Join SCDA

Whether your professional life is centered in a private practice, hospital, dental school, or a community setting, you are at the heart of our association. The benefits of membership are varied and numerous. As students, teachers, program directors, well established dentists or hygienists, or those just beginning their career, SCDA is dedicated to fulfilling our commitment to you, to our profession, and to the patients we serve.

The key to getting the most value from your SCDA membership is to use it! Your membership enables SCDA to bring you shared knowledge and resources to expand your professional potential, further your success, and mentor those just starting out. All of this helps build our unique community and grow our profession.

PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS

Members-only Discounts and Online Resources
Search for fellow SCDA members in the online membership directory. Create and edit your membership profile to increase your visibility and enhance your career. Access a variety of resources and tools available exclusively to members. Enjoy discounts on SCDA products and events.

Career Opportunities
Increase your visibility by adding your name to SCDA’s Online Dentist Referral System. This system lists each Dentist member’s contact information and area of practice. Patients and advocates use this service free of charge to locate a special care dentist in their area. The SCDA Career Center provides connections to career opportunities across the nation. Members can search and apply to openings, as well as post a job to find potential candidates.

Leadership and Awards
SCDA is proud to offer exclusive opportunities for your personal and professional development. Join and lead one of SCDA’s many committees, councils, or even the board of directors! Each year SCDA recognizes members with exemplary leadership and contributions to the oral health field by presenting member awards.
 
Educational Advancement
SCDA offers educational opportunities tailored to fit your needs, both in-person and online. SCDA’s online course and webinars are just some of the products and events available to members year-round. The Annual Meeting on Special Care Dentistry brings together experts in various fields, providing a platform to exchange ideas, learn about recent advances, and gain new perspectives.
 
Fellowship and Diplomate Designations
Earn Fellowship and Diplomate status. This will ensure colleagues, patients, employers and others know that you are knowledgeable, experienced and committed to special care dentistry. These are the highest levels of achievement recognized by the Special Care Dentistry Association.
 
Networking Opportunities
Countless networking opportunities are at your fingertips! With more than 700 members to share thoughts, ideas and concerns, you are sure to build relationships to help you professionally and personally. Join one of SCDA’s three Councils and learn about the latest issues and trends concerning hospital dentistry, geriatric dentistry, and dentistry for people with disabilities. Stay connected by participating in discussions via social media and join us in-person for the Annual Meeting.
 
Publications and Resources
Stay up-to-date on current and developing special care dentistry topics with SCDA’s bi-monthly journal, Special Care in Dentistry. Keep up with industry and association news via SCDA’s Monthly Filling. Discover professional, educational, and product resources.
 
iADH Membership
As a member of SCDA, you gain complimentary membership to the International Association for Disability and Oral Health. iADH connects you with dental professionals from 35 different member countries across the globe.
 
Build a Community – Sponsor a Student
A portion of your membership dues allow SCDA to provide reduced rates to those just embarking on their dental careers. These aspiring dentists and dental hygienists turn to SCDA for networking, mentoring, and education to assist them in their careers. This reduced student membership rate along with SCDA’s Student Scholarship, is an investment in the future of our profession and the patients we serve.

 

Student Benefits

As a student member, you receive many of the benefits of full membership, plus some additional opportunities. You can count on the continued support of SCDA and your fellow members when you make the transition from student to professional.

Community Involvement
You don’t have to wait until you graduate to join the dynamic discussion of ideas and issues facing special care dentistry. Join a council or become a committee member; Share your knowledge and unique perspective. Stay connected via social media as you expand your national network of fellow students and dental professionals.


Educational Advancement
Submit a poster for consideration and participate in the poster competition at the Annual Meeting. Show what you know and you could win up to $250! Considering residency programs? Review the list of programs specifically offering exposure to patients with special needs.


Career Tools and Guidance
Connect and learn at the mentor breakfast during the Annual Meeting on Special Care Dentistry. This event is specifically tailored to meet the needs of SCDA’s student members. Mentorship opportunities continue year round through SCDA’s three councils.


Awards and Scholarships
SCDA recognizes the achievements, aptitudes, and special projects of our student members. Students are encouraged to apply for SCDA’s Student Scholarship which awards complimentary registration for the Annual Meeting on Special Care Dentistry. Professors and Program Directors are encouraged to nominate their students for SCDA’s Student Awards and Recognition Program.