What is ADA Seal of Acceptance

What is ADA Seal of Acceptance

The American Dental Association or ADA is the largest and most widely recognized organization in the United States for dentists. Its purpose is to serve as governing body for its members and to promote quality dental care. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs grants the ADA seal when a product meets all the ADA’s requirements for safety and efficacy. The ADA seal is the only labeling on dental products that assures the consumers that the manufacturer’s claims are true. The ADA was established in 1859 and today, it has more than 155,000 members. The first Seal of Acceptance was awarded in 1931.

Federal Drug Administration or FDA only gives the license or permission to market dental products and devices. It does not address the safety and efficacy of such products. And this is exactly what is done by ADA. The ADA Seal program is respected throughout the world, and looked at as a model. More than 400 dental products that are sold to consumers carry the Seal of Acceptance. These include toothpaste, dental floss, manual and electric toothbrushes, mouth rinse and chewing gum. All products go through the same basic process before receiving the seal. They must first demonstrate safety and effectiveness by meeting specific ADA guidelines and standards. Submissions are often sent to consultants and it takes weeks or even months for the approval process. Manufacturers must reapply for their products every 3 years. ADA standards in-turn is reviewed every 5 years to keep pace with the state of the art of that product.

The least expensive and simplest approach to the problem of making sure that you bought wisely when you purchase a dental product is to look at the ADA Seal. Always buy products with the ADA Seal to insure that product has been tested for safety and efficacy, and the manufacturer’s claims are true.

Tagged as: ADA, American Dental Association