If you do not find your question on this page, please feel free to contact us.
ADAA QUESTIONS
How was the ADAA started?
Who is the founder of the ADAA?
Do I have to be certified or are there any requirements to become a member of ADAA?
What is Dental Assistant Recognition Week (DARW)?
Does the ADAA offer awards or scholarships?
Where is ADAA Central Office?
ADAA MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
What are the benefits of becoming an ADAA member?
If I have a question regarding my membership, whom do I contact?
I did not receive my card within four weeks.
Can I change my address online?
I can't login, I forgot my username/password.
I am not sure if I already have a online account, can I create a new one?
My credit card has not been charged for membership.
What if my student applications have not been processed?
What if I did not receive my journal?
Why didn't I receive a bill?
Who do I contact in regards to my bill?
I sent in my renewal payment and have not received a new card?
My membership expired, how do I get a new card?
I received my card but the expiration date is incorrect.
Who gets my information after I join/renew?
I am a new 6-month member, why don't I have an ID#?
How do I become a life member?
How do I contact my state/local officers?
If I am a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, am I also a member of ADAA?
Who do I contact for Professional Liability Insurance information?
ARMY/AIR FORCE QUESTIONS
I have an account under the Army/Air Force and I cannot validate my email.
I don’t know the Army/Air Force code.
Army/Air Forces accounts- I created an account under the wrong record type.
EDUCATION QUESTIONS
Where can I locate a dental assisting school or program?
How long do you have to study to become a dental assistant?
Are there any dental assisting or continuing education programs online?
DENTAL ASSISTING-RELATED QUESTIONS
Is it mandatory for a dental assistant to have a Hepatitis shot?
Is the dentist required to provide Hepatitis shots or other health measures for dental assistants?
Who should I contact for HIPAA information?
What is DANB, EFDA, CDA?
What is the average wage of a dental assistant in my state?
How can I find career opportunities in dental assisting? What is the current occupational outlook of dental assisting?
What does EFDA stand for?
How can I find out about expanded duties/functions?
What is the difference between CDA & RDA?
How do I become certified?
How do I become registered?
THE DENTAL ASSISTANT JOURNAL QUESTIONS
How much is a subscription to "The Dental Assistant" journal?
How do I place an ad in the journal?
When should I receive my journal? Who do I contact if I haven’t received it?
Who gets the journal?
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
How can I reach the American Dental Hygienist Association?
How can I reach the American Dental Association?
I have an AOL email account, why am I not getting the ADAA 24/7 E-Newsletter?
ADAA ANSWERS
How was the ADAA started?
In 1923, a small group of dedicated women met to explore the possibility of forming a national dental assisting association. Led by Juliette Southard, a NY dental assistant, the basis for the ADAA was formed at an ADA meeting in Cleveland in 1923. In 1924, a Constitution and Bylaws were presented and approved and the ADAA was on its way almost 40 years after Dr. Kells of New Orleans hired the first Lady in Attendance.
Who is the founder of the ADAA?
Juliette A. Southard.
Do I have to be certified or are there any requirements to become a member of ADAA?
No. All that is required is a completed membership application and any acceptable form of dues payment.
What is Dental Assistant Recognition Week (DARW)?
DARW is an event to honor Dental Assistants around the country and Canada. It is always the first full week in March, starting on Sunday. Dental Offices and Schools can submit an activities form and materials to ADAA Central Office so their activities can be considered for publication in “The Dental Assistant” journal. ADAA has a DARW kit to provide help with setting activities for the week. Available Online.
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please install the latest Acrobat Reader from here.
Does the ADAA offer awards or scholarships?
Various awards are presented at the ADAA Annual Session every year. Also, there is a Student Achievement award and the Juliette A. Southard/Oral-B Laboratories scholarship which are presented every year.
Where is ADAA Central Office?
Central Office is located at 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1730, Chicago, IL 60601-2211. We can be reached by phone at 312-541-1550 or toll free at 877-874-3785, by fax 312-541-1496 or by e-mail at adaahelp@aol.com. Individual staff members may be reached by e-mail or extensions using the listing that appears on the staff webpage.
MEMBERSHIP ANSWERS
What are the benefits of becoming an ADAA member?
The ADAA is the oldest and largest professional association dedicated to making dental assisting a profession. Please visit the Membership Information and Membership Benefits page of our website for a detailed list of what the ADAA offers to our members.
What are membership dues?
Members pay $115 per year for national dues, plus state dues listed in a table on the ADAA membership application. Student members pay $30 per year and may choose to pay an additional $10 for professional liability insurance.
