Become a Member
Why Join The Chicago Dental Society?
Advancing Dentistry Through Community and Education
Today, CDS is more important than ever to its members. When you join, you have the opportunity to build your network, access exclusive benefits and enhance your standing with your patients.
Whether you’re a dentist fresh out of dental school or an established professional, joining organized dentistry is important to advancing your career and growing your network. Investing in a tripartite membership (Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State dental Society and the American Dental Association) opens access to resources that will help you excel throughout your career, both as a clinician and as an individual.
The Value of Membership
Member Benefits
Why Join The Chicago Dental Society?
Advancing Dentistry Through Community and Education
Whether you’re a dentist fresh out of dental school or an established professional, joining organized dentistry is important to advancing your career and growing your network. Investing in a tripartite membership (Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State dental Society and the American Dental Association) opens access to resources that will help you excel throughout your career, both as a clinician and as an individual.
The Value of Membership
Member Benefits
Organizational Structure
The Tripartite Relationship
Dentists practicing in Cook, Lake, or DuPage counties must join as Tripartite Members, gaining access to both state and national benefits. CDS members also belong to one of nine local branches, offering a direct connection to peers in their community.
How the Tripartite Membership Works:
American Dental Association (ADA)
Advocates for dentists at the national level.
Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS)
Works with CDS to influence state legislation.
Chicago Dental Society (CDS)
Represents and supports local Chicago-area dentists.
CDS Branches
Nine branches connect members with colleagues in their local communities.
Membership Types
Pre-dental Student (U.S.): No Charge
Undergraduate in a pre-dental program at a U.S. university or college with the intent to become a dentist or enroll in dental school. Hygienist and Assistant students are not eligible to join as pre-dental students.
Dentist practicing outside Lake, DuPage, or Cook counties, Illinois and current member of the American Dental Association. The fee for membership is $125 per calendar year.
Dental Student (U.S.): No Charge
Student at an accredited dental school in the U.S. Application must be completed to activate membership and receive 5 digit CDS identification number.
First calendar year out of dental school. Dentist practicing outside Lake, DuPage, or Cook counties, Illinois and current member of the American Dental Association. Membership is calendar year.
Post graduate or resident in a specialty program or hospital residency. No Charge for membership in the Chicago Dental Society during the term of your program. Consider joining the American Dental Association as a Post Graduate or Resident at an annual fee of $30.
Dentist practicing within Lake, DuPage, or Cook counties, Illinois.
International Associate Member: $125
Dentist practicing outside of the United States. The fee for membership is $125 per calendar year.
Membership FAQ
Can I become a member of CDS without joining the ADA?
If you are dentist in the United States, you must belong to the American Dental Association (ADA) to be a member of CDS. International members are not required to join the ADA but should be a member of the primary dental organization in their country.
For members in Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties, you must also be a member of the state society, the Illinois State Dental Society, to be a member of CDS. Together with the ADA and ISDS, we form a tripartite organization. For dentists in our membership area of Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties, dues for all three organizations are collected by ISDS.
How is CDS organized?
We have approximately 4,100 local members in Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties. These members, called tripartite (or regular) members, are further divided into nine branches.
What is the difference between a Tripartite member and an Associate member?
A Tripartite member practices in Lake, Cook, or DuPage County in Illinois and has full voting powers. Associate members are dentists who practice outside of these boundaries of the CDS, including dentists who reside in countries other than the United States.
Although they cannot vote in CDS elections, they are entitled to many member benefits including free registration to the Midwinter Meeting.
Who governs the CDS?
A CDS is governed by a Board of Directors, comprising five officers and nine branch directors. Learn more about our Board of Directors.
What are the dues?
Please review our dues information.
Who staffs the CDS office?
There are 15 staff members at the CDS office.
Start Your Membership Journey
Take the first step toward advancing your dental career and connecting with a vibrant community of dental professionals. Complete the form below to become a member of the Chicago Dental Society today.