ADA Legislative Action Center

Speak out for dentists, dental students, patients, and the future of dental care. Join us today to make your voice heard.

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Help advocate for oral health and dentistry

Every day, decisions are made in Washington that can affect dentists, dental students, patients, and the future of dental care in the United States.

We use our Action Center to send out alerts, inform dentists like you about critical public policy issues that impact the dental profession, and empower our members to use their voices to contact their legislators. By subscribing and becoming an active member, your voice will be directly heard as we speak with One Voice United in Washington to advocate for and with dentists across the United States.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact ADPAC at adpac@ada.org.

Thank you for joining us in being an advocate for oral health and dentistry!

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What is advocacy?

Hear ADA members talk about why it’s important to be an advocate for their patients, their practice, and their profession.

The ADA impact

With one voice united, dentists shape the future of the profession and protect oral health care for millions of fellow Americans.

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In Your State

The ADA Department of State Government Affairs supports state dental associations and ADA members by identifying and addressing legislative and regulatory trends that may impact the dental profession. View current or trending advocacy issues in your state.

Alabama

Founded in 1869, the Alabama Dental Association is a membership organization of over 1,800 Alabama dentists and part of a tripartite system with the American Dental Association and our nine component District Dental Societies.

Dentists in Practice: 2125

Alaska

The Alaska Dental Society is committed to maintaining dental care in the State of Alaska at the highest level so that all Alaskans can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Dentists in Practice: 550

Arizona

Founded in 1909, the Arizona Dental Association is one of 53 constituent/territorial societies of the American Dental Association, and represents over 70% of all licensed dentists in Arizona. More than 2,400 members, comprising every dental specialty, collectively exemplify the AzDA mission of to provide leadership, resources, and advocacy to ensure the success of our members and promote oral health.

Dentists in Practice: 3735

Arkansas

The Arkansas State Dental Association is a leader in the health care community with an effective outreach to ensure that its members have a collective and influential voice in state government.

Dentists in Practice: 1230

California

The California Dental Association (CDA) is a community of dentists committed to enhancing the professional lives of our members - 27,000 of the best and brightest dentistry has to offer. Together, we champion better oral health care for all Californians.

Dentists in Practice: 30139

Colorado

The Colorado Dental Association is the professional association of dentists that fosters the success of a diverse membership and advances the oral health of the public.

Dentists in Practice: 3,861

Connecticut

The Connecticut State Dental Association is a statewide, professional membership organization representing Connecticut licensed dentists and staff. 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 receive the highest quality of care from dental professionals. With a statewide membership of approximately 2,500 members, the CSDA represents 70% of all licensed dentists in Connecticut.

Dentists in Practice: 2720

Delaware

The Delaware State Dental Society, celebrating 150 years of ensuring quality dental care for Delaware.

Dentists in Practice: 422

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia Dental Society is the premier professional association representing dentists in the Nation's Capital. In existence since 1866, the Society is the American Dental Association (ADA) chapter for the District of Columbia.

Dentists in Practice: 603

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Florida

Founded in 1884 by 12 dentists, the Florida Dental Association is a professional membership organization with more than 8,100 members.

Dentists in Practice: 10,781

Georgia

The Georgia Dental Association is Georgia's leading advocate for oral health. The GDA is the state's oldest and largest nonprofit dental association representing dentists in Georgia.

Dentists in Practice: 4811

Hawaii

The Hawaii Dental Association is a statewide, professional membership association representing Hawaii-licensed dentists. HDA members are committed to protecting the health and well-being of people of all ages. The HDA was established in 1903 to ensure that patients received the highest quality of care from dental professionals.

Dentists in Practice: 1092

Idaho

The Idaho State Dental Association, headquartered in Boise, represents more than 800 dentists throughout the state of Idaho. We 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.

Dentists in Practice: 940

Illinois

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.

Dentists in Practice: 8627

Indiana

Headquartered on the south side of Indianapolis, the Indiana Dental Association serves over 83 percent of Indiana’s practicing dentists, more than 2,900 members. The IDA is comprised of 15 component societies, which serve each of Indiana’s 92 counties, and is a constituent society of the American Dental Association.

Dentists in Practice: 3,106

Iowa

The Iowa Dental Association is the premier professional association representing dentists in the state of Iowa. 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.

Dentists in Practice: 1,628

Kansas

The ​Kansas Dental Association 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.

Dentists in Practice: 1,469

Kentucky

The Kentucky Dental Association is the voice of organized dentistry and works with its members to advance oral health in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Dentists in Practice: 2,422

Louisiana

Established in 1878, the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) is the largest professional health organization for dentists in Louisiana. It is a statewide grassroots organization whose purpose is to promote, advocate, and protect the dental professional.

Dentists in Practice: 2,257

Maine

The Maine Dental Association supporting members in achieving excellence in dentistry.

Dentists in Practice: 667

Maryland

The Maryland State Dental Association represents the dental profession's efforts to provide high quality and ethical oral health care to the public.

Dentists in Practice: 4,255

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Dental Society, 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.

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Michigan

When you see a Michigan Dental Association dentist, you know your dentist has the education, experience, and resources to provide outstanding dental care. Member dentists are committed to the highest ethical standards. You can count on a dentist who puts patient needs first!

Dentists in Practice: 6102

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Minnesota

The Minnesota Dental Association is the authoritative resource for oral health and is committed to serving the profession and the public.

Dentists in Practice: 3,286

Mississippi

The Mississippi Dental Association 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 our state.

