ADA membership comes with benefits for recent dental school grads

Clinical, wellness, financial resources help new dentists as they launch careers

Congratulations to the dental school class of 2026! From continuing education and clinical practice guidelines to wellness support and financial services, membership in the American Dental Association carries many benefits for recent graduates as they embark on their dental careers.

“As you step into practice as a new dentist, remember: You’re not alone. You’re part of a dental family that has your back,” said ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D., in a video posted to the ADA’s social media pages. “The ADA is your professional home. We’re here to help you succeed at every stage of your career journey.”

New dentists can visit ADA.org/levelup to level up their membership from student to dentist by updating their profile information. ADA membership is free for 18 months after graduation or for the duration of a post-doctorate program. State and local society dues may apply.

The ADA supports its early-career members through:

• A free one-year subscription to ADA CE (a code is required, and it must be redeemed by Dec. 31; this benefit does not include premier courses).

• Clinical resources, including clinical practice guidelines, standards and access to the ADA Library & Archives’ evidence-based databases and tools.

• Wellness support for navigating early-career realities like imposter syndrome, including the Well-Being Index, an anonymous, validated assessment and measurement tool developed by Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being.

• Access to financial services and experts, including loan consultations, financial planning, banking and more.

• Advocacy addressing the burden of student loan debt faced by dental school graduates.

• The community and network provided by organized dentistry, including assistance as they connect with their state and local societies.

“The ADA has had a meaningful impact on my career as a new dentist by establishing evidence-based standards that guide quality patient care and by advocating for the profession on issues that affect dentists and access to oral healthcare,” said Lauren Heisinger, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist and member of the ADA New Dentist Committee who graduated from dental school in 2019. “ADA membership has helped me begin my career with a network of support from my colleagues nationwide. I’m proud to say I am an ADA member because I’ve come to realize just how much of an impact the ADA has had on the profession of dentistry historically and today.”