For more than 125 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has been on the frontline in promoting the safety and efficacy of dental products. It is part of its mission to advance and promote dental health. Since 1931 when the organization was awarded its ever first Seal of Acceptance, most of the dental products should be evaluated to ascertain that they meet and pass the set standards before receiving and retaining the ADA stamp. More than 300 products available for sale including powered and manual toothbrushes, mouth rinses, toothpaste, and dental floss have ADA Seal of Acceptance. But what does this mean to you?
ADA Seal Qualifications
Although it is not mandatory for dental products to have ADA seal so that they can be made available to consumers, it is pretty important that you always look out for this stamp. Products that receive the stamp mean that they have gone through a thorough ADA testing and review. The product manufacturers have provided an ingredient list and all the necessary and applicable information. It also means that the manufacturers have supplied evidence that they are compliant with good manufacturing practices. Besides, a product bearing the stamp indicates that any promotional claims align with the product’s safety and effectiveness.
The Seal of Acceptance is offered to companies after every five years. Once this period is over, the company should again submit the products for approval. In the event that a company changes its approved products, it should resubmit them for ADA review before making the newer versions available to the public.
What ADA Seal Means to You
Not all dental products can receive the seal. Also, just because a manufacturer of a dental product has not gone through the expenses and time of applying for an ADA stamp does not mean that the item is ineffective or dangerous. Often, the value in buying a product that has the seal is that it gives you confidence in it. It means it is safe, effective and the promotional claims are true. Get more information about dental products you find in stores and how to determine which one to buy. Contact us today for dental treatments and procedures, including family dentistry and veneer installation.