If you encounter any issues viewing the pdf,
please install the latest Acrobat Reader from here.
If I have a question regarding my membership, whom do I contact?
Contact the Membership Support Specialist at 312/541-1550 x213 or email nnetzel@adaa1.com; if further assistance is required, call x201 or email nrod@adaa1.com. Please have your ADAA membership information available.
I did not receive my card within four weeks.
• Card issuing can take up to four weeks-except during peak months, a list is sent to our printer twice per month-cards are no longer printed at Central Office.
• Incorrect/insufficient address or returned mail
• Payment was not complete or was not received.
YES! Membership cards can be printed online at www.adaa1.com. If you are a member, you will need your user & password information please contact the ADAA toll free 877-874-3785. An account has already been created for you, please do not create a new account.
Can I change my address online?
YES! Go to www.adaa1.com to change your address. You will need your login information, if you do not have this information, contact us. DO NOT create a new account-it can take up to 30 days to restore your account. Your information has already been entered, all you need is your ID#/password and you can update your name, address and phone number online.
I can't login, I forgot my username/password.
On the www.adaa1.com home page, click on email me my password or use the “login by answering questions” link. DO NOT create another account. It will cause your account to be locked for up to 30 days.
I am not sure if I already have a online account, can I create a new one?
• ACCOUNTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY CREATED FOR ALL ACTIVE RECORD TYPES AND CE CUSTOMERS!
Call central office to confirm you have an existing account, creating duplicate accounts will lock your account for up to 30 days until the issue has been resolved.
You have created more than one account, duplicate accounts will be locked for up to 30 days, staff at central office will correct the problem, you must wait for an email confirmation once the issue has been resolved.
My credit card has not been charged for membership.
• Payment was not received to Central Office.
• Invalid or declined credit card number.
• ADAA only accepts Visa and Master cards.
What if my student applications have not been processed?
• Payment was not received in office.
• Submitted without the instructor signature or incorrect amount paid.
What if I did not receive my journal?
• Journals are sent to all active members, Journal subscribers and Life Retired members who have requested it.
• Call our office to verify we have your current/correct address information
• Claims are accepted for up to 90 days.
• The database is designed to send 3 bills; after the last bill is sent, the system does not rebill
• Record type is “past member”
Who do I contact if I still have questions regarding my bill?
Contact the Membership Department at x 213 at Central Office or email nnetzel@adaa1.com for billing cycles and information regarding your invoice.
I sent in my renewal payment and have not received a new card.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for your card to be mailed. If you have not received your card after 6 weeks, contact the Membership Department for more information. You can also print a temporary card at our website, www.adaa1.com, by logging in with your membership account. If you do not have this information, contact Central Office to obtain it toll free 877-874-3785.
My membership expired, how do I get a new card?
If you have received a dues renewal invoice and paid it, you should automatically receive your up-to-date card within 4-6 weeks. Replacement cards can be printed at our website, www.adaa1.com, by logging in with your membership account. If you do not have this information, contact Central Office to obtain it toll free 877-874-3785.
I received my card but the expiration date is incorrect.
• Your payment is applied to the invoice number on your bill.
• Your membership has an outstanding balance on a previous invoice.
• Incorrect amount paid
• Call our office with date of cancelled check or
Who gets my information after I join/renew?
An updated list is sent to the State Roster Recipient and the District Trustee by the 15th of the following month.
I am a new 6-month member, why don't I have an ID#?
Those receiving complimentary 6-month memberships do not receive an ID# or a welcome kit until they have renewed their membership after this “free” trial. If you would like a pdf version of your membership card, contact us, we will be happy to email you a card.
How do I become a life member?
ADAA Life membership is automatically granted once a member has had 25 years of continuous membership, not counting years as a Student member.
If your membership lapsed at any point, you can pay back dues, which are $5 per month, or $60 total for a year, to regain continuous membership. For more information and the types of Life Membership, click here.
How do I contact my local/state officers?
If you cannot locate current state/local officer information in our links webpage, contact ADAA Central Office or your Trustee.
If I am a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, am I also a member of ADAA?
No. ADAA membership is separate.
Who do I contact for Professional Liability insurance information?
HPSO is the official agent for ADAA’s liability insurance program. Their phone number is 800-982-9491 x5353 or visit www.hpso.com. Proof of liability insurance can be printed at our website, www.adaa1.com, by logging in with your membership account. If you do not have this information, contact Central Office to obtain it toll free 877-874-3785.
ARMY/AIR FORCE ANSWERS
I have an account under the Army/Air Force and I cannot validate my email.
• Must use an AKO email address.
