ADA Tightens Belt with $20M in Cuts to Restore Financial Stability

The American Dental Association (ADA) has approved a 2025 budget that trims more than  $20 million in expenses, marking a significant step toward reversing years of deficit spending. The decision follows months of deliberation by the Board of Trustees and comes on the heels of $142 million drawn from reserves between March 2022 and March 2025 to fund system upgrades, advocacy efforts, and other key initiatives.

Among the largest investments was $53 million for a new association management system designed to enhance service across the tripartite structure. While these initiatives modernized operations, the accelerated pace created financial strain, prompting the board to realign spending with revenue.

Key reductions include scaling back trustee travel and meetings, suspending the Leadership Institute and the Advisory Committee on Equity, Inclusion, and Interprofessional Relationships, and moving most live continuing education to virtual platforms after 2025. Several planned projects, such as the AFI Certified Program, ADA Loyalty Program, and new product development, have been canceled.

Advocacy efforts are also being narrowed, with discontinued funding for additional support of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and paused engagement with the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Large Group/Multi-site Practice Engagement Task Force has concluded.

Operationally, the ADA will reduce staff, cut marketing and consultant expenses, and limit its presence at industry events. Programs such as the Dental Experience and Research Exchange and the Faculty Ambassador program will continue with scaled-back resources. Click here to read more.