Resources for Members

Quick Reference Guide

What Every Dentist Should Know Before Signing a Dental Provider Contract Forgiven Copayments Patient Termination Charging Interests and Fees Hire Reporting Contacting your Legislator RIDPAC/ADPAC Record Keeping, Retention, and Patient Access to Records How to Report Child Abuse Principles of Ethics & Code of Professional Conduct Supervision and Delegation of Duties

Association Activities and Services
Seven councils and eight committees meet regularly to carry out the responsibilities and projects of the Association. Council and committee members are appointed by the President with approval by the House of Delegates. From time to time ad hoc committees are appointed to address specific issues.

Publications
Members are kept informed on topics of interest to Rhode Island dentists through the RIDA Newsletter, and the RIDA web site. In addition, the Association publishes an annual Membership Directory and Resource Guide.

Continuing Education
Top national speakers for dentists and staff are provided four to six times a year to comply with licensure requirements, infection control, and OSHA regulations. Exhibitors are invited to participate in Association programs on a regular basis. In addition, dental education courses on topics of importance or interest to members are provided on an as-needed basis.

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Over the past two years, the Council on Communications has been building a positive perception of dentists and the practice of dentistry, and also by educating the public about the utilization of dental benefits plans through radio, television and print advertising.

Membership Benefits and Services
Membership in RIDA means that you are connected with organized dentistry at the local, state and national levels. You can take advantage of services and opportunities not available to the non-member dentist. See Membership Benefits Listing.

Legislative Programs
Annually, the House of Delegates passes a legislative agenda under the guidance of the Council on Governmental Affairs as a directive to our RIDA lobbyist and staff regarding priorities for the dental profession.

Peer Review
The Association and its component societies provide peer review, which often facilitates resolution of disputes between patients, dentists and/or third party payers.

Chemical Dependency Resources
Approximately ten percent of the general population suffers with an addiction, and in the profession of dentistry, that percentage jumps to at least 15 percent. Caring colleagues are available to provide RIDA members, their families and staff with confidential information and support regarding dependency issues.

The Future Professional
The Association is actively involved in helping prepare new professionals for the "real" world through the efforts of the Council on Communications and the Committee on the New Dentist.

Access to Care
Providing better access to dental care for children and adults has long been a priority for the Association. Members provide services through the Department of Human Services and RIte Care.

Over the past 14 years, members and dental laboratories throughout the state have volunteered to provide comprehensive dental services to the handicapped through the Rhode Island Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, Donated Dental Services Program. DDS dentists have donated over $2 million so far. The 180 volunteers donate over $184,000 a year in free private practice dentistry to over 140 patients.