Which Professional Dental Organizations Should You Join?
Staying ahead of the competition in the dental field is about much more than technical skill; it requires active participation in the community.
Joining dental organizations is a great way to stay engaged in the latest trends in modern dentistry. It enables you to foster professional growth and contribute to advancing oral healthcare at a scale beyond your practice.
As hubs for education, advocacy, and research, these organizations empower their members with resources, networking opportunities, and a shared commitment to advancing oral health.
These organizations provide a collaborative platform where dental professionals, researchers, educators, and specialists connect to share their expertise. From the high-powered American Dental Association (ADA) to specialized groups like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), there is a group that will bring value to your practice.
Here’s a list of 10 of the top professional dental organizations that your practice should consider joining:
American Dental Association (ADA)
The ADA is the leading dental organization globally, representing over 163,000 dentists. The ADA’s commitment to promoting oral health and advancing the profession has a rich history, dating all the way back to 1859. They provide a comprehensive platform for networking, continuing education, and resources that empower dentists in all areas of their practices – ranging from core business strategies to latest breakthroughs in cutting edge patient care.
One of the ADA’s most important value propositions is their comprehensive library of dental practice resources, including guidelines for practice management, patient education, regulatory compliance, and more. If you can only join one professional dental organization, most dentists would recommend joining the ADA.
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
Dedicated to fostering excellence in general dentistry, the AGD boasts a diverse membership of more than 40,000 dentists worldwide. Through rigorous education and advocacy, AGD equips its members with the skills and knowledge necessary for providing quality dental care and encourages a commitment to lifelong learning. They also have a robust continuing education program tailored specifically for general dentists, including a Fellowship Award for ongoing education.
International Association for Dental Research (IADR)
At the forefront of dental research, IADR brings together over 11,000 members, including dentists, researchers, and educators. The organization plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge in dentistry, promoting collaboration, and facilitating research initiatives that shape the future of oral health. The IADR also offers a global platform for researchers, with members from over 70 countries.
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
AAP is the principal association for periodontists, representing over 8,000 members globally. Committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of periodontal diseases, AAP provides a platform for specialized education, research, and advocacy to elevate the standard of periodontal care.
Something that stands out about the AAP is its extensive patient education resources that raise awareness about gum disease and its impact on overall health.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
With a membership exceeding 9,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, AAOMS is a leading authority in the field. This organization promotes excellence in surgical and patient care, offering educational resources and advocating for the unique role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the healthcare landscape.
Patient safety and standards of care in oral and maxillofacial surgery are a major emphasis within this organization. They provide extensive guidelines and support for practitioners who specialize in these complex, high stakes surgeries.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
AAPD is the primary organization dedicated to pediatric dentistry, representing over 10,000 members nationwide. Committed to children's oral health, AAPD focuses on education, advocacy, and research to ensure optimal care for young patients and support for dental professionals specializing in pediatric dentistry.
The AAPD provides dental practices with extensive resources for pediatric oral health research, policy development, and public awareness campaigns.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
As the premier organization for cosmetic dentistry, AACD boasts a membership of over 5,000 dental professionals. With a focus on aesthetic excellence, AACD provides education, accreditation programs, and a collaborative community for dentists passionate about enhancing the beauty of smiles.
This organization focuses on ethical patient care and delivering comprehensive approaches to cosmetic dental treatments.
American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
Representing over 5,500 dental professionals who specialize in implants, AAID is the authoritative voice in implant dentistry. This organization emphasizes education, research, and credentialing to ensure the highest standards in implant dentistry, empowering practitioners to deliver optimal patient outcomes. They are pioneers in developing dental implants, offering specialized training and certification in implantology.
American Orthodontic Society (AOS)
AOS is a prominent organization for orthodontic professionals, supporting over 2,500 members worldwide. They’re focused on education and support for general dentists practicing orthodontics.
By offering comprehensive education, networking opportunities, and advocacy, AOS plays a vital role in advancing the field of orthodontics and ensuring the highest quality of care for patients.
American Association of Endodontists (AAE)
AAE represents over 8,000 endodontic professionals, focusing on advancing the art and science of endodontics. Through education, advocacy, and research initiatives, AAE ensures its members stay at the forefront of endodontic practice, providing specialized care to patients needing root canal treatment.
Practices who join the AAE can benefit from extensive research and education in endodontics that ensures practitioners are updated with the latest techniques and technologies.
American Association of Dental Managers (AADOM)
The American Association of Dental Managers (AADOM) advances the dental management profession by providing valuable resources, education, and support to dental office managers across the U.S. They focus on empowering dental managers with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles as business leaders of their dental practices.
Through a combination of educational programs, networking opportunities, and access to industry insights, AADOM strives to elevate the standards of dental office management. By fostering a community of dental professionals and promoting continuous learning, AADOM contributes to the overall success and efficiency of dental practices.
Stay Connected and Competitive
Joining one or more professional dental organizations is an invaluable step toward elevating your practice and staying connected with the evolution of dentistry. Each organization listed offers unique benefits, ranging from educational resources advocacy to research opportunities, all tailored to different specialties within the dental field.
Whether your focus is general dentistry, periodontology, pediatric dentistry, or another specialty, there's an organization that aligns with your practice's mission and goals.
By becoming a member of one or more of these organizations, you gain access to a network of peers and experts who will be catalysts for professional growth and success for your practice and career. In addition to all the value you receive from joining, you also have the opportunity to share your own expertise and contribute to the advancement of oral healthcare on a larger scale.
Along with joining dental associations, there are plenty of other ways to keep up with the competition, including innovative software solutions. Embrace the opportunity to keep your practice ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry by signing up for Sindi today.