The many forms of life, special memberships – American Dental Assistants Association
From time to time, ADAA staff members receive questions concerning life membership. Many of these questions are from state and local groups confused about what constitutes a life member and how much dues life members pay. Often, a life member paying full or half national dues is concerned to learn that another life member is paying no dues at all. There’s a reason for that and it’s all a matter of timing.
For those eligible for life membership status, it is wise to begin the life membership process six months prior to your expiration, before you qualify, to avoid being billed again as an active member.
Life Membership
First, let’s examine who is eligible for life membership upon completion of 25 years of continuous membership. The only exception to this rule is when a member converts to student membership for a period and then reverts to active membership.
From time to time, a member will drop out of the ADAA for a year or so and then return to membership and wish to have this time gap bridged in order to assure the continuing count of the years for life membership. When this happens, “membership buy back” can be purchased. This is a simple process in which the dues from the missing years are paid and the time is bridged. Back dues are paid at the rate of $5 per month.
There are five forms of life membership on the books of the ADAA, and this is what often causes the confusion.
1. The Original Life Membership was granted prior to October 23, 1979 and carries with it the privilege of paying no national dues. State and local dues are at each state’s option. This category of membership misses out on any forms of member services such as professional liability insurance, accidental death and and dismemberment insurance, and receipt of The Dental Assistant. A Journal subscription may be purchased at a discounted rate.
2. From October 23, 1979 until October 8, 1988 Half-Pay Life Membership was granted with the proviso that one-half of national dues would be paid each year as well as one-half state/local dues. The exception to this is where the state’s own bylaws grant that some other level of dues or that no dues be paid on the state/local level. This category of membership receives all member services.
3. Full-Pay Life Membership granted after October 8, 1988 calls for full payment of national dues with state/local dues determined by each state’s bylaws. As with Half-Pay life members, this category also receives full member services.
4. Life Retired is for those 62 years of age and over with 25 years of continuous membership, AND for those already in any life membership category who reach 62 and retire or a life member who is permanently disabled and is forced into early retirement. In this category, no national dues are required and no member services are given. Journal subscriptions may be purchased at a discounted rate, but not professional liability insurance.
5. Thirty-Five-Year Life, same as Full-Pay Life but with a 25% discount on national dues.
Special Membership
Anyone with at least 15 years of continuous membership who has reached retirememt age as determined by the Social Security Act or those with 10 years of continuous service who have become totally or permanently disabled may apply for special membership. These memberships require one-half the dues of active members and retain all the privileges of active membership, with the exception of the professional liability insurance. As with all five forms of life membership, payment of state/local dues is at the option of each state.
Please note, however, that anyone opting for these forms of special membership may not apply the years spent as a special member to the 25 years necessary for life membership.
We think all our members are special, and we hope they all stay members for life. Perhaps these paragraphs have helped to clear up any questions.
Student/Active Conversion
Students completing their one year membership at $25 may renew if they are continuing as full-time students for another year, or may convert to active membership. A renewal notice will be sent which offers the Student Active membership at a reduction from normal dues. State association dues will be added to the bill at this time. (See detailed explanation in Association Bulletin, page 32.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION …
ADAA E-mail and Website
adaal@aol.com
www.dentalassistant.org
ADAA Membership & Information
Isabel Guillen
(312) 541-1550 x 213
iguillen@ADAAI.com
fax (312) 541-1496
ADAA Continuing Education
Santos Robles
(312) 541-1550 x 211
srobles@ADAAI.com
fax (312) 541-1496
ADAA Group Insurance
(Bertholon-Rowland)
(800) 542-9787 (Major Medical, Life,
Disability, Accidental Death and
Dismemberment)
Professional Liability
(Bertholon-Rowland)
(800) 542-9787
ADAA Member Credit Card Program
(800) 847-7378
Issuing Bank: MBNA America.
ADAA Travel Discounts
(800) 258-2847 * Choice Hotels
ADAA ID# 00800131
For Airlines & Other Hotels
(800) 873-1027 * Trava Inc.
Erica or Frances
(ADAA’s official travel agency)
Package Tours: Cheryl
(630) 668-6804
Alamo Rent-a-Car
(800) 732-3232
ADAA ID# BY 187920
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
(888) AGD-DENT * (312) 440-4300
www.agd.org
Dental Assisting Schools
Accredited by ADA
www.ada.org–click Education
American Dental Association (ADA)
(800) 621-8099 * (312) 440-2500
www.ada.org
DANB Certification
(800) 367-3262 available 24 hours
(312) 642-3368
fax (312) 642-8507
danbmail@danb.org
www.danb.org
The publication of these listings is not to be construed as
endorsement or approval by the ADAA.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES and FACTS
Popular Nat’l State/ Prof. Jrnl. AD&D Spec.
Membership Dues Local Liabi- Insu- Appl.
Categories Dues lity rance Req.
Ins.
ACTIVE $105 YES YES YES YES NO
STUDENT $25 INC. NO ** YES YES YES
LIFE
Original
(Prior to
10/23/79) NO State Option NO ** NO * NO YES
Half-Pay
(10/23/79 to
10/8/88) $52.50 State Option YES YES YES YES
Full-Pay
10/8/88 $105 State Option YES YES YES YES
Life Retired NO State Option NO NO * NO YES
35-yr Life $78.75 State Option YES YES YES YES
SPECIAL
Retired $47.50 State Option NO YES YES YES
Disabled $47.50 State Option NO YES YES YES
* MAY BE PURCHASED AT ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTED CHARGE
** MAY BE PURCHASED AT ADDITIONAL CHARGE 1/03
COPYRIGHT 2003 American Dental Assistants Association
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
