Early Career Dentists

The IDA and ADA provide many valuable resources for early career dentists - those less than 10 years out of dental school - to succeed in their practice and to interact with other early career dentists.

The ADA offers multiple resources and tools to guide you through your career. Get information on salary negotiating, compensation calculating, choosing a career path, and more. 

The IDA has ways for you to get involved through multiple committees, helping to advocate for the profession and your patients, and networking opportunities. All dentists are encouraged to network during the IDA annual conference, IDEAS, at the Welcome Reception on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Des Moines. Early career dentists attending the IDEAS25 conference are welcome to attend the Early Career Luncheon on Friday, May 9 from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM to network.

IDA New Dentist Committee

Any IDA member who graduated from dental school in or after 2015 is welcome to join the New Dentist Committee. The purpose of the committee is to advise the IDA Board of Trustees on matters relating to early career dentists. New Dentist Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Alyssa Darling, is a voting member on the IDA Board of Trustees.

What the New Dentist Committee Does

Engage early career dentists in organized dentistry.
Engagement has a variety of meanings. From lending your experience and perspective during committee meetings to leadership opportunities within your district dental society, IDA, and ADA, the New Dentist Committee allows you to engage on your terms.

Connect with students.
Engaging with dental students is an important investment in the future of the dental profession. The New Dentist Committee Co-Chairs, Drs. Alyssa Darling (Ottumwa) and Zach Johnson (Lenox) are committed to engaging the students by:

  • Supporting the Iowa Chapter of the American Student Dental Association Vendor Fair.
  • Being a guest/panelist during dental school courses.
  • Participating in National Signing at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

New Dentist Committee meetings are held virtually the Monday prior to the IDA Board of Trustee meeting at 7:00 PM. The next meeting is on April 28, 2025.

For more information or to join the IDA New Dentist Committee contact Kara Bylund at IDA.