• You must click on validate my email link
• If you cannot click on the link, copy and paste it to your web browser, then click on validate email.
I don’t know the Army/Air Force code.
This code is provided by your supervisor or dental commander.
Army/Air Forces accounts- I created an account under the wrong record type.
Have your supervisor email central office the code from the email address registered on your account to adaahelp@aol.com.
EDUCATION ANSWERS
Where can I locate a dental assisting school or program?
A list, by state, of dental assisting schools and programs accredited by the American Dental Association can be found on their website. Also, you can contact your State Board of Dentistry for more information.
How long do you have to study to become a dental assistant?
Most community college programs are completed in one year.
Are there any dental assisting or continuing education programs online?
Yes, but the ADAA does not keep track of these programs nor can we offer recommendations. The ADAA does offer our own continuing education home study courses online at www.adaa1.com.
DENTAL ASSISTING-RELATED ANSWERS
What are the requirements to practice as a dental assistant within my state and what is a dental assistant allowed to do in my state?
Each state has its own Dental Board that regulates what is required to practice dental assisting and which functions a dental assistant may preform. A list of state specific information can be found on DANB’s website, along with links to each State’s Board of Dentistry. State Board contact information can be found also be found at www.aadexam.org.
Is it mandatory for a dental assistant to have a Hepatitis shot?
It varies by state, but usually no, although a waiver of declination is required to be signed. Contact your State Board of Dentistry for more information.
Is the dentist required to provide Hepatitis shots or other health measures for dental assistants?
Usually yes, but again it varies by state. Contact your State Board of Dentistry for more information.
Who should I contact for HIPAA information?
Contact the American Dental Association at 800-621-8099 or www.ada.org.
What is DANB? EFDA? CDA?
DANB is the Dental Assisting National Board, which provides the Certified Dental Assistant designation and other designations. It is located at 444 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611 and can be contacted at 312-642-3368, toll free at 800-367-3262 or danbmail@danb.org.
What is the average wage of a dental assistant in my state?
The Dental Assisting National Board conducted a salary survey for Certified Dental Assistants that can be found on their website. Also, free sites like www.salary.com can be used as a resource.
If you encounter any issues viewing the pdf,
please install the latest Acrobat Reader from here.
How can I find career opportunities in dental assisting? What is the current occupational outlook of dental assisting?
Visit www.dentalworkers.com job opportunities. Occupational outlook information can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What does EFDA stand for?
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant – a credential required by some states in order to do expanded functions such as radiology and impressions.
How can I find out about expanded duties/functions?
Contact your State Board of Dentistry for more information.
What is the difference between CDA & RDA?
CDA stands for certified dental assistant, it is a national credential recognized by some states and required by others. RDA stands for registered dental assistant, a state specific credential required in CA, MI, MN and NJ.
How do I become certified?
Contact DANB - 312-642-3368, toll free at 800-367-3262, danbmail@danb.org, www.danb.org.
Contact your State Board of Dentistry for more information.
THE DENTAL ASSISTANT JOURNAL ANSWERS
How much is a subscription to "The Dental Assistant" journal?
$20 for US, Mexico; $30 Canada & Mexico; $75 all other countries as listed in our subscription form. The ADAA does not mail out renewal notices for the Journal, so you must submit a new subscription form once your current subscription expires.
If you encounter any issues viewing the pdf,
please install the latest Acrobat Reader from here.
How do I place an ad in the journal?
For classified ads, contact Michi Trota (ext 209 or mtrota@adaa1.com). For display advertising, contact Bob Palmer (bprazorback52@yahoo.com) and review our rate card and editorial calendar on our website.
If you encounter any issues viewing the pdf,
please install the latest Acrobat Reader from here.
When should I receive my journal? Who do I contact if I haven’t received it?
The journal is published and mailed 2nd class by the end of the first week of every odd numbered month. You should receive your first issue at the latest within 6 weeks after subscribing or joining the ADAA. If you have not received your journal, contact Erek Armentrout (ext 200, earmentrout@adaa1.com). ADAA may have an incorrect address or your journal subscription may need to be renewed/updated.
Who gets the journal?
All ADAA members and non-member paid subscribers.
MISCELLANEOUS ANSWERS
How can I reach the American Dental Hygienist Association?
312-440-8900, mail@adha.net or www.adha.org.
How can I reach the American Dental Association?
800-621-8099 or www.ada.org.
I have an AOL email account, why am I not getting the ADAA 24/7 E-Newsletter?
AOL currently blocks email and email attachments from ADAA. Please click on the provided link for instructions on how to allow ADAA content to get through.
Click here to visit AOL's help site for instructions.
