Dental Associations exist to empower and assist dentists in advancing the overall oral health of their patients.
They are strong advocates for public health and they strive to support their members: promoting the art and science of dentistry by providing useful services and relevant resources to dental professionals.
Their mission is to ensure all dentists have what they need to run their practice and succeed. They work side by side with members to achieve optimal health for all.
Dental Associations exist at a national, state and local level. Therefore, if you would like to explore all their resources, we have compiled a comprehensive list so you can become a member of the ones that will help your dental practice grow!
National Dental Associations
American Association of Dental Office Management
Founded in 2005, the mission of the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) is to educate, connect and empower dental office managers and practice leaders across North America.
Regardless of the level of expertise or years of experience, AADOM will help anyone in the industry to grow both professionally and personally with dental management resources to keep learning, connecting, and growing.
https://www.dentalmanagers.com/
American Association of Endodontists
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is dedicated to advancing the art and science of endodontics and promoting the highest standards of patient care.
The AAE’s success is driven by the exceptional work of its volunteer leaders and diverse membership. Visit the website to explore AAE’s history and operations.
https://www.aae.org/specialty/
American Dental Association
The American Dental Association (ADA) exists to power the profession of dentistry and to assist its members in advancing the overall oral health of their patients. Together with their 163,000+ members, they have been driving dentistry forward for more than 160 years.
The ADA is a strong advocate for its members, promoting the art and science of dentistry by supporting dental professionals through various services, resources and personalized benefits.
The organization is also a strong advocate for public health, helping the population to stay healthy from the dental chair to daily care at home.
American Dental Assistants Association
The American Dental Assistants Association (SDAA) is the leading association representing professional dental assistants in the United States.
The SDAA mission is to advance the careers of dental assistants and to advocate for the dental assisting profession in matters of education, professional activities, credentialing and legislation. They aim to promote the ideals and growth of the association, which aid in the accessibility and delivery of quality oral health care to the public.
American Dental Hygienists’ Association
Founded in 1923, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 185,000 registered dental hygienists (RDHs) across the country.
The ADHA works to support dental hygienists throughout their career lifecycle and advance the dental hygiene profession by developing new career paths, expanding opportunities for care, and providing the latest training and information.
American Orthodontic Society
The American Orthodontic Society (AOS) is the largest and one of the oldest US-based educational associations of general and pediatric dentists who practice orthodontics worldwide.
The AOS mission to provide a pathway for learning, integrating, and excelling in orthodontics. Along with helping members stay up to date with the latest techniques, technology, and products, AOS strives to continually provide leading orthodontic education, mentoring, networking, and advocacy that equips its members with the skill set and support they need to succeed and make a positive difference in their communities.
American Association of Orthodontists
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) was created in 1900. Only dentists who successfully complete an accredited orthodontic residency program after dental school are accepted for membership in the American Association of Orthodontists. They represent 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.
AAO members are gifted and highly educated specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws.
The AAO seeks to help prospective patients understand the importance and life-changing benefits of orthodontics for all patients: children, teens, and adults.
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors
The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) is a national non-profit organization representing the directors and staff of state/territorial public health agency programs for oral health.
It was organized in 1948 and is one of 20 affiliates of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).
ASTDD formulates and promotes the establishment of national dental public health policy, assists state/territorial dental programs in the development and implementation of programs and policies for the prevention of oral diseases; builds awareness and strengthens dental public health professionals’ knowledge and skills by developing position papers and policy statements; provides information on oral health to health officials and policy makers, and conducts conferences for the dental public health community.
National Dental Association
The National Dental Association (NDA) promotes oral health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its members, advocating for the needs of and mentoring dental students of color, raising the profile of the profession within their communities.
The main goal of the National Dental Association is to improve the delivery of oral health care among minorities and/or underserved communities by providing continued education, collaborative research, leadership training, and business networking.
American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is a 7,500-member professional organization for periodontists – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants.
The Academy’s purpose is to advance the periodontal and general health of the public and promote excellence in the practice of periodontics.
The AAP mission is to champion member success and professional partnerships for optimal patient health and quality of life. They strive to be the voice for periodontists as the collaborative partner to achieve optimal oral health.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Established in 1984, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.
The AACD offers superior educational opportunities; promotes and supports a respected Accreditation credential; serves as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas; and provides accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.
