New Doc Connection
New Doc Connection
Your connection to all the things they didn’t prepare you for in dental school … or you just forgot.
Early career dentists have unique challenges. The MDA is committed to helping you succeed through programs and services offered as part of your membership.
New dentist events
Genesee District Dental Society
Dentistry by the Numbers | Early Career Dentists
Oct. 30, 2025 | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Join your friends and colleagues for an evening designed for early career dentists.
Fenton Winery & Brewery
1370 N. Long Lake Rd.
Fenton Township, MI 48430
Detroit District Dental Society
New Dentist and Student Meeting
Nov. 6, 2025 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
The evening’s topic is career navigation and whether you should continue being an associate, buy a practice, or start a practice.
Doubletree Detroit Dearborn Hotel
5801 Southfield Freeway
Detroit, MI 48228
West Michigan District Dental Society
New Dentist Forum
Nov. 20, 2025 | 6 p.m.
Dr. Tom Lambert will be speaking.
Thousand Oaks Golf Club
4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
New Dentist Networking Lounge | Future Practice Owner Edition
Nov. 20, 2025 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Catch up with your peers and share your milestones while getting the advice and resources you need from MDA-endorsed companies Bank of America and Bridge Commercial Realty.
Monty’s Public House
3140 Packard St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
West Michigan District Dental Society
New Dentist Forum
Jan. 29, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Nicholas VanderWeen, JD will be speaking.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
4515 28th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
West Michigan District Dental Society
New Dentist Forum
March 19, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Dr. Jayne Kessel will be speaking.
The Mitten Brewing Co.
527 Leonard St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Resources
Student Loan Resources
• MDA-endorsed exclusive refinancing
• Financial literacy
• Scholarships/loan repayment options
• All student debt resources
Practice Ownership
• Financing
• CPA services
• Investment advice
• New Dental Practice Checklist
• Practice Transition Roadmap
Career Support
• MDA Job Board
• Mentorship
• CAQH credentialing
• Dental Insurance Contract Guide
• Peer Review
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.
• PPO Negotiation Solutions
MDA-Endorsed Services
The Michigan Dental Association endorses vendors who are experts in their field. Not only do MDA members get top-tier service, they also receive special prices, discounts or program enhancements when they participate with the endorsed companies.
New Dentist Blog
Brought to you by the ADA New Dentist Committee, the New Dentist Now blog features resources for new dentists and dental students as well as news and insight on the dental profession and beyond.
Licensing information
Recorded webinars
Dental Contracts 101
Recorded Webinar
Speaker: Dan Schulte, JD
Employment agreements and participation agreements are entered into by most dentists. In this this webinar MDA legal counsel and MDA Journal monthly columnist Dan Schulte will discuss the common rights and restrictions contained in these agreements. What dentists should look out for generally and some less-than obvious consequences of agreeing to some common terms will be explained.
About the Speaker … Dan Schulte is well-known for his knowledge and experience in the area of association law and is primarily responsible for the firm’s representation of the Michigan State Medical Society the Michigan Dental Association, and the Michigan Osteopathic Association.
Financial Planning: A Case Study of a Dentist — “Into Career”
Recorded Webinar
Speaker: Ted C. Schumann II, MBA, CFP
The beginning of a career in dentistry finds many dentists facing decisions on how to handle their student loans and other debt, how to evaluate associate opportunities, transition into practice ownership, and buying their first home. This recorded webinar will follow a case study of a dentist in the early years of practice facing these decisions and will provide the attendees with insights as to how to prudently approach various career and life events.
About the speaker … Theodore C. Schumann, II is a third generation financial planner and is an investment advisor representative and managing partner of DBS Investment Advisers, LLC, offering portfolio management, comprehensive retirement and financial planning, and debt-reduction strategies.