Dentists in Practice: 1,261

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Missouri

Founded in 1865, the Missouri Dental Association 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.

Dentists in Practice: 2,953

Montana

The Montana Dental Association represents 502 active member dentists and 200 retired dentists. MDA members are primarily small business owners who actively engage with their communities and legislative representatives.

Dentists in Practice: 631

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Nebraska

The Nebraska Dental Association is a unified organization of individual members committed to: encourage improvement of the health of the public; promote the art and science of dentistry; and represent the interests of its members and the public whom it serves.

Dentists in Practice: 1,241

Nevada

The Nevada Dental Association is about providing its members 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.

Dentists in Practice: 1,555

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Dental Society is to assist its members in providing and promoting the highest professional levels of oral health care for the citizens they serve and to disseminate knowledge pertaining to the advancement of health.

Dentists in Practice: 846

New Jersey

The New Jersey Dental Association continues to serves its mission of caring for and serving the public and the profession. It supports public dental health initiatives, such as GIve Kids a Smile, and other programs that provide free treatment to various populations.

Dentists in Practice: 7,220

New Mexico

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.

Dentists in Practice: 1,069

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New York

New York State Dental Association members come from every corner of the state. This diverse group of professionals offers members the chance to make connections, develop networks and get involved in organized dentistry. Ours is a tradition of caring. 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.

Dentists in Practice: 14,508

North Carolina

The North Carolina Dental Society was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest dental societies in the country. We proudly represent ​more than 3,900 member dentists in North Carolina.

Dentist in Practice: 5,189

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North Dakota

The North Dakota Dental Association is a leading advocate of oral health, promoting education and service to its members and the public. Established in 1889, the NDDA is a constituent organization that represents over 87% of the dentists in North Dakota.

Dentists in Practice: 420

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Ohio

Informing, representing and serving the public and the dental profession in Ohio, the Ohio Dental Association represents more than 5,000 dentists statewide. Dedicated to oral health, the ODA represents the interests of Ohio dentists and their patients on legislative, regulatory, and third-party payer issues. The ODA is a leader in providing professional information and education to dentists and the dental team.

Dentists in Practice: 6,036

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Dental Association fosters an awareness of the obligations and responsibilities of the dental profession to society, to help advance the art and science of dentistry, and to promote public health and health services in the State of Oklahoma.

Dentists in Practice: 1,946

Oregon

The Oregon Dental Association 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. We provide continuing education, advocacy and other services for dentists and public information to promote good dental health.

Dentists in Practice: 2,781

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Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Dental Association 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 public, improve their health, promote the art and science of dentistry and represent the interests of its members and the people they serve.

Dentists in Practice: 7,761

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Dental Association was founded in Providence on July 2, 1878 by a group of seven dentists. Today, more than 500 members belong to the Association. The object of the Rhode Island Denatl Association is to improve the dental health of the public and to promote the art and science of dentistry.

Dentists in Practice: 573

South Carolina

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. We ​are a leader in the promotion of oral health care excellence and the advancement of the profession of dentistry in South Carolina.

Dentists in Practice: 2,389

South Dakota

Founded in 1883, the South Dakota Dental Association's mission 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.

Dentists in Practice: 435

Tennessee

The Tennessee Dental Association is the community of dental professionals and the trusted voice of dentistry. We promote and represent excellence in the dental profession through the elevation of ethics, diversity, leadership, mentorship, advocacy and education to ensure the oral health of the public.

Dentists in Practice: 3,274

Texas

The Texas Dental Association (TDA), chartered in 1871, is the third largest state dental association in the United States.

Dentists in Practice: 14,578

Utah

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.

Dentists in Practice: 1,883

Vermont

The Vermont State Dental Society serves the dental profession and advocates for public policies and systems to improve the oral health of Vermonters.

Dentists in Practice: 356

Virginia

It’s been ​over 145 years since a small group of nine dentists founded the Virginia State Dental Association. Since then we’ve grown to become a constant trusted resource for ​Virginia dentists and their patients.

Dentists in Practice: 5,350

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Washington

The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) is the voice of dentistry in Washington. With over 4,000 members, the WSDA is dedicated to empowering members to advocate for and provide the highest quality oral health care.

Dentists in Practice: 5,215

West Virginia

The West Virginia Dental Association West Virginia's Leading Advocate of Oral Health Care

Dentists in Practice: 878

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Dental Association is the leading voice for dentistry in Wisconsin. Our members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care.

Dentists in Practice: 3,233

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Wyoming

The Wyoming Dental Association is dedicated to excellence in the dental profession in Wyoming through continuing education, advocacy to enhance dental opportunities for practitioners, and assisting its members to achieve the highest level of patient care to service Wyoming's populate needs.

Dentists in Practice: 311

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Puerto Rico

The College of Dental Surgeons of Puerto Rico is the voice of Puerto Rican Dentists in organized dentistry, keeping their members informed of current issues and providing them with continuing education.

We are here to help

By subscribing and becoming an active member, our Action Center allows your voice to be directly heard as we speak with One Voice United in Washington to advocate for and with dentists across the United States.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out today with any comments, questions or ideas.

Phone: 202.898.2400
Email: govtpol@ada.org

A photograph of Dr. Thakkar.
Valued Voices

“I am involved in the ADA's advocacy efforts because I believe that it is an effort worth making for my profession. I want to know that I have been responsible and diligent in my professional life, and being a part of the advocacy efforts of the ADA is how I do that.”-Dr. Nipa Thakkar