The AACD includes more than 5,000 dental professionals, laboratory technicians, educators, and researchers from 70 countries worldwide. This global perspective allows AACD members to gather information from the international field of cosmetic dentistry.
America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation
Founded in 2006, The America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) works to ensure all children can access dental care and learn about oral health.
As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy increases access to oral health care by supporting nonprofit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children.
https://www.americastoothfairy.org/
Oral Health Foundation
Established in 1971, The Oral Health Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to improve oral health and wellbeing around the world. This organization has provided expert, independent and impartial advice on all aspects of oral health directly to the public.
They work with governments, dental and health professionals, manufacturers, the dental trade, national and local agencies and the public, to achieve their mission of addressing the inequalities which exist in oral health.
Dental Associations by State
Alabama Dental Association
Founded in 1869, the Alabama Dental Association (ALDA) is a membership organization of over 1,800 Alabama dentists. ALDA is the premier professional dental organization in the state representing local dentists efforts to provide quality dental care to all Alabamians.
The mission of the Association is to encourage the improvement of the health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry, and to represent the interests of the members of the dental profession and the public for which it serves.
Alaska Dental Society
The Alaska Dental Society is committed to maintaining dental care in the State of Alaska at the highest level so that everyone can enjoy good oral health. Their website wants to help educate the population about the many aspects of dentistry.
Arizona Dental Association
Founded in 1909, the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) represents over 70% of all licensed dentists in Arizona. More than 2,500 members, comprising every dental specialty, collectively exemplify the AzDA mission to provide leadership, resources, and advocacy to ensure the success of its members and promote oral health.
Arkansas State Dental Association
The Arkansas State Dental Association (ASDA) is a voluntary membership organization comprised of licensed dentists in the State of Arkansas. ASDA represents and supports the dental profession in its efforts to provide high quality, ethical oral health care to the public.
https://arkansasdentistry.org/
California Dental Association
Since 1870, the California Dental Association (ADA) has worked to empower the state’s community of dentists. As the largest state association in the ADA, they continue to innovate, sustain and grow to support dentistry’s best and brightest.
Colorado Dental Association
The Colorado Dental Association is an organization that strives to advance dentistry and oral health in Colorado. The mission of the organization is to foster the success of its member dentists and advance the oral health of the general public.
Connecticut State Dental Association
The Connecticut State Dental Association is a statewide, professional membership organization representing Connecticut licensed dentists. CSDA members are committed to protecting the health and well-being of people of all ages.
The CSDA was established in 1864 to ensure that patients received the highest quality of care from dental professionals. With a statewide membership of approximately 2,300 members, the CSDA represents 68% of all licensed dentists in Connecticut.
District of Columbia Dental Society
The District of Columbia Dental Society (DCDS) is passionate about advancing dental medicine, serving their community and engaging dental professionals.
The mission of DCDS is to promote the growth of the dental profession through educational programming and optimizing oral health outcomes in the community.
Delaware State Dental Society
The Delaware State Dental Society (DSDS) recognizes 401 licensed dentists representing all the three counties with 80% as members of DSDS.
This organization advocates for the highest continuing education requirement for dental professionals. They develop and deliver high quality continuing education courses.
They also support, participate and coordinate dental care programs, events and campaigns.
https://delawarestatedentalsociety.org/
Florida Dental Association
The Florida Dental Association (FDA) is a statewide professional membership organization representing Florida-licensed dentists. FDA members are committed to protecting the health and well-being of people of all ages.
The FDA was established in 1884 to ensure that patients received the highest quality of care from dental professionals.
https://www.floridadental.org/
Georgia Dental Association
The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is the premier professional organization of dentists in the state committed to improving oral health and continuously promoting the highest standards of dentistry through education, advocacy, and professionalism. They strive for Georgia to become a state with optimal oral health.
Hawaii Dental Association
The Hawaii Dental Association is a statewide professional association of dentists licensed and practicing in Hawaii. They are a non-profit corporation incorporated since 1903.
The Hawaii Dental Association has 997 members representing over 92% of all dentists practicing in Hawaii in general dentistry and the eight dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
https://www.hawaiidentalassociation.net/
Idaho State Dental Association
The Idaho State Dental Association (ISDA), headquartered in Boise, represents more than 800 dentists throughout the state of Idaho. They are a constituent of the American Dental Association, the professional organization of dentists throughout the U.S. who are dedicated to providing the best care for their patients.
