“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. The WDA provides the opportunity and platform for small business owners to have one united voice ensuring the profession we love continues to grow and evolve.”
Dr. Adam Hammerbeck
Pulaski, WI
I AM AN EMPLOYEE DENTIST
“The WDA supports my values and morals as a practicing dentist. The WDA believes in quality care of all patients and continuing education to achieve that quality care of all member dentists. The WDA provides wonderful opportunities for career growth and networking.”
Dr. Ashley Berghuis
Racine, WI
I AM A RETIRED DENTIST
“The WDA is proactive to support the needs of dentists, patients and the public. Regulations, legislation changes and the business needs of each dentist has a greater chance to be supported if we approach all of the decision makers as an organized group. Social opportunities, leadership skills along with quality continuing education are a huge benefit to supporting the vision and mission of the WDA. We are fortunate to have had this in my 38 years of practice. “
Dr. James J. Conrardy
De Pere, WI
MEMBER BENEFITS
WDA member benefits help dentists and oral health professionals in all stags of their careers become more effective, more efficient, more innovative and more profitable. Download member benefit guide
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
The WDA is dentistry’s primary voice among state lawmakers and policymakers, advocating for legislation that advances the profession and promotes quality oral health care for the public. Programs and services include the Wisconsin Dental Political Action Committee (WIDPAC) and American Dental Political Action Committee (ADPAC), WDA Legislative Action Center, action alerts, the WDA Legislative Day and more.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
WDA membership provides better ways to fulfill CE requirements and increase your personal and practice potential. Opportunities include the WDA Annual CE & Networking Event, special member pricing for Midwest regional dental meetings, local dental society courses and regularly updated calendars of CE offerings at the Marquette University School of Dentistry and throughout the state.
INSURANCE
Owned and operated by the WDA, Professional Insurance Programs has been serving Wisconsin dentists for over 30 years. Exclusive member access and pricing for malpractice insurance, custom property insurance, worker’s comp, the WDA Association Health Plan (short/long-term disability, Section 125 plans, HSAs and free HR support), cyber insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, identity restoration, and homeowners, automobile and personal umbrella insurance.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES
WDA’s wide range of resources – including IT services, electronic insurance claims processing, HIPAA-compliant, secure email, paperless patient records, a multiple-employer 401(k) plan, ADA’s Third Party Payer concierge and more – help members establish standout practices throughout the state.
EXCLUSIVE PRICING ON DENTAL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
WDA members receive exclusive discounted pricing on top quality supplies, dental office equipment, service repairs and maintenance through WDA Supply Source, WDA Equipment Solutions and WDA Service Solutions. Whether you use one, two or all three programs, you’ll see double-digit savings, outstanding customer service and a positive impact to your practice’s bottom line.
DISCOUNTS ON 35+ ENDORSED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Help manage the business and personal sides of your life with WDA’s Endorsed Products and Services, offering secure, high-quality products and services at competitive, members-only prices. Many of these endorsements generate royalties for the WDA based on member participation, creating more non-dues income to fund the vital programs and benefits members enjoy.
FREE MADISON HOTLINE
Experienced WDA staff can help answer member questions regarding legislative, regulatory, dental benefits/insurance and business management issues to help you and your practice succeed. Call 888-538-8932 to get the answers you need so you can focus on your patients.
CAREER RESOURCES
The CareerForward job board is a valuable service for all Wisconsin dental professionals. Categories include dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistances, business staff and lab techs. Job-seekers search for free, and members advertise at special rates. Other resources available to members include student dental loan consolidation and refinancing and access to the ADA Center for Professional Success.
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
WDA’s digital and print communications – including the award-winning WDA Journal magazine, the annual WDA Sourcebook (Member Directory and Practice Guide), weekly WDA Insider blog, Hot Issues alerts and active Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn channels, help members stay up to date with timely information impacting dentistry and your practices.
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND FIND-A-DENTIST
Through media relations and public service advertising, the WDA works to educate the public about the importance of regular oral health care, encouraging patients to make and keep dental appointments and improving the perception of dentistry. The WDA’s online Find-A-Dentist tool generates thousands of searches a month, bringing more patients to members’ offices.
WDA MEDIATION SERVICES
This free, voluntary and confidential program offers patients and member dentists an opportunity to resolve differences without the expense of the legal system or going before the state Dentistry Examining Board. Trained volunteer dentists (generalists and specialists) base their decisions and recommendations on a careful, fair and objective review of evidence provided.
MENTOR OPPORTUNITIES
For more than 25 years, the award-winning Wisconsin Dental Association –Marquette University School of Dentistry – Pierre Fauchard Academy Mentor Program has helped dental students connect with practicing professionals.
ACCESS TO WDA FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
The WDA Foundation is committed to improving Wisconsin’s oral and overall health while supporting its dental community. Programs include Mission of Mercy and Donated Dental Services, providing millions of dollars in charitable care. The Foundation also administers the Charitable Assistance Fund, which helps dentists or their surviving dependents meet daily living expenses after extended illness, physical disability or other emergencies.
PRACTICE TRANSITIONS
WDA helps support members through some of the biggest transitions of their careers – when they’re looking to join, expand, buy or sell a practice. Members have access to special pricing to participate in the ADA’s Practice Transitions (ADAPT) program, as well as Wisconsin-focused practice transition pages at WDA.org.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
The WDA serves members at all stages of their careers. Contact membership coordinator Haley Rykowski ([email protected] or 414-755-4114) with questions.
Note: Federal tax law allows for WDA dues to be deducted as a business expense, with the exception of the portion of dues attributed to lobbying activities. The lobbying percentage is included on dues statements every year to help members calculate the appropriate amount.
TRIPARTITE MEMBERSHIP
The American Dental Association, the WDA and Wisconsin’s 26 local dental societies have a tripartite membership structure for dentist members – dues cover membership in all three organizations. Dentists who practice in or reside in the state of Wisconsin are eligible for active membership in the tripartite. Complete the online application or mail your completed tripartite membership application form to the Wisconsin Dental Association.
DENTAL STUDENT
Students at the Marquette University School of Dentistry who are in pursuit of a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree automatically become members of the ADA and the WDA, with no dues required. No application needs to be made; enrollment is automatic. If you have questions about student membership, please contact the MUSoD student services office.
DENTAL GRADUATE STUDENT
Graduate student membership is available in the ADA and WDA to any dentist who is engaged full-time in a residency or advanced education program of not less than one academic year’s duration in a program accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation.
LIMITED PRACTICE MEMBERSHIP
Dentists whose net earnings are between $1 and $50,000 a year from the practice of dentistry qualify for the WDA limited practice membership category, with a discount of 75% off WDA active membership dues. If this category applies to you, please contact WDA membership coordinator Haley Rykowski at 414-755-4114 or [email protected].
RETIRED MEMBERSHIP
Retired Membership is available to active members in good standing who are no longer earning an income from the practice or knowledge of dentistry. To be considered for this category, please fill out a retired affidavit and send it to the WDA office.
FULL-TIME FACULTY MEMBER
Those holding a DDS, DMD or equivalent degree who are full-time (30 hours or more per week) members of a CODA-accredited dental education program (including pre-doctoral and post-doctoral programs) faculty or administration are eligible for full-time faculty membership provided they are a member in good standing of the ADA and their local dental society. Annual dues for this classification are 25% of active membership dues.