The following are the chapter documents that must be submitted to the national office at least once annually. If you have any questions regarding updating a chapter, please feel free to contact the national office by telephone at 800-920-2293 or email, chapters@aawd.org.

Student Chapter Resources

Student Chapter Startup Guide

Student Chapter Bylaws

Student Chapter Roster

Student Chapter Member Form

Student Chapter Contact Form

About AAWD

Local Chapter Resources

Local Chapter Application Form

Local Chapter Checklist

Local Chapter Member Roster

Confidentiality Agreement

Local Chapter Bylaws

Local Chapter Activity Plan Template

Local Chapter Contact Form

Local Chapter Starter Guide

Chapter Legal Guidelines

Use the AAWD Membership Directory to get started

If you are interested in leading a local chapter near you, you might already have in mind a few dentists who would be willing to join. You can connect with more dentists in your area through our AAWD Member Directory, which is available to all paid members. This directory lists all AAWD members (dentists and current dental students), organized distinctly by each state; it displays member info such as full name, contact e-mail address, city location, and zip code.

1. Login to the AAWD Membership portal here: https://aawd.org/membership
2. Click on the “Membership Directory” tab
3. Click on the “Search Users” button to pinpoint a member’s name, city, state, or current chapter.

Please note:  in order to utilize this directory, you’ll need your AAWD member log in info for the website, if you have forgotten this info, please contact us via e-mail at info@aawd.org.

What are requirements to be a local chapter?

There are four main steps to become an official local chapter with AAWD. Once you notified the AAWD National Office or the Director of Membership of your intent to start a local chapter, you will receive an application packet in order to:

1. Submit your chapter officer roster
2. Sign the AAWD Confidentiality form
3. Write and submit your local chapter bylaws
4. Design and submit an estimated 6-month chapter activity plan

To become an official local chapter, you will need a total of 4 active AAWD members. This includes at least 4-chapter officers in the roles of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. All officers must be local dentists (non-dentists are not allowed to serve as officers).

How many members do we need to have in order to be a local chapter?

There is no set rule. Local chapters can have as little as 4 members or as many as 50+ members. It’s okay to start out small and gain momentum over the years.

What is the #1 Tip in starting a local chapter?

We want to encourage as many as women dentists as possible to start a local chapter, we want our community to grow. The #1 tip would be that the structure of an AAWD local chapter is flexible enough to be adapted in any way that works for you: the chapter can be as big or small as you would prefer, and the dynamic of the meetings hosted by your chapter can vary greatly. We allow you to grow your local chapter, as you deem necessary.

If you are interested in leading a local chapter in your area, please contact AAWD at the following e-mail address: chapters@aawd.org or call the AAWD National Office at 1-800-920-2293.

If no local AAWD chapter exists at your school and you would like to help start one, follow these instructions to help get an active chapter up and running.

1. Begin by assessing the level of interest of the students and faculty at your school. This can be done via discussions, informal survey, phone calls or e-mails.

2. Student chapters must identify and confirm a Faculty advisor from their university to be copied on all chapter events, payments, and communications.

3. Create an organizing committee. This committee will be responsible for:

1. 1. • Drafting chapter bylaws (The National Office has a draft you can use.)
      • Initiating a membership drive
      • Arrange for a first general membership meeting

4. At your first general membership meeting, you should:

1. 1. • Elect the inaugural Board of Directors
      • Vote on the bylaws
      • Set up committees
      • Determine time, time and place or regular membership meetings
      • Determine amount of Chapter dues (Note: Student dues are $45/year for national dues + cost of chapter dues. First-year students have the option to join for 4 years at $130).

All chapter members must join AAWD nationally.

5. Your Treasurer should establish a checking account for the chapter. The account should be set up in the name of the chapter.

6. Collect membership applications and send them in to the National office. An updated list of officers and a chapter roster must be submitted annually.

7. Create a social media account! Many student chapters use Facebook Groups and/or Instagram to spread the word about their events.

If you have any further questions, please contact Linda Huval, AAWD Membership Specialist, at linda.huval@internationalamc.com or call the National Office at 1-800-920-2293.

If a component chapter has a bank account, a Federal Employer number is required. Use IRS Form SS-4 to apply for this number. The bank account should not be established under an individual’s social security number because that individual would be responsible for paying income tax on the monies in the account.

No component or chapter is allowed to use the name American Association of Women Dentists on their stationery or to open any bank accounts. The association name should read American Association of Women Dentists, _______________ Chapter.

It is recommended that chapter officers be on all bank account signature cards. An active component should consider being incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. The Corporate status will protect the individual officers, directors, and members from personal liability for the component’s activities if the appropriate corporate formalities are observed.

Incorporation costs can range from $1,500 to $3,000.