ISDA is also affiliated with seven local district dental societies across Idaho. Their mission is to empower the dental profession to achieve optimal health for all Idahoans.
Illinois State Dental Society
Founded by dentists in Chicago in 1865, the Illinois State Dental Society continues to write an interesting history each year through achievements that not only improve the oral health of the public, but also enhance the profession of dentistry.
Past leaders in the state and local dental societies have paved the way for their successors to enjoy a bright future in organized dentistry.
Indiana Dental Association
The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) serves over 83 percent of Indiana’s practicing dentists, more than 2,900 members. The IDA is composed of 15 component societies, which serve each of Indiana’s 92 counties, and is a constituent society of the American Dental Association.
The IDA can be a source for information about dental health and/or practicing dentistry in Indiana. Whether you need information about dentists, insurance carriers, volunteer opportunities, or answers about compliance, they can point you in the right direction.
Iowa Dental Association
The Iowa Dental Association (IDA) is the premier professional association representing dentists in the state of Iowa. In existence since 1863, the IDA is home to over 1,800 Iowa dentists, which represents approximately 80% of the licensed dentists in the state.
IDA’s mission is to encourage the improvement of the health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry, and to represent the interests of the members of the dental profession and the public which it serves.
Kentucky Dental Association
The Kentucky Dental Association (KDA) provides dentists with active representation to both the state and federal legislatures. They also organize and educate dentists in advocating for themselves, the profession of dentistry, and the oral health of their communities.
https://www.kyda.org/index.html
Kansas Dental Association
The Kansas Dental Association (KDA) promotes public health and health services, advances the art and science of dentistry, and fosters an awareness of the obligations of the dental profession to society.
In addition, the KDA provides member dentists with legislative advocacy, timely news updates, and endorsed programs and services. The KDA unifies the professional community through opportunities for networking, continuing education, and volunteer work.
Louisiana Dental Association
Established in 1878, the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) is the largest professional health organization for dentists in Louisiana. It is a statewide organization whose purpose is to promote, advocate, and protect the dental professional. The LDA has nearly 1,900 members.
The LDA is made up of nine component societies covering each major area of the state. Each holds organized meetings, special events and seminars.
Maine Dental Association
The Maine Dental Association provides valuable resources to help dental practices. They offer legislative news, contact information on other members, continuing education courses, endorsed services, and monthly newsletters.
Maryland State Dental Association
Founded in 1883, The Maryland State Dental Association represents the dental profession’s efforts to provide high quality and ethical oral health care to the public.
It is the professional association for dentists in the state of Maryland, and a constituent of the American Dental Association. There are twelve component dental societies located throughout Maryland.
Massachusetts Dental Society
The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), a 5,000-member constituent of the American Dental Association, is dedicated to the professional development of its member dentists through initiatives in education, advocacy, and promotion of the highest professional standards, and championing oral health in the Commonwealth.
The MDS mission is to improve oral and overall health of the Commonwealth through member engagement. They are looking to become the most trusted resource and advocate for oral health in Massachusetts.
Michigan Dental Association
The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) has represented dentistry since its founding in 1856, and they are more than just a professional organization of 5,900 dentists.
The MDA is dedicated to ensuring that Michigan residents receive the highest quality oral health care. They advance this goal through advocacy for the dental profession and dental patients with state government, and through statewide initiatives that expand access and promote oral health literacy.
https://www.smilemichigan.com/
Minnesota Dental Association
The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) is a statewide professional membership organization representing Minnesota-licensed dentists and dental students, with a membership of over 3,000 dentists.
The MDA represents members at the state legislature, advocating for legislation that includes scope of practice issues, as well as public oral health and safety issues.
They also advocate on behalf of their members in discussions with regulatory agencies and third party payers to resolve conflicts and recommend change when needed.
Mississippi Dental Association
The Mississippi Dental Association (MDA) have worked together on behalf of the profession of dentistry in Mississippi and the patients they serve. Through the years, the MDA has established itself as the premier dental organization in the state.
The MDA has continued the tradition of improving oral health care for all Mississippians through promoting the profession of dentistry, collaborating with community partners to increase awareness of the importance of oral health care and advocating for the provision of dental care throughout the state.
