sponsored by:
IDA New Dentist Committee
Iowa Chapter of the American Student Dental Association (IASDA)

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IDA New Dentist Committee
Any IDA member who graduated from dental school in or after 2014 is welcome to join the New Dentist Committee. The purpose of the committee is to advise the IDA Board of Trustees on matters relating to early career dentists. New Dentist Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Lauren Daufeldt, is a voting member on the IDA Board of Trustees.
What the New Dentist Committee Does
Identify the needs of early career dentists.
In 2022, the New Dentist Committee was instrumental in developing the IDA Wellness Committee, expanding the wellness/well being sessions at the IDA Annual Sessions, and implementing "Coffee Talks," a peer-to-peer monthly virtual meeting where dentists may discuss professional and personal issues they are experiencing and struggles they are experiencing with burnout, mental health issues (i.e., anxiety, depression, etc.), or addiction in a safe and judgment-free environment. Coffee Talks are the first Wednesday of each month beginning at 5:30 PM. Pre-registration is required through Hope for the Day.
Engage early career dentists in organized dentistry.
Engagement has a variety of meanings. From lending your experience and perspective during committee meetings to leadership opportunities within your district dental society, IDA, and ADA, the New Dentist Committee allows you to engage on your terms.
Connect with students.
Engaging with dental students is an important investment in the future of the dental profession. The New Dentist Committee Co-Chairs, Drs. Lauren Daufeldt (DeWitt) and Alyssa Darling (Ottumwa) are committed to engaging the students by:
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Supporting the Iowa Chapter of the American Student Dental Association Vendor Fair.
- Being a guest/panelist during dental school courses.
- Participating in National Signing at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
New Dentist Committee meetings are held virtually the Monday prior to the IDA Board of Trustee meeting at 7:00 PM. Upcoming meetings:
- November 13, 2023
- January 15, 2024
- April 22, 2024
For more information or to join the IDA New Dentist Committee contact Kara Bylund at IDA.