Center for All Things MDS for Students
As a dental school student, you automatically receive a complimentary membership upon entering a dental school program in Massachusetts. Predoctoral students or dentists who are engaged full-time in an advanced training course or a residency program at a dental school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Dental Association are also classified as student members. Welcome to the MDS!
How the MDS Works for You
You can get engaged and stay informed about Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) events at your school, advocacy efforts pertaining to your future, and download the Your Roadmap to Success in Dentistry guide.
Your Roadmap to Success in Dentistry
Your Roadmap to Success in Dentistry covers topics you should know about for each year of dental school, as well as when you embark on your career as a newly licensed dentist. Each of the five sections can be reviewed below. They cover topics including:
- Cultivating a mentorship
- How to get involved in American Student Dental Association (ASDA) & MDS
- Financial planning
- Employment considerations
- Getting a job offer
- And more…
In this section:
- Organized dentistry
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Perks of MDS membership
- Relationship building as a dental student
In this section:
- How to get involved
- ASDA leadership
- MDS leadership
- Cultivating your mentorship
In this section:
- Building your team
- Financial planning
- Employment considerations
- Helpful website resources
In this section:
- How to prepare for exams
- Getting your first job
- Accepting a job offer
In this section:
- Insurance
- Safeguarding your practice
- Licensing, permits, and regulations
- Membership transition and pricing structure
- New practice resources
- Employees
Website Resources
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Oral Health
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regulations & Guidelines
- Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry (BORID)
- Massachusetts Bureau of Radiation Control
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
- Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental Health
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Drug Control
- National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- A Guide to Compliance with OSHA Standards
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
- HHS Privacy Resources for Businesses
- U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- ADA Guide for Small Businesses
- Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program
Get Involved
Join the MDS, along with fellow classmates from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and Harvard School of Dental Medicine, as well as local dentists at Lunch & Learns, Level Up events, and networking socials. Look for emails from your ASDA representatives and the MDS administrative staff for details. Additionally, please refer to the MDS calendar for more details.
Looking to increase your involvement by attending an ADSA convention or dental conference, but need help getting there? Submit an MDS Funding Request, and we may be able to assist you.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the organization’s advocacy efforts. Visit the webpage to learn more.
To stay connected, follow us, the Massachusetts Dental Society, on social media—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter). And be sure to tag us when posting anything related to the Society.
Who to Contact
Questions or Ideas?
Please contact Janine Avery, MDS member engagement manager
Visit their websites for information on the local ASDA chapter representatives:
- Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine ASDA
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine ASDA
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine ASDA
Moving? New Email?
Update your information online to stay informed.
Forgot your username or password?
Please contact Janine Avery, MDS member engagement manager
Frequently Asked Questions
The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) is a component of the American Dental Association (ADA), which has a tripartite membership structure that includes national, state, and local District levels. The national level is the ADA, the state level is the MDS, and your local District level is Boston.
The MDS comprises 14 districts. Each district has an executive committee that collaborates closely with the MDS to plan social events, continuing education seminars, and community service opportunities.
ASDA is the American Student Dental Association, and the MDS is the Massachusetts Dental Society. While in dental school, you are part of both. ASDA links you with students in your school, District, and even the country. This connection provides opportunities for you to discuss classes, workload, and legislative issues with other students.
The MDS is your link to life after dental school. You will learn from MDS member dentists, network with mentors, and utilize MDS resources for career needs, engagement opportunities, and advocacy efforts, all to help you as you navigate the professional world.
Yes, and yes! All three Boston dental schools ensure that you are well-equipped for the next few years to learn and grow as much as possible. This includes having access to both the ADA and the MDS. Your student membership will automatically renew annually as long as you are in dental school.
You can renew your MDS membership by completing the Level Up application in the spring of your final year of dental school, which automatically enrolls you in the tripartite membership (i.e., ADA, MDS, and local district).
If you are planning to leave Massachusetts, all 50 states have a dental society, allowing you to transfer your membership to any state in the United States. We can handle the transfer if you let us know where you are going. Simply email membership@massdental.org.
Membership is complimentary for your year of graduation and the first full year after that. Additionally, the MDS is pleased to offer discounted membership rates for up to five years following graduation.