American Dental Education Association Celebrates 100 Years Of Service

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) marks its centennial this year, a milestone that represents 100 years of advancing dental education by helping to prepare what ADEA calls “future ready” oral health professionals. Karen P. West, DMD, MPH, president and CEO, describes it as a bridge moment for the association, noting it honors a rich legacy of achievement while serving as a springboard to further innovation in oral health education.

Founded in 1923 as the American Association of Dental Schools, the association rebranded in 2000 to reflect and embrace the many facets of dental education. Early in its history, ADEA led the way to ensure dental education was recognized as a university-level scholarly pursuit. Today, it is the sole national organization representing dental education and includes hundreds of allied and advanced dental education programs, as well as all accredited dental schools in the United States and Canada.

As part of its overarching philosophy, ADEA is a champion of interprofessional education to foster a team-based approach to treating oral and systemic disease. Its work includes advocacy on Capitol Hill, surveys and research that illustrate the changing demographics of dental education, and a New Thinking for the New Century initiative that provides a framework for addressing today’s most pressing educational challenges.

The association is marking the anniversary with an #IamADEA social media campaign in which members are invited to share what ADEA means to them. In addition, the ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition, slated March 11–14 in Portland, Oregon, will include a special reception and centennial awards to honor exemplary faculty in dental schools and allied programs.

From Decisions in Dentistry. February 2023;9(2)6.