Organized dentistry
Component dental society
A local dental society, such as a city or county society, that belongs to a state dental association and gives members a local level of organized dentistry.
A component dental society is the local level of organized dentistry. The Missouri Dental Association explains that it is a state component of a tripartite association in which members belong to the American Dental Association and to a local component society. The local group is the third level.
Local societies often run meetings, continuing education, community events and networking. Each belongs to a state group, called a constituent society by the ADA, and through it to the national body. In Missouri, that state group is the Missouri Dental Association.
Membership terms depend on each society. This entry is a general definition, and a dentist should check with the local group for its rules and dues.