A Brief Summary of the American Dental Association
By: Adrian Pawlowski
Known as the largest and oldest dental society in the world, the American Dental Association was founded in 1859. As a professional periodontologist and dentist who has been practicing in the industry for more than 30 years, I remain a member of this organization.
With more than 157,000 members in the U.S., the American Dental Association strives to further the dental profession and provide members with a resource for oral health-related information and research. This professional society upholds a mission to support individuals who are “committed to the public’s oral health, ethics, science, and professional advancement; leading a unified profession through initiatives of advocacy, education, research, and development of standards.” The American Dental Association comprises several internal groups that work to provide support for dentists and other oral health practitioners, as well as those in need of dental care.
Consequently, the American Dental Association started a foundation that offers scholarships for dental students. This philanthropic cause also campaigns for adequate oral health for children and provides relief to victims of natural disasters. Members of the American Dental Association are encouraged to donate and support this foundation. In addition to this charitable cause, the American Dental Association created a seal program that reviews oral health products such as floss, toothbrushes, toothpastes, and chewing gum. Recommended items receive the organization’s seal of acceptance, which is a symbol that represents safety and quality.
The American Dental Association maintains a solid reputation of being the country’s principal supporter of proper oral health, and I receive many benefits through my membership with the organization. Other professional dental societies I belong to include the American Board of Periodontology, the American Academy of Implantology, and the International Congress of Oral Implantology.
