Mississippi Dental Association (MDA)
Your guide to organized dentistry in Mississippi: membership, the annual meeting, local component societies, the state dental board, and CE/license-renewal requirements.
About the Mississippi Dental Association
The Mississippi Dental Association (MDA) is the ADA constituent (state) society for Mississippi. It was founded on April 21, 1875, in Vicksburg as the Mississippi State Dental Association, beginning with only a handful of members, and has since grown to just under 1,000 members as of 2024 — representing more than 60% of the state's licensed dentists.
The MDA is a statewide tripartite dentist professional member organization: a member of the MDA is simultaneously a member of the national ADA, the state MDA, and one of six local dental districts. The association's central office, which it expanded and purchased in 1972 (historically at 1764 Lelia Drive in Jackson), houses its staff. The MDA advocates for dentists at the Mississippi Legislature, provides continuing education, and offers member benefits and practice support.
Governance follows a Board of Trustees model with delegate representation from the six districts. Members of the MDA are also members of their local community dental district, and these districts hold their own annual meetings each winter, providing local CE and a pipeline of leadership and delegates into the statewide organization.
Annual Meeting: MDA Annual Session (Annual Dental Meeting)
Early-to-mid summer (June), historically at Gulf Coast resort venues. The 151st MDA Annual Session is scheduled June 11-14, 2026, at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama.
The Annual Session combines the association's governance meetings, an exhibit floor, and continuing education, drawing dentists from all six Mississippi districts.
Component & Local Dental Societies
Joining the MDA typically also enrolls a dentist in their local component society.Mississippi has 6 component societies:
District I
District II
District III
District IV
District V
District VI
Licensing Board
Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners
The board licenses and regulates dentists — distinct from the MDA, which is a voluntary membership and advocacy body.
www.dentalboard.ms.govCE & License Renewal
- Hours: 40 hours (dentists) over each two-year period; a maximum of 10 hours (25%) may be home study
- Cycle: Biennial; reporting period runs two years (calendar-year based, January 1 - December 31)
- Mandatory topics: Governed by Board Regulation No. 41. Federal MATE Act / DEA: DEA-registered practitioners (with limited exceptions) must complete a one-time 8 hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance-use disorders
Always verify current requirements with the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners before renewal.
Dental Schools in Mississippi
Mississippi Dental Market Snapshot
- A relatively small dental market (~1,600 active dentists implied), with practices concentrated in the Jackson metro, the Gulf Coast (Gulfport/Biloxi), Hattiesburg/Pine Belt, Tupelo/north Mississippi, and the Delta region
- Predominantly independent and small-group practices; DSO penetration is lower than in larger neighboring states
- Mississippi is a heavily rural state with provider-shortage areas, so each practice carries significant local demand
- Front-desk language needs are predominantly English, with a small but growing Spanish-speaking population on the Gulf Coast and in poultry-industry corridors
AI Front Desk for Mississippi Practices
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Mississippi Dental Association FAQ
How many CE hours do Mississippi dentists need to renew a license?
Mississippi dentists must complete 40 hours (dentists) over each two-year period; a maximum of 10 hours (25%) may be home study, biennial; reporting period runs two years (calendar-year based, january 1 - december 31). Mandatory topics include Governed by Board Regulation No. 41. Federal MATE Act / DEA: DEA-registered practitioners (with limited exceptions) must complete a one-time 8 hours on treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance-use disorders. Always confirm current rules with the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.
What is the difference between the MDA and the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners?
The Mississippi Dental Association is a voluntary membership and advocacy organization for dentists. The Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners is the government body that licenses dentists and enforces regulations. Membership in the association is optional; licensure through the board is mandatory to practice.
Sources
- www.msdental.org/about-us — founded April 21, 1875 in Vicksburg; <1,000 members (2024); 60%+ of licensed dentists; tripartite; 1972 central office (1764 Lelia Dr, Jackson).
- www.msdental.org/about-us/mda-leadership — Wahnee Sherman, Executive Director.
- www.msdental.org/about-us/mda-districts — six numbered dental districts.
- www.msdental.org/meetings-events/district-meetings — districts hold annual meetings each January/February.
- www.msdental.org/docs/statemsmississippilibraries/board-of-trustee-meetings/annual-session-registration-brochure-2026.pdf — 151st MDA Annual Session, June 11-14, 2026, Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, AL.
- www.dentalboard.ms.gov/ — Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners (licensing).
- www.dentalboard.ms.gov/sites/dentalboard/files/REG%2041%20RULE%20TEXT%20FINAL.pdf — CE: 40 hrs/2 yrs dentists (<=10 home study), 20 hrs/2 yrs hygienists; MATE Act 8-hr opioid training.
- www.asdanet.org/index/get-into-dental-school/predental-resources/u-s-dental-schools — UMMC School of Dentistry, Jackson.
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