We buy many dental products in our lifetime. Some of those products will have the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal on them. What does the ADA Seal on dental products mean? The ADA (American Dental Association) Seal on a dental product is a good indicator of quality.
The Origins of ADA (American Dental Association) Seal
American Dental Association has promoted the safety and efficacy of dental products dating back to as early as 1866. Back then the ADA was questioning the quality of dental product claims made by toothpaste and powders.
In 1930, the ADA Council on scientific affairs created formal expectations for evaluating dental products for effectiveness and safety. In 1931 is when the council awarded its first Seal of Acceptance.
There are over 200 non-prescription dental products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This gives the dentists a sense of confidence when recommending products. Dentists know that any dental products with the ADA Seal have gone through rigorous tests and requirements.
Private or Governmental?
The ADA is not a government program, but a private organization. The ADA does non-profit when a company earns this Seal of Acceptance nor is the American Dental Association endorsing any one product over another product. If the product earns the Seal of Acceptance, the choice of which product a consumer prefers is strictly a subjective choice based on the consumer’s needs. (package quantity, cost of product, ease of use by reason of design)
How to Earn the ADA Seal on a Product
On the ADA’s website, companies must provide the following when applying for the seal:
ingredient lists and other pertinent product information
objective data from clinical and/or laboratory studies
evidence that manufacturing and labeling facilities are properly supervised and adequate to assure purity and uniformity of the product
packaging and labeling to review for accuracy and truthfulness in advertising
The ADA Seal of Acceptance is awarded after a product is tested and demonstrates its safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer is required to display a Seal Statement on the product label and in advertising. The statement explains to the consumer why the product was accepted by the ADA.
Products you might see the ADA Seal on
Most dental hygiene products such as toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and teeth whiting strips are many of the products that contain the seal. However, the ADA also awards the seal to other everyday items. Water filters, electric toothbrushes, and mouthguards for oral protection during sports can have the label as well.
What if a product doesn’t have the ADA Seal?
Just because a product doesn’t have an ADA Seal it doesn’t mean the product is bad. There are many reasons why a product might not have the ADA Seal. It is possible that the manufacture did not have the funds necessary to meet the criteria of the ADA Seal. If the product is homeopathic in nature there might not be enough evidence to approve the effectiveness.
Are you due for a Regular Dental Checkup? Dr. Lin, at Smiles Of Round Lake and his team, would like to hear from you. Please give us a call at 847-546-1542 with any scheduling or concerns you might have about your dental care.