During the time that the NDBA develops its examination, the ADSA House of Delegates voted to allow members of the ADSA who have satisfactorily achieved Fellowship status to be grandfathered as Diplomates of the NDBA. All current Fellows of the ADSA are eligible to become Diplomates of the NDBA. The ADSA House of Delegates also voted to let individuals that allowed their fellowship status to lapse to rejoin the ADSA within the next two years at the standard rate without penalties. Individuals who were Fellows when they discontinued their membership will retain fellowship status when they rejoin the ADSA and can be grandfathered as Diplomates of the NDBA.

Because the ADSA is the sponsoring society of the NDBA, the NDBA embraces all dentists who administer general anesthesia. The NDBA has been established to recognize dentists who have training and expertise in the administration of general anesthesia. Achieving Diplomate status of the NDBA will further ensure dentistry's ability to continue to provide high quality anesthesia care. After 2005, achieving Diplomate status will give fellowship status to ADSA members.

Any active Fellow of the ADSA can obtain NDBA Diplomate status by paying the initiation fee of $95.00. The annual renewal fee to maintain Diplomate status will be $75.00 a year. In addition to the annual fee, Diplomates must participate in 12 hours of continuing education every two years. Additional information regarding the specific continuing education requirements will be forthcoming.

This is a very exciting opportunity for all dentists who are active Fellows of the ADSA to have their training and expertise recognized by the NDBA. It will also assure the public that these individuals are committed to offering high quality anesthesia services to their patients. We encourage every eligible Fellow of the ADSA to become a Diplomate of the NDBA. This is a wonderful opportunity for ADSA Fellows.