ADA Culminates Yearlong 150th Anniversary Observance at Its 150th Annu...( Highlights remarkable history role o...),Health

Highlights remarkable history, role of dentists and reaffirms patient advocacy

HONOLULU, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Dental Association (ADA) yearlong observance of its 150th birthday will culminate with tonight's spectacular program, "An Evening under the Stars," at the Waikiki Shell.

"The ADA's 150th anniversary is a very significant achievement in the history of our profession and our Association," said ADA President John S. Findley, D.D.S. "It also is a time to take stock of the tremendous accomplishments of organized dentistry, remembering how the ADA and its members helped advance the cause of the profession, patient care and the march of scientific progress."

In July, President Barack Obama sent a letter congratulating the ADA for its valuable role in helping Americans maintain their oral health over the past 150 years. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson's resolution congratulating the ADA for its anniversary.

ADA origins traced, role of dentists

The ADA traces its origins to the mid-19th century when representatives of eight regional dental societies and two dental colleges came together at Niagara Falls, N.Y., to establish a representative body of "stability and character." They called their fledgling organization the American Dental Association.

Dentists are doctors specializing in oral health. They diagnose oral disease, create treatment plans, interpret x-rays and diagnostic tests, ensure the safe administration of anesthetics, monitor the growth and development of the teeth and jaws, perform surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity and manage oral trauma and other emergencies.

Over the years, dental technology has evolved from a manual foot treadle to electric high-speed and laser drills; quick-acting, short-duration anesthetics are available to patie
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