Welcome to the Dental Profession in South Dakota!

We would like to invite you to become a member of the American Dental Association, South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA) and the component society in your new area.

The ADA, along with the SDDA, has a gradual dues rate for newly graduated dental students. The year of graduation and the first full year out of dental school, dues are waived. The second year out of school, dues are 50% of the full rate. Full dues apply after three years out of dental school. The SDDA Annual Session fee ($205.00) is applied to all member dentists. For other dues information and questions, please contact Tia Hertel.

As a member of organized dentistry in South Dakota, you will be kept informed of what's happening in your profession and how it may affect you and your practice. Please submit the online Tripartite Application.

For additional new dentist information see the ADA's website.

Recruitment Assistance Program

This program provides qualifying dentists an incentive payment in return for three continuous years of practice in an eligible rural community. Dentists must enter into a contract with the South Dakota Department of Health in order to participate in the program.

For more information visit:
South Dakota Department of Health

Contact Information
State of South Dakota; Office of Rural Health
600 E Capitol; Pierre SD 57501
Email: doh.info@state.sd.us
Phone: 1-800-738-2301

Delta Dental Loan Repayment Program

The Delta Dental of South Dakota Foundation offers a Loan Repayment for Service Program for dentists who agree to serve a selected percentage of Medicaid-insured patients in their practice. Loan balances must be part of the original student loan, i.e., not combined with other personal loans. Total loan repayments can range from $75,000 to $125,000 depending on the level of service commitment made by the dentist applicant. Loan recipients providing 1,000 or more Medicaid patient visits per year will be eligible to receive an additional $5,000 per year toward their loans. For more information visit the Delta Dental of South Dakota website.

Dental Shortage Areas

There are a number of areas in South Dakota that have been designated as Dental Health Profession Shortage Areas in South Dakota. Dentists locating in these areas may qualify for financial incentives including loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps. Many of these areas have an existing private practicing dentist, community health center dental clinic, or an Indian Health Service dental clinic.

A map of Dental Health Profession Shortage Areas in South Dakota can be viewed on the
To learn about the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program go to the National Health Service Corps website.