American Dental Association

When searching for a dentist, it always provides patients with peace of mind to discover that their dentists are part of an official association. Being part of a professional organization demonstrates the dentist’s dedication to the industry and continuing education. Among the most popular associations for dentists is the American Dental Association.

What is the American Dental Association?
The American Dental Association is the largest non-profit dental association in the nation. It boasts more than 157,000 members from all 50 U.S. states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The organization’s mission is to promote optimum oral health while representing the dental profession in a upstanding light.

History of the American Dental Association
Established in 1859, the American Dental Association is the oldest dental association in the nation. Twenty-six dentists who represented various dental societies throughout the United States held a conference at Niagara Falls in August of 1859, during which they came together to found the association. Since its inception, the association has grown from representing 26 dental societies until it now represents more than 545 dental societies.

Governance of the American Dental Association
Part of what makes the American Dental Association so unique and innovative is the way in which it’s governed. Unlike many other professional organizations, the American Dental Association is a member-run organized that’s managed by a Board of Trustees that the organization’s members elect as well as a House of Delegates that consists of 473 members. Set up much like the nation’s own government, the American Dental Association seeks to provide a true representation of the dental societies it represents.

The American Dental Association Publication
Perhaps what the American Dental Association has become most known for is its monthly publication, the Journal of the American Dental Association. This journal consists of peer-reviewed medical dentistry articles, and it’s free to the public after a one-year embargo. The latest innovations and development in the industry are shared in this publication by some of the top dentists and professionals in the field, and all members of the American Dental Association have access to the invaluable contents and continuing education information offered in the publication.

The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance Program
Another feature the ADA has become known for is its Seal of Acceptance Program. More than 300 oral health care products including dental flosses, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouth rinses, dental adherent and chewing gums have been awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which basically means that the company approves of the safety and effectiveness of the products. Most ADA dentists will strive to offer their patients products approved by the ADA to promote the safest measures in oral health.

References:
The American Dental Association. ” About the ADA.” Retrieved on October 7, 2015, from http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/.

The American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678
312-440-2500
http://www.ada.org

Images:
http://aaaphoneonhold.com/wp-content/uploads/ADA-logo.png
http://www.ada.org/~/media/JCNDE/Images/JCNDE_ADAbuilding20140407t205440.ashx