About the ADA

Our Brand
The ADA powers the profession of dentistry to advance the overall oral health of the public
Fulfills our Mission
Helping dentists succeed
Leading to our Vision
Achieving optimal health for all
Guided by our Values
- Commitment to Members
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Commitment to Improved Oral Health
- Science and Evidence-Based
- Diversity
- Inclusivity
|
The American Dental Association (ADA) exists to power the profession of dentistry and to assist our members in advancing the overall oral health of their patients. Together with our 163,000+ members, we’ve been driving dentistry forward for 160 years.
We are strong advocates for our members – promoting the art and science of dentistry by supporting dental professionals through services like Find-a-Dentist, credentialing tools, Third Party Payer Concierge, contract review and much more. Our mission is to ensure all member dentists have what they need, when they need it and even before it is needed to succeed.
We are also strong advocates for public health – fighting oral cancer and combating the opioids crisis – and we’re teaming up with industry partners to help you stay healthy from the dental chair to daily care at home.
We will continue working toward our vision – working side by side with our member dentists – to achieve optimal health for all.
Choose the ADA
With incredible benefits like personalized one-on-one help with provider issues, the latest in clinical information and student debt solutions, there is a reason more than 163,000 dentists choose the ADA.
Join the ADA today
Renew your ADA membership
-
Celebrate Our Shared Successes
2018 was an incredible year for ADA dentists. More than 163,000 strong, together we continue to strengthen and improve the profession and the health of our communities. From developing new caries guidelines to launching a podcast about advocacy and passing the Action for Dental Health bill into law, our collective impact has never been more thoughtful, innovative or needed as it is today. Watch this video to see how we’re all driving dentistry forward.
-
Membership and Governance
The ADA is a not-for-profit organization working to power the profession of dentistry on the national, state and local level. There are more than 163,000+ ADA members representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Membership in the national organization includes membership in one of our 53 state and 545 local dental societies. A member-run organization, the ADA is managed by an elected Board of Trustees and governed by a 483-member House of Delegates.
ADA Leadership
President:
Dr. Chad P. Gehani
President-elect:
Dr. Daniel J. Klemmedson
Executive Director:
Dr. Kathleen T. O’Loughlin
Members have access to the full list of ADA Officers and Trustees. View all former ADA presidents.
-
The ADA Seal of Acceptance Program
Universally recognized by consumers as a symbol of safety and effectiveness, the ADA Seal of Acceptance is carried on more than 300 oral health products, including toothpastes, toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth rinses, denture adherents and chewing gum.
Search for ADA Seal products.
-
The ADA Foundation
This philanthropic arm of the ADA provides scholarships for dental students, advocates for children's dental health and supplies disaster relief to members in need. You can apply for a grant, scholarship, award or fellowship...
Visit the ADA Foundation’s website
Get to Know Us
Member Benefits – ADA members gain access to a wealth of resources, support and tools to help them be successful and live their best life.
Publications – Stay informed with the ADA’s award-winning and well-respected publications for dentists, including ADA News, The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and more.
New Dentist Now Blog – A place where dental students and dentists alike can read about other dentists’ experiences and get insights on the latest industry news, career tips and more.
Overall Oral Health – You deserve good oral health care. ADA programs, like Find-a-Dentist, MouthHealthy and Give Kids a Smile, focus on improved oral health for the public.
Careers at the ADA – Help us power the profession of dentistry and make a difference.