Missouri Dental Association
The Missouri Dental Association (MDA) is a non-profit, professional organization with more than 2,000 members statewide, representing all areas of dentistry.
Founded in 1865, the MDA is a unified organization of individual members committed to the highest quality of care for the public and a resource for advocacy, education, communication, information and fellowship.
Montana Dental Association
The Montana Dental Association (MDA) is a professional membership organization, representing more than 650 Montana dentists. MDA is a constituent of the American Dental Association and is affiliated with ten local district dental societies across Montana.
Members of the Montana Dental Association can get full access to benefits and services at the local, state, and national levels.
Nebraska Dental Association
The Nebraska Dental Association (NDA) is a non-profit, professional organization with more than 1,000 members statewide, representing all areas of dentistry.
Founded in 1865, the NDA is a unified organization of individual members committed to the highest quality of care for the public and a resource for advocacy, education, communication, information and fellowship.
Nevada Dental Association
The Nevada Dental Association is about providing services that promote the highest standards of care for the public and inspires members in pursuit of professional excellence and personal fulfillment through education, leadership and communication.
The Association preserves the integrity of the dental profession, strengthens the doctor/patient relationship and promotes the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the American Dental Association.
New Hampshire Dental Society
The New Hampshire Dental Society (NHDS) is the professional association of dentists and oral health professionals in New Hampshire. With nearly 1000 members, the society represents more than 73 percent of the practicing dentists in the state.
The NHDS purpose is to promote the art and science of dentistry, provide leadership, educational information and other services for members and insure the oral health of the people of New Hampshire.
New Jersey Dental Association
Founded on October 25, 1870, The New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA) mission is to serve and support its members while fostering the advancement of quality, ethical oral healthcare for the public.
This professional organization is committed to providing meaningful resources to its members. They offer a unique set of tools including continuing education, practice management, government, regulatory and judicial advocacy, so as legal support.
New Mexico Dental Association
The New Mexico Dental Association (NMDA) is the comprehensive and trusted voice of dental health care in New Mexico. As the premiere dental association in the state, the NMDA is responsible for advocating for the art and science of dentistry on behalf of the people of New Mexico.
The NMDA was formed in 1908, four years before New Mexico’s official statehood, making it one of New Mexico’s oldest professional organizations.
The mission of the NMDA is to promote oral and general health care in New Mexico, advance the art and science of dentistry, and foster an awareness of the obligation and responsibility of the dental profession to society.
New York State Dental Association
The New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) is the voice of the dental profession in New York State. Since its founding in 1868, dental professionals have relied on NYSDA to represent them in legislature, advance the profession and set the highest ethical standards for practice.
NYSDA is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of dental care for every New Yorker. Oral health is critical to overall health, and NYSDA strives to deliver that message every day.
North Carolina Dental Society
The North Carolina Dental Society was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest dental societies in the country. It represents more than 3,900 member dentists in North Carolina.
Headquartered in Cary, the North Carolina Dental Society is a part of the American Dental Association and all NC Dental Society members are also members of the ADA.
North Dakota Dental Association
The North Dakota Dental Association (NDDA) was established in 1889 and it is a constituent organization chartered by the American Dental Association.
The NDDA represents over 87% of the dentists in North Dakota. Their mission is to lead oral health, promoting education and service to its members and the public.
Ohio Dental Association
The Ohio Dental Association (ODA) represents more than 5,000 member dentists, nearly 70% of the state’s licensed dentists.
ODA member dentists provide more than $40 million in donated care and services annually, and they are bound by the highest ethical standards and have access to superior ongoing education, training, and resources.
Oklahoma Dental Association
The Oklahoma Dental Association aims to promote public health and health services in the State of Oklahoma, to advance the art and science of dentistry, to represent the interest of the members of the dental profession and the public which it serves, and to foster an awareness of the obligations and responsibilities of the dental profession to society.
Oregon Dental Association
The Oregon Dental Association (ODA) is dedicated to advancing the dental profession and promoting the highest standard of oral health and oral healthcare.
Established in 1893, ODA is a voluntary membership organization for Oregon dentists. They provide continuing education, advocacy and other services for dentists and public information to promote good dental health.
ODA comprises 16 local dental societies throughout Oregon that provide continuing education and service programs in their local communities.
