Student Resources

CDS is here as your safe resource, translator, and cheerleader as you move through dental school and beyond.

We’re here to help you build your network, connect with mentors, and find your place—at your branch, at the Midwinter Meeting, and through the member benefits that support you along the way. Explore curated resources designed to help you navigate dental school, understand your next steps, and feel more confident about what comes before graduation.

Discover Your Local Branch

Connect with Your Community

Chicago Dental Society membership spans the Chicago metropolitan area, divided into nine geographic branches across Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties.

Member branches are assigned based on your home or office ZIP Code, but you can select a branch that aligns with your preferences—whether it’s near your home, school, or where your friends and colleagues are located.

Find Your Branch

The Tripartite

The “Tripartite” in organized dentistry refers to the three levels of membership that work together. As a dental student, you’re part of all three at once and they’re designed to support you at every level: Local, State and National. That gives you layered support (not just one organization), and access to mentors, advocacy, and resources all at once.

American Dental Association
Where your profession is represented

  • Your national voice for dentistry
  • Advocacy on federal issues (student debt, insurance, workforce)
  • What’s happening across the country

Illinois State Dental Society
Where you stay informed and protected

  • Your state-level support system
  • Advocacy in Springfield (licensure, regulations, scope of practice)
  • What’s happening in Illinois

Chicago Dental Society
Where you build relationships

  • Your local community and connection point
  • Branch meetings, mentorship, leadership opportunities
  • Events like the Midwinter Meeting, Regional Meetings and social events.
  • Your people, your city

The CDS Student Newsletter

A quarterly newsletter for dental students—offering real guidance, helpful resources, and a steady check-in to help you stay on track and feel more confident about what’s ahead.

Subscribe to the Student Series

Student Loans

Updated student loan info

Paying off student debt

Repayment Options

Financial options/planning

What's Next?

What does CDS have for me now that I've graduated? Head over to our Early Career Resource page for the next phase of your career!

DSO or Independent Contractor
What does it mean to be an employee? Here's the lowdown.

Ready to connect with opportunities?
Submit your CV to be featured in the CDS Classifieds Career Board — completely free for 30 days! Dental practices are hiring and actively looking for you. Take a few minutes to complete the form below, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Get Hired

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