Overview and Organizational Structure - The American Dental Association (ADA) was founded in 1859 and is the largest and oldest national dental association in the world. - It has over 152,000 members, including 55 constituent dental societies and 545 component dental societies. - The ADA is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and has over 400 employees. - The ADA is committed to promoting good oral health and representing the dental profession. - The ADA has a Board of Trustees and a House of Delegates, as well as 11 councils that serve as policy recommending agencies. - The ADA publishes the Journal of the American Dental Association, ADA News, and ADA Guide to Dental Therapeutics. - The Commission on Dental Accreditation, recognised by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits dental education programs.

Seal of Acceptance - The ADA established guidelines for testing and advertising dental products. - The first ADA Seal of Acceptance was awarded in 1931. - About 350 manufacturers participate in the voluntary program. - Over 1,300 products have received the Seal of Acceptance. - Manufacturers pay fees for product evaluation and annual renewal, but the ADA does not profit from the program.

Advocacy - The ADA advocates for dental research, student loans and residency programs, increased dental coverage, insurance and medical liability reform, public health initiatives, and disaster planning. - The ADA opposes the expansion of dental benefits within Medicare. - The ADA's advocacy efforts resulted in the exclusion of dental benefits in the Build Back Better legislative package.

Advertising - Dudley the Dinosaur is an advertising character from the ADA, promoting healthy teeth and good oral hygiene. - Dudley debuted in 1990 as the nation's first bilingual public service campaign for kids. - Dudley has won over 100 major awards and appeared on mugs and as a doll. - Dudley stars in comic books and DVDs available from the ADA.

History and Milestones - The ADA Council on Dental Education was formed in 1936. - The ADA worked with Congress to establish National Children's Dental Health Day in 1950. - The ADA produced the first color television PSA by a non-profit health agency in 1964. - The ADA established the ADA Health Foundation in 1964. - The ADA changed policies to condemn discrimination in 1965. - ADA News was first published in 1970. - The ADA Commission on the Young Professional was formed in 1987. - Dr. Geraldine Morrow became the first female ADA president in 1991. - The ADA website, ADA ONLINE, was created in 1995. - Dr. Eugene Sekiguchi became the first Asian-American ADA president in 2002. - Dr. Kathleen OLoughlin became the first female ADA executive director in 2009. - Dr. George R. Shepley was installed as ADA president in 2022. - Linda J. Edgar was elected ADA president-elect.