DPG Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dietetic practice group?
A DPG is a professional-interest group of American Dietetic Association members who wish to connect with other members within their areas of interest and/or practice.

What other benefits do DPGs offer in addition to networking?
DPGs:

  • Provide opportunities to increase knowledge in specific areas of dietetic practice through newsletters, other publications and continuing education.
  • Sponsor workshops and seminars for continuing professional education credit at the ADA Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo and throughout the year.
  • Provide awards, stipends, scholarships and grants.
  • Develop legislative and public-policy materials for the Association.
  • Contribute technical expertise to the Association.
  • Support the ADA alliance program through collaborative projects with other associations.
  • Establish activities that market the profession in general, as well as specific practice areas.
  • Offer practice guidelines and quality-management materials to help practitioners provide a high level of care.
  • Actively engage in ADA's initiatives, projects, campaigns and other activities.

Who can join a DPG? Is there a limit to how many DPGs I can join?
Membership in a DPG is voluntary. Any ADA member may join as many DPGs as desired.

How do I join a DPG?
DPG dues are paid annually, along with ADA membership dues. ADA members may join a DPG almost any time during the year by paying appropriate dues. (The last day in February is the end of the period to join a DPG for the membership year ending May 31.) Dues vary depending on the DPG. To join a DPG, please contact the Practice Team at practice@eatright.org or 800/877-1600, ext. 4815.

Are DPG dues prorated, refundable, transferable, or tax-deductible?
DPG dues are not prorated, refundable or transferable. Dues listed are for the June 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004 membership year. Contributions to the American Dietetic Association are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions. However, DPG dues may be tax-deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.

My DPG is separated into geographical "areas". How are these areas designated?
DPGs are allowed to utilized pre-established areas designated as follows:

  • Area 1: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
  • Area 2: Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
  • Area 3: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina
  • Area 4: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah
  • Area 5: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia
  • Area 6: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia
  • Area 7: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, American Overseas