ASDA - Should I join as a dental student?

[newrunner]

I feel a bit of pressure at my dental school to join ASDA. I was told that 97% of students at my school are members. It is $80/year for membership, but if we pay $160 up front for 2 year's membership, our dean will pay for the remaining 2 years. I know that being a member gives me some access to continuing education courses and disability insurance, but I'm still trying to decide if I need to join.

I would like to ask current dental students whether becoming a member of ASDA throughout dental school is helpful or not, and why.

Thanks!

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[cooliyak]

I feel a bit of pressure at my dental school to join ASDA as a D1 student. I was told that 97% of students at my school are members. It is $80/year for membership, but if we pay $160 up front for 2 year's membership, our dean will pay for the remaining 2 years. I know that being a member gives me some access to continuing education courses and disability insurance, but I'm still trying to decide if I need to join.

I would like to ask current dental students whether becoming a member of ASDA throughout dental school is helpful or not, and why.

Thanks!

I am slightly biased because I not only joined, but I became chapter president and a national leaders for 3 out of my 4 years. I would say ABSOLUTELY. Of course that depends on how your chapter is doing and your interest level in things like advocacy, leadership conferences, etc, but I found that ASDA could offer something for everyone. For those who really wanted to get involved, they had something that they could do to feel like they were making a difference. For those who are super social, there are plenty of national and local events to meet other people and network. If you want something to boost your resume for residency applications, you have a variety of volunteer opportunities. And then of course for those who just like free things, as a member, you get discounts on things, free life and disability insurance through the ADA, free food at lunch and learns, and access to free CE, etc. I personally got WAY more out of my ASDA membership than I did out of some of my other memberships (delta sigma, AAPHD, etc.) and I paid way more for those. 2 years free sounds like a good deal though. You go to Midwestern?

 

[newrunner]

cooliyak, thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I go to Midwestern... I'm thinking I should join because I love free stuff! haha. Thank you!

 

[cacajuate]

dude, hell yea, free LnLs. That's all that matters.