IDA Day on the Hill

Don’t miss this great opportunity to join your fellow dentists and students from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry as we advocate for increased dental Medicaid rates, push for solutions to dental staffing issues, and encourage legislators to support further dental insurance reforms that benefit providers and patients!

IADAPT After Hours Workshop

The IADAPT program invites you to join the first After Hours Workshop! During this one-hour virtual session, you will learn about the relationship between interpersonal skills and stress management.  Add this event to your calendar and RSVP below. You must be an Iowa dentist in order to register. Earn 1 CE by attending this virtual education session.
Register

Member Benefits

Learn more about your exclusive benefits with your membership! Enjoy special perks, discounts, and more. Click below to discover everything your membership offers!
Learn More

IADAPT

The Iowa Dental Advocacy for Professional and Personal Thriving (IADAPT) program launches January 1! IADAPT will provide all Iowa dentists three free, confidential, one-hour coaching / therapy sessions with a licensed provider from Flowstate Health. Click the button below to learn more and to schedule your first appointment!
Learn More

Make Your Voice Heard in Iowa Politics!

While the IDA’s presence at the Iowa Statehouse continues to grow, we need to ensure we can continue to build relationships with key legislators. Our BEST advocacy tool is IDPAC. By contributing to IDPAC, you are investing in our advocacy work and the future of dentistry in Iowa. Help us continue protecting your ability to practice and serve your patients.
Contribute Now

Join us at IDA Day on the Hill

Join us at the Iowa Statehouse on January 29!

IDEAS25 Coming to Des Moines

IDEAS is returning to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, May 8-10, 2025. We hope to see you there!

Renew Your 2025 Membership

Continue accessing member resources and support through 2025!
Renew Today

Welcome to the Iowa Dental Association

The Iowa Dental Association (IDA) is the premier professional association representing dentists in the state of Iowa. In existence since 1863, the IDA is home to over 1,800 Iowa dentists, which represents approximately 80% of the licensed dentists in the state.  

All IDA member dentists are not only members of the IDA, but also the American Dental Association (ADA) and their local district society.

IDA’s mission is to encourage the improvement of the health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry, and to represent the interests of the members of the dental profession and the public which it serves.  

In the News

Iowa Dental Foundation Receives $150,000 Grant for Provider Mental Health Program

Jan 8, 2025

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation awarded a $150,000 System and Capacity Building grant to the Iowa Dental Foundation to support a provider mental health program-Iowa Dental Advocacy for Professional & Personal Thriving (IADAPT). The program launched Jan. 1.

"We're thrilled to see dental organizations across Iowa come together in support of mental wellness for providers," said Suzanne Heckenlaible, executive director of Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. "This program aims to make sure dentists have timely access to high-quality mental health resources, reinforcing that a balanced, fulfilling life is within reach for everyone. Both executive coaching and therapy offer goal-focused approaches to personal growth and enhancing well-being."

Funding for IADAPT provides support for Iowa dentists through services from Flowstate Health. This is a collaborative effort of Delta Dental of Iowa, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Iowa Dental Association (IDA), Iowa Dental Board, Iowa Dental Foundation, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, and Flowstate Health.

"The Iowa Dental Foundation is proud to launch this collaborative project, offering mental health and coaching services to support the well-being of Iowa's dentists," said Laurie Traetow, executive director of the Iowa Dental Association/Iowa Dental Foundation. "By prioritizing mental wellness, we help ensure our dental professionals thrive both in their careers and personal lives."

Following COVID-19, the dental profession experienced a surge in staffing shortages, tight budgets, and required mandates to protect the health of staff and patients. This experience highlighted a unique challenge as many dentists are not only healthcare professionals, but also business owners and staff managers. All these roles can compound daily pressures, affecting dentists' mental health.

The pilot program provides dentists access to three no-cost individual coaching or therapy sessions per year, quarterly virtual educational opportunities, and IDA e-newsletter articles. All program components have been carefully curated to meet the unique needs of Iowa dentists; services will be delivered by Iowa-based licensed and credentialed mental health professionals.

"It's OK to not be OK," said Carissa Wemmie, licensed independent social worker with Flowstate Health. "You don't have to be unwell to benefit from mental healthcare."

Program materials will be distributed to Iowa dentists by the Iowa Dental Foundation and the IDA. All coaching and mental healthcare will be provided directly from Flowstate Health. Learn more about the initiative at https://www.iowadental.org/iadapt.

Events

Calendars