AAP Membership

The AAP offers a variety of membership options based on professional qualifications, practice status, and residency. 

Categories for New Members

Active Member

Membership Application

Membership Eligibility

  • Licensed to practice dentistry in the United States
  • Qualified as a specialist in periodontics according to ADA requirements and limits practice to periodontics OR qualified both as a periodontist and one or more other ADA recognized specialties and limits practice to these specialties
  • Has successfully completed periodontal training in an accredited periodontal program in the United States

It is recommended that Active members also be members in good standing of the American Dental Association

Membership Requirements

  • Must attend one AAP Annual Meeting every three years

Membership Benefits

Active members have the ability to:

  • Vote
  • Hold office
  • Serve on committees

In addition, Active members receive the following member benefits:

Associate Member

Associate Membership Application

Membership Eligibility

  • Any dentist in the United States or its territories who is not eligible for Active membership

It is recommended that Associate members also be members in good standing of the American Dental Association

Membership Requirements

  • Must attend one AAP Annual Meeting every five years

Membership Benefits

Student Member

Student Membership Application

Membership Eligibility

  • Any dentist continuously enrolled in a United States or Canadian periodontal residency program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation

Membership Benefits

International Member

International Membership Application

Any dentist residing outside of the United States and its territories shall be eligible to be an International member who is interested in the art and science of periodontology.

Membership Eligibility

  • Any dentist residing outside the United States and its territories

It is recommended that International members also be members in good standing of a recognized national dental association

Membership Benefits

International Student Member

International Student Membership Application

Membership Eligibility

  • Any dentist who is enrolled in an advanced specialty education program in periodontics as defined by their country of residence
  • Must provide letter verifying enrollment

Membership Benefits

Dental Student Interest Group (DSIG)

DSIG Application Form

DSIG Eligibility

  • Predoctoral students enrolled in an accredited United States or Canadian dental school
  • Current membership in the American Student Dental Association (ASDA)

DSIG Benefits

Transfer Categories for Long-Term Members

If you are eligible to transfer to one of the categories below, email 

Life Active Member

Membership Eligibility

Any Active member who:

  • Is 65 years or older and has been an Active member for 25 or more consecutive years

Membership Benefits

Life Active members have the ability to:

  • Vote
  • Hold office
  • Serve on committees

In addition, Life Active members receive the following member benefits:

Retired Member

Membership Eligibility

  • Any dues-paying member of the Academy for 10 years who has completely retired from the practice of dentistry
  • Any dues-paying member of the Academy who is disabled and has completely retired from the practice of dentistry

Membership Benefits