Young Dentists Council (YDC)

Who are the YDC and the Benefits of Being Involved?

Young Dentists’ Council: Young Dentists working together to nurture a sustainable future
Want a future that’s as bright as a dental light? Whether you’re a dental candidate student or are doing your Community Service (CommServe) or a dentist in public service or private practice under the age of 35, you are eligible to join the Young Dentist’s Council (YDC) - a platform designed to develop and nurture future leaders in the dental profession.

What is the YDC?
An organisation working under the mandate of the South African Dental Association (SADA), the YDC was launched in 2013 with the aim of connecting younger members and providing them with an enabling environment where they can debate and deliberate on matters affecting their careers and the dental profession.

Today, the YDC is an enthusiastic, committed and concerned group of young dentists working together to nurture a brighter, more sustainable future.

Why should you join?
With its mandate of a brighter future for all, the YDC:

• Provides mentorships, support and advice during student years, CommServe and thereafter;
• Increases the public standing of young dentists among external individuals and organisations;
• Organises educational events at SADA branches;
• Facilitates networking with peers, seasoned professionals and industry experts;
• Offers clinical refreshers at a reasonable or subsidised fee to post–community service dentists and conducts surveys to determine future courses;
• Offers mentorships to help manage colleague expectations;
• Gives young dentists a voice to push for structural changes in the industry;
• Promotes the interests of young dentists by lobbying and advocating on their behalf;
• Liaises with international committees and councils and engages medical aids and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) on matters such as globally benchmarked remuneration;
• Provides resources for professional development;
• Communicates issues facing the dental community;
• Supports private dentists who open new practices; and
• Bridges the divide between the thinking, understanding and needs of the next generation of dentists and those of our forbearers.

How much does it cost?
If you are in your first to fifth year of study, your SADA membership is free. In the first three years after you graduate, not only is your membership greatly discounted, but you get Dental Protection Membership at a preferential rate - giving you access to experienced, professional colleagues to help and advise you on any dento-legal problem you might face.

Sold? Sign up today
Visit the SADA website, click on the Membership tab, go to the Join SADA page, enter the information requested and press submit. Applicants under the age of 35 will automatically become YDC members when becoming SADA members.
For more information and to sign up, go to here.

The new YDC has been constituted and held their inaugural meeting on the 5th of September 2018. The new energy will definitely be felt across the country. These are students and young dentists under the age of 35 who want to make a difference. They are also a pipeline for our leadership at SADA. Very soon the Committee will be meeting to elect the committee who is made of the following: