Benefits and Other Information About The Tripartite

Membership has its advantages. Organized dentistry offers a myriad of support services and products that serve the practicing dentist. When a dentist joins organized dentistry, there are three distinct membership categories. There is the local, the state, and the national organizations, and these are commonly referred to as the “tripartite.” For history buffs, the word “tripartite” invokes images of ancient Rome, but for a dentist, it means that when dues are paid, three levels of support are activated:

The Santa Clara County Dental Society, 219 Meridian, San Jose, CA

A few benefits of local membership:

  • General Monthly Meetings: On the second Thursday of each month, from September to May, there is a reserved seat at Villa Ragusa (35 South 2nd Street, Campbell, CA 95008) with your name on it. You will take home two units of continuing education to fulfill your licensure renewal requirement and will have had a social evening full of war stories, chitchat, and informative announcements as to what is happening in the world that might affect your practice.
  • Newsletters: Once a month, from September to May, you will receive a newsletter that will keep you informed and in touch with others in your local dental community.
  • Relationships: From 9-5 Monday through Thursday, and 9-3 on Friday, you will find a real person on the other end of a telephone line. You will probably know each other by name or face, and they will go to great lengths to assist you. You will be connected to other practicing dentists and specialists through committee, social, and educational activities.
The California Dental Association, 1201 K Street Mall, Sacramento, CA

  • The Dentists Insurance Company (“TDIC”)/1201 Financial and Insurance Services: You will have an opportunity to make premium payments to an insurance company where you are an owner. When there is a particularly good year, you will receive a premium refund, which is much better than having it go to stockholders. You could purchase health insurance, workers compensation insurance, property insurance, and numerous other types of coverage at significantly reduced rates. If you need a loan, credit card, or financial planning assistance, you are given much more buying power because of the group rates that have already been negotiated on your behalf.
  • Scientific Sessions: In the spring, (Anaheim) and in the fall, (San Francisco), you are eligible to attend huge dental meetings where the latest in dental gadgetry and technology are conveniently made available to you and your staff
  • Political Power: You have an organized and experienced group of lobbyists, analysts, and attorneys that are able to digest confusing data and help you to stay in compliance. They also often put out fires before you even know it might have been a big issue that would hurt your bottomline.
The American Dental Association, 211 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
  • Free Review of Legal Documents: If you are buying or selling a practice, leasing space, etc… the ADA offers a team of lawyers available to you at no charge to review your documents and to advise as to additions, deletions, or revisions.
  • Library Resources: Librarians are able to gather clinical, practice management or historical data for you. There are thousands of volumes in the ADA Library and almost every journal title relating to general dentistry or the recognized specialties.
  • Statistical Data: The ADA Survey Center keeps data on trends in dentistry including the concentration ratios of dentists and specialists by zip code. There are also statistics as to average pay scales for associates, auxiliary, and dental office front office staff.

There is a certain amount of duplication in the services provided by each level of the tripartite. The ADA has lobbyists as well as the CDA, they both have financial programs and all three levels provide Continuing Education Courses. Scientific research and policy development on issues as important as amalgam or wastewater are discussed on all levels and a unified position is presented to outside third-parties. This unity gives dentistry an enviable position in healthcare; it gives your profession a powerful focus, influence, and autonomy.

About 80% of licensed dentists in Santa Clara County belong to the tripartite. We heard of another component that printed the names of “nonmember” dentists in their newsletter. It turned out to be quite embarrassing for some dentists. We are simply asking our member dentists to take a quick look in their current SCCDS Membership Directory. If you see a nonmember who is your friend or colleague, why not ask him or her to lunch. Experts suggest that nonmembers often need only an invitation to get the application process started. Dues are affordable and comparable to the price of a fancy latte enjoyed once a day. This small contribution to a profession that has given you so much might not take but a minute and might help keep your profession strong and unified.

Kathy Cooper
Executive Director

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