American Dental Education Association (ADEA)

As the sole national organization representing academic dentistry, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is the voice of dental education. ADEA members include all 78 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 50 corporations and approximately 18,000 individuals. Dental education is a broad and varied field that trains people as general dentists, specialists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians. ADEA membership mirrors this diversity. ADEA also fosters interconnected community experiences that enable members to meet their individual goals while leveraging their collective strength. Education is a dynamic process, and science changes continually. Understanding and implementing change is key to improving the learning process and producing extraordinary dental practitioners. ADEA members determine best practices for dental education and encourage changes in dental education programs and institutions that will benefit everyone. ADEA members come together to advocate effectively for public policy issues essential to dental educators and researchers, especially access to dental care, a necessary element to improved oral health. Since its founding in 1923, ADEA has existed to serve the curious youngster wondering how to become a dentist, the hardworking educator training the dental professionals of the future, and those striving for scientific or public policy improvements in oral health care.