American Dental Association

American Dental Association
Formation	1859
Type	Professional association
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Membership	161,000
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	www.ada.org

The American Dental Association (ADA) is a professional association of dentists dedicated to serving both the public and the profession of dentistry. Founded in 1859, the ADA is the largest and oldest national dental association in the world, with over 161,000 members.

History

The ADA was established in 1859 by 26 dentists who met in Niagara Falls, New York. The association was created to promote the art and science of dentistry and to improve public health. Over the years, the ADA has played a significant role in the development of dental standards, education, and public health initiatives.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the ADA is to help dentists succeed and support the advancement of the health of the public. The ADA aims to:

• Promote the art and science of dentistry
• Improve the oral health of the public
• Foster an inclusive and diverse dental profession
• Advocate for public policies that support oral health

Structure and Governance

The ADA is governed by a House of Delegates, which is the legislative and supreme governing body of the association. The House of Delegates meets annually to set policies and elect officers. The Board of Trustees, which is composed of the ADA's president, president-elect, and trustees from each of the 17 trustee districts, manages the association's business affairs.

Publications and Resources

The ADA publishes a variety of resources for dental professionals and the public, including the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), which is a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The ADA also provides guidelines, educational materials, and continuing education opportunities for dental professionals.

Initiatives and Programs

The ADA is involved in numerous initiatives and programs aimed at improving oral health and advancing the profession of dentistry. These include:

• The ADA Seal of Acceptance program, which evaluates dental products for safety and efficacy
• Advocacy efforts to influence public policy related to oral health
• Public education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of oral health

Membership

Membership in the ADA is open to licensed dentists in the United States. Members benefit from access to a wide range of resources, including professional development opportunities, practice management tools, and advocacy support.

Also see

• Dentistry
• Oral health
• Dental education in the United States
• Dental hygienist
• Dental assistant