American Dental Association’s seal means a product has been tested as effective
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD, fa*gD, Columnist, The Times
Every day patients ask me what home care products they should use. While we always make recommendations based on individual needs and concerns, a good place to start is to look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Since 1930 The American Dental Association has been giving consumer oral health products a seal of acceptance or approval. Today there are more than 300 products by numerous manufacturers that carry this familiar seal. These products include toothpaste, mouthwash and other products we use every day. While the seal itself has gone through some face-lifts since 1930 the meaning of the ADA seal is unchanged.
The ADA Seal of Acceptance was developed by the American Dental Association to help consumers find out what products actually are effective at doing what they claim to do. The ADA Seal of Acceptance program was specifically developed to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. In the early 1900’s there were lots of new products for sale and some of their claims were somewhat far-fetched or even dangerous. The ADA created the “seal” to allow consumers to see what products had been evaluated and tested by the dental community. Products that did not live up to their claims or were not really beneficial were not awarded the seal.
In the early part of the 20th century companies were selling things to soothe the gum of teething children that would land parents today in jail if they put it in children’s mouths!
Today: It is important to know that the ADA Seal of Acceptance is not a government program; it is run by the American Dental Association. Nearly 30 years ago President Ronald Reagan praised the American Dental Association for developing the program. He awarded the ADA a certificate of commendation in 1984 and remarked how not all industries are able to regulate themselves so carefully without the need for federal government oversight.
How does a product get approved? In order for a manufacturer to place the ADA Seal of Acceptance logo on its product, the product has to undergo lots of testing to make sure that itactually does what it says it will do. The testing and evaluating includes the product, its ingredients, supporting research, the information insert, the instructions, the manufacturing process, the packaging and the advertising. The ADA consultants and staff scientists review the oral care products and determine if they are safe, effective, appropriate and worthy of the Seal of Acceptance.
The ADA will then review the findings it will award the seal only after all of the testing criteria are satisfied. The seal is awarded by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Specifics for product testing, the application process and list current products bearing the seal can be found at ADA.org
Why is this different from FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval? While the ADA seal of Acceptance means that a product is safe and effective for the use it is being sold for. The FDA approval means that it has been given approval to be sold in the United States. The FDA criteria for product approval are based on safety. The FDA focus is on ingredients that are safe for human use. There is no real testing for efficacy.
What if a product does not have the seal? It does not mean the product is not safe or effective. It only means that the manufacturer has not applied and undergone the rigorous testing required to get the seal. Obtaining the necessary research and testing to be awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance is costly and time consuming. The evaluation is thorough and complete. The presence of the ADA Seal of Acceptance on a product means that it has been thoroughly evaluated for safety and efficacy. The product will do what it says it will do. Some products make claims that cannot be substantiated by science. These products will not get the seal yet many homeopathic remedies work well for some people.
With all dental products, it is important to ask your dental professional which is right for you. If you are making a purchase, look for the seal, it makes a difference.
Dr. Stephanie McGann is a resident of the Unionville area and along with her partner, Dr. Marie Scott, operates The Brandywine Smile Center, a family-friendly dental practice in Concordville. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Tags:American Dental Association · Dental product safety · Ronald Reagan · Seal of Approval
FAQs
What is the value of the Seal? The Seal of Acceptance is designed to help dental professionals make informed recommendations concerning safety and efficacy of consumer products. Market research has shown that the ADA Seal on a product directly affects the purchase decisions of consumers.
What does accepted by the ADA mean? ›
You may have noticed a logo on your toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash containers that says, “ADA Accepted,” meaning it is American Dental Association approved. If you haven't, you may want to reconsider the products you are using.
What is the significance of the seal of acceptance of the American Dental Association ADA on toothpaste? ›
Toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have provided the ADA CSA with data that can be evaluated to determine whether the product is in compliance with the FDA monograph and ADA Seal requirements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Part 355. Anticaries Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use.
What requirements are used to determine if a dental product qualifies for the ADA seal? ›
A company must submit safety testing certifications, provide claims of safety and efficacy, and instructions for use. A safety standard, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ADA standard No 120, must also be satisfied for approval. Although not mandatory, clinical studies may be provided for consideration.
Does ADA seal matter? ›
Since 1931, the ADA Seal has stood for safety and effectiveness, and that's what really matters when you're buying products for your family. The ADA Seal represents extensive clinical and laboratory research for each of the more than 400 consumer dental products on which it appears.
What does the ADA represent? ›
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.
What does ADA only mean? ›
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public.
What do ADA standards mean? ›
The design standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation are used to ensure access to the built environment for people with disabilities.
What does ADA codes mean? ›
The CDT, maintained by the American Dental Association (ADA), contains all the dental procedure codes required to code each dental procedure(s) for submission to a specific dental insurance plan. What are CDT Codes? CDT Codes are a set of medical codes for dental procedures that cover oral health and dentistry.
What does ADA mean on toothpaste? ›
Numerous studies confirm that fluoride is a safe and effective treatment. As a result, the American Dental Association (ADA) and most dentists consider fluoride to be an essential ingredient in toothpaste.
By choosing ADA-approved toothpaste, you can trust that you're using a product proven to promote oral health and prevent dental issues. Non-approved brands may not offer the same level of assurance regarding their products' quality and benefits.
How much does the ADA seal cost? ›
If a product is approved, the ADA will charge a yearly $3,500 fee.
What conditions does a toothpaste need to meet before getting the ADA seal of approval? ›
There must be other active ingredients that support oral health. Fluoride is front and center, but ADA-approved toothpastes must also contain ingredients that either whiten teeth, reduce gingivitis, help with tooth sensitivity, prevent bad breath, or help your teeth defend themselves against erosion.
What is the difference between ADA accepted and approved? ›
Why is this different from FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval? While the ADA seal of Acceptance means that a product is safe and effective for the use it is being sold for. The FDA approval means that it has been given approval to be sold in the United States.
What are the three requirements by the ADA for individuals to qualify as having a disability under the ADA? ›
An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.
What is acceptance stage of disability? ›
Reaching a stage of acceptance doesn't mean that you will not have dark periods of anger or depression in the future – those times will come and go throughout life and it's okay to have those moments. But overall, acceptance means that you have found a way to live a meaningful and happy life despite your disability.
What is the acceptance of disability? ›
It can be incredibly difficult to accept your disability. Acceptance can feel like giving in—throwing in the towel on life and your future. But refusing to accept the reality of your limitations keeps you stuck. It prevents you from moving forward, making the changes you need to make, and finding new goals.
What does proof of acceptance mean? ›
The phrase "proof of acceptance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to mean evidence that something has been accepted, such as an agreement. For example, "The buyer provided proof of acceptance in the form of a signed contract.".
