Become a Member of HCDA
We'd love to have you as a member of the Howard County Dental Association. Here are your options, and how it works.
First, you should understand that Howard County Dental Association is a part of the American Dental Association (ADA). How is that the case? The ADA exists on three levels, the national, the state, and the "local." In our case they are, respectively, the ADA, the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA), and the HCDA. This three level structure is inherent to the ADA and together form what is often referred to as the tripartite. Becoming a member of HCDA means you become a member at all levels and receive full benefits provided by ADA, MSDA, and HCDA.
Affiliate Membership
The purpose of this membership category is to permit already Active Members (see above) to have multiple memberships at the "local" level. In this instance, you must select the one "local" organization you would like to be an Active Member of. This is because the members connection to the ADA and MSDA will be channeled through the "local" organization to which you are an Active Member. The member will apply as an Affiliate member in any other "local" levels. How does being designated Active Member versus an Affiliate Member affect you? The dues rates are different per organization and per membership type. Additionally, your ability to participate in the leadership of the organization may be limited as an Affiliate Member.