Student Services

Today’s dental students are the practicing dentists of tomorrow. The MDA is committed to helping you succeed through programs and services offered as part of your membership. There is no charge for membership to the MDA while you’re in dental school. And even once you graduate, so do your dues! As a member of the tripartite, you also have access to everything the ADA has to offer! Check out their Career Resources.

Questions? Email Mieke Shrikian or call her at 517-346-9470.

New Grad Checklist

Having a hard time keeping track of everything you need to do leading up to graduation? The MDA has prepared a handy cheat sheet for both UDM and U-M graduates!

On-Campus Programming

Throughout the year the MDA sponsors lunch and learn programming to supplement classroom and clinic education.

Financial Resource Center

Dental school has a hefty price tag. The MDA recognizes that managing student debt while beginning a career, starting a family, buying a house, or establishing a practice is a difficult challenge.

Personal and professional protection

Tina Croley
University of Michigan Agent

Melanie Adler
University of Detroit Mercy Agent

Your most important policies!

Malpractice Insurance

Covered by the MDA for your first year of practice.

Free Disability Insurance Quote

Lock in the best rate right out of school!

Licensing information

LARA Licensing Guide

517-241-0199
[email protected]

Required CE for Licensing

• Human Trafficking Awareness for the Dental Professional
• Opioid Awareness Training for the Dental Team
• Implicit Bias Part 1: Awareness Training
• Implicit Bias Part 2: Awareness to Action

Career support

MDA Job Board

The MDA Job Board is an interactive online job board with opportunities for dentists and other dental professionals. You can place a listing or respond to a job opportunity. Also check out the MDA classifieds!

Contract Negotiation

Signing a contract is an important task that should not be taken lightly. Be sure to educate yourself before signing on that dotted line.

• Tips for negotiating salary.
• Negotiating your salary benefits and contract.
• The Importance of Contract Negotiations for Associate Dentists.
• Important Issues in Employment Agreements.

Dental Contract Services

Learn the basics of dental benefits contracts with the MDA’s free guide to dental contracts. Ready to sign a contract? Let us review it! Call Kesha Dixon at 517-346-9452.

Credentialing Process

Get credentialed with multiple dental plans quickly and easily.

• Document checklist.
• Dentist guide.
• Participating dental plans.

Resume and Cover Letter Reviews

This free service is available upon request to any MDA member, but is particularly useful for new graduates. Contact Amy Schaeffer at 517-346-9406.

Mental Health Support

Protecting and maintaining your mental health is crucial to your future — both personally and professionally. Take advantage of these vital services.

Mentorship Program

Whether you have a question on a specific topic, are looking for advice from a trusted colleague, or you want to build your professional network, the MDA Mentor Program is a peer-driven resource to help you succeed!

Representation in MDA Governance

The MDA gives students an opportunity to have a voice in the future of their profession as dental students. Dental students from both schools have a seat on most MDA committees, as well as in the MDA House of Delegates.