FDS Membership Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
What is the difference between
federal service (FDS) and tripartite
membership?
If you are in full-time military or federal government
service, you are eligible
to apply for FDS membership. This is direct ADA membership at
the national level. Tripartite membership—that is, membership
at the component (local), constituent
(state), and national levels—is required for dentists in private
practice. As a federal dentist, you are eligible
for tripartite membership if you wish.
Return to Top I'm in the reserve. Can I apply for FDS membership?
Sorry, no. Only those who are federally employed
on a full-time basis are eligible.
Return to Top What are dues for FDS members?
For 2010, full national dues are $498.
Return to Top I recently graduated from dental school. Does the FDS
membership offer reduced dues for new dentists serving
in FDS?
You bet! The ADA offers four years of reduced dues to recent graduates who maintain continuous membership. First-year-out dentists pay $0, while second-year-out pay 25 percent, third-year-out 50 percent and fourth-year-out pay 75 percent. So, for 2010, totals due are $0, $125, $249, and $374, respectively. Full dues are $498.
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I’m currently working for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), do I qualify for FDS membership?
In order to qualify for FDS membership you must produce a Federal ID or have a contract with the federal government.
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I'm considering a residency or specialty training program.
Is there a special rate for me while I'm in this program?
Yes! If you are enrolled in an advanced dental education
program, you may qualify for graduate student membership.
Dues are just $30 per year. This membership is renewable
annually, as long as you continue in the program. Click here for the membership application (PDF)  .
Return to Top Do I have to pay my dues all at once?
No, if you would like to sign up for the FDS Membership
Dues Installment Payment Program, you can pay your dues
in four equal installments in November, January, March
and May. Click here for more information.
Return to Top I have been an ADA member for almost 30 years. Will
I be eligible for life membership?
Yes. Dentists who have been active/retired members
for 30 years continuously (or 40 years if there was a
break in membership) and are at least 65 years of age
qualify for life membership status. The member would
be considered an active life member if still practicing
dentistry, and would pay 50 percent of full active member dues
and assessments. If the member is retired, then the member
would be considered a retired life member and would owe
no ADA dues or assessments. Members attaining life membership
status actually begin paying the life member rate owed
the year following completion of the requirements.
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I'm leaving the federal dental services and will
be entering private practice. What are my membership options?
If you are in private practice, we encourage you to
join as a tripartite member through your state dental
society, where you will reap the benefits from state,
local and national membership. Please contact your state
dental society directly for information about joining
or click here (PDF) for a tripartite membership application.
For a list of state dental society addresses, click here.
Plus, to help you in the transition, the ADA offers the Roadmap to a Successful Dental Practice (PDF) .
Return to Top I am retiring from the federal dental services and
don't plan to practice dentistry. What are my membership
options?
Please contact the ADA FDS Membership
Office by e-mail or telephone 800.232.2083 to request an affidavit
of retirement if you are
no longer earning income from the practice of dentistry. After
you complete and return it and it is approved, you will be eligible
for retired membership status the following membership year.
Retired members have all the benefits of active members, but
pay just 25 percent of national dues.
Return to Top I'm moving! How can I let the ADA know my new address?
E-mail your new contact information (address,
phone, fax, and e-mail for both
your home and office addresses) to the
FDS Membership office at fdsmember@ada.org.
We'll update your record to keep your
ADA publications and other mail coming
your way. Be sure to indicate your mailing
preference. Or, call the FDS Membership
office at 800.232.2083.
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to Top
Contact Information
ADA Office of FDS Membership
Telephone: 1-800-232-2083
E-mail: fdsmember@ada.org
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