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About the ADA

ADA Leadership

President:
Dr. Gary L. Roberts

President-elect:
Dr. Joseph P. Crowley

Executive Director:
Dr. Kathleen T. O’Loughlin

Members have access to the full list of ADA Officers and Trustees.

View all former ADA presidents.

This American Dental Association video highlights how the ADA has always been a patient-centered, science-based and ethically-driven association. It captures the spirit of the ADA, and what the ADA strives to be.

Founded in 1859, the not-for-profit American Dental Association is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 161,000 dentist members. Since then, the ADA has grown to become the leading source of oral health related information for dentists and their patients. The ADA is committed to its members and to the improvement of oral health for the public. The vision of the ADA is to be the recognized leader on oral health with its mission to help all members succeed.

Membership and Governance

There are more than 161,000 ADA members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The ADA is a member-run organization managed by an elected Board of Trustees and a 480-member House of Delegates.

The ADA works to advance the dental profession on the national, state and local level. Membership in the national organization includes membership in one of our 53 state and 545 local dental societies.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance Program

More than 300 oral health products, including toothpastes, dental floss, toothbrushes, mouth rinses, denture adherents and chewing gum carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, universally recognized by consumers as a symbol of safety and effectiveness. 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. Visit the ADA Foundation’s website to learn more, including how you can apply for a grant, scholarship, award, or fellowship.

Learn More