Pennsylvania Dental Association
The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) is a voluntary organization comprising approximately 6,000 member dentists. It is a constituency of the American Dental Association (ADA), the largest and oldest national dental society in the world.
PDA was organized in 1868 to serve the public by promoting the art and science of dentistry. It remains true to its original goals to serve the interests of the profession and the public.
Puerto Rico Dental Association
The Puerto Rico Dental Association, USA, Inc. is a non-for profit organization that was established in 2008 by Dr. Lauro Medrano, Dr. Ivan Vazquez, Dr. Jose Santana and Dr. Jose Vicens.
Above all, the mission of this organization is to be the voice of Puerto Rican Dentists in organized dentistry, while keeping the members informed of current issues and providing them with continuing education.
Rhode Island Dental Association
The Rhode Island Dental Association was founded in Providence on July 2, 1878 by a group of seven dentists.
This organization is part of a three-level professional dental organizational structure which includes the American Dental Association – the national organization; the RIDA-a constituent society chartered by the ADA, and seven component dental societies throughout Rhode Island.
The object of the Association is to improve the dental health of the public and to promote the art and science of dentistry.
South Carolina Dental Association
Established in 1869, the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) is a non-profit association that currently represents and serves 2,000 Member Dentists in South Carolina.
They lead the promotion of oral health care excellence and the advancement of the profession of dentistry in South Carolina.
South Dakota Dental Association
The South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA) is a non-profit membership organization of dentists and dental specialists in South Dakota. The SDDA is an advocate for dentists and dental patients.
The mission of the South Dakota Dental Association is to promote the art and science of dentistry and the oral health of the public; educate the public on the benefits of quality preventive and restorative dentistry as provided by the entire dental health care team; and be of service to its members regarding practice health and their general welfare.
Tennessee Dental Association
The Tennessee Dental Association (TDA), is the home of over 2,400 member dentists. The website is designed to help access information on oral health around the state and to be a resource to members and the public. The TDA is the community of dental professionals and the trusted voice of dentistry.
The TDA encourages the improvement of the health of the public, promotes the art and science of dentistry and represents the interests of members of the dental profession and the public which it serves.
https://www.tndentalassociation.com/
Texas Dental Association
The Texas Dental Association (TDA), chartered in 1871, is the third largest state dental association in the United States. Currently, the Association has over 9,200 members and comprises 26 component dental societies grouped into 4 divisions across the state of Texas.
The TDA is part of a tripartite affiliation with the American Dental Association as its national representative and its component societies at the local level.
Utah Dental Association
The Utah Dental Association is a community of dentists that work to promote oral health and protect the dental profession, while at the same time meet the needs of patients in Utah.
They provide resources to dentists at all stages of their career, including education, practice support, advocacy and protection.
Vermont State Dental Society
As the state’s professional association for dentists, the Vermont State Dental Society (VSDS) works diligently to enhance the oral health care environment in Vermont.
The Vermont State Dental Society advocates for evidence-based public policies to advance the dental profession and improve the oral health of Vermonters. They want Vermont to maintain a strong oral healthcare delivery system that provides high quality, patient-centered dental care.
Virginia Dental Association
The Virginia Dental Association is a community of professionals advancing dentistry and serving the people of Virginia.
They represent and serve member dentists by fostering quality oral health care and education. Their focus is to empower the dental community through innovation, diversity and service.
Washington State Dental Association
The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) has been the voice of dentistry in Washington since its inception in 1887.
With over 4,400 member dentists, WSDA is dedicated to empowering members to advocate and provide the highest quality oral health care.
Virginia Dental Association
The West Virginia Dental Association (VDA), is a major source of oral health information. They are a statewide, tripartite dental professional organization. Its members enjoy the benefits from the VDA, the American Dental Association membership as well as their local community dental district.
Wisconsin Dental Association
Established in 1870, The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) has 3,100 member dentists and a number of dental hygienists.
The WDA mission is to advance the interests of WDA members and the dental profession by promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care for the public.
Wyoming Dental Association
The Wyoming Dental Association is dedicated to excellence in the dental profession in Wyoming through continuing education for its members.
They advocate to enhance dental/medical opportunities for practitioners and through assisting its members to achieve the highest level of patient care to service Wyoming’s populate needs.
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