Special offer from ADA for public health dentists

The American Dental Association has good news for public health dentists.

For 2009, nonmember dentists working in public and community health settings are eligible for a national dues reduction. The special rate provides a full year of membership for $249, or half of the regular dues at the ADA level.

The offer is one way the Association is showing its commitment to and support for public health dentistry, said ADA President John S. Findley in a letter to public health dentists last month.

“The ADA recognizes your continued dedication to making sure that Americans who need oral health care have access to it,” said Dr. Findley. “We recognize your efforts in helping to assess the oral health needs of the communities you serve. We appreciate the effective policies that you have developed to improve the delivery and financing of oral health programs. These programs do make a difference in the prevention, treatment and control of oral diseases in underserved populations.”

Added Dr. Findley: “Because of the work you do, dentistry is a stronger and more respected profession.”

To be eligible for this offer, public health and community health center dentists must maintain tripartite membership, and state and local associations may offer similar dues reductions. Dentists practicing in the U.S. Public Health Services of the Federal Dental Services are eligible for ADA direct membership so are not be eligible for this dues reduction.

For more information about membership, visit ADA.org, call 1-800-232-1382 or send e-mail to membership@ada.org.

To contact your state dental society, visit www.ada.org/goto/constituents.