American Dental Association’s seal means a product has been tested as effective
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD, fa*gD, Columnist, The Times
Every day patients ask me what home care products they should use. While we always make recommendations based on individual needs and concerns, a good place to start is to look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Since 1930 The American Dental Association has been giving consumer oral health products a seal of acceptance or approval. Today there are more than 300 products by numerous manufacturers that carry this familiar seal. These products include toothpaste, mouthwash and other products we use every day. While the seal itself has gone through some face-lifts since 1930 the meaning of the ADA seal is unchanged.
The ADA Seal of Acceptance was developed by the American Dental Association to help consumers find out what products actually are effective at doing what they claim to do. The ADA Seal of Acceptance program was specifically developed to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. In the early 1900’s there were lots of new products for sale and some of their claims were somewhat far-fetched or even dangerous. The ADA created the “seal” to allow consumers to see what products had been evaluated and tested by the dental community. Products that did not live up to their claims or were not really beneficial were not awarded the seal.
In the early part of the 20th century companies were selling things to soothe the gum of teething children that would land parents today in jail if they put it in children’s mouths!
Today: It is important to know that the ADA Seal of Acceptance is not a government program; it is run by the American Dental Association. Nearly 30 years ago President Ronald Reagan praised the American Dental Association for developing the program. He awarded the ADA a certificate of commendation in 1984 and remarked how not all industries are able to regulate themselves so carefully without the need for federal government oversight.
How does a product get approved? In order for a manufacturer to place the ADA Seal of Acceptance logo on its product, the product has to undergo lots of testing to make sure that itactually does what it says it will do. The testing and evaluating includes the product, its ingredients, supporting research, the information insert, the instructions, the manufacturing process, the packaging and the advertising. The ADA consultants and staff scientists review the oral care products and determine if they are safe, effective, appropriate and worthy of the Seal of Acceptance.
The ADA will then review the findings it will award the seal only after all of the testing criteria are satisfied. The seal is awarded by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Specifics for product testing, the application process and list current products bearing the seal can be found at ADA.org
Why is this different from FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval? While the ADA seal of Acceptance means that a product is safe and effective for the use it is being sold for. The FDA approval means that it has been given approval to be sold in the United States. The FDA criteria for product approval are based on safety. The FDA focus is on ingredients that are safe for human use. There is no real testing for efficacy.
What if a product does not have the seal? It does not mean the product is not safe or effective. It only means that the manufacturer has not applied and undergone the rigorous testing required to get the seal. Obtaining the necessary research and testing to be awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance is costly and time consuming. The evaluation is thorough and complete. The presence of the ADA Seal of Acceptance on a product means that it has been thoroughly evaluated for safety and efficacy. The product will do what it says it will do. Some products make claims that cannot be substantiated by science. These products will not get the seal yet many homeopathic remedies work well for some people.
With all dental products, it is important to ask your dental professional which is right for you. If you are making a purchase, look for the seal, it makes a difference.
Dr. Stephanie McGann is a resident of the Unionville area and along with her partner, Dr. Marie Scott, operates The Brandywine Smile Center, a family-friendly dental practice in Concordville. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Tags:American Dental Association · Dental product safety · Ronald Reagan · Seal of Approval
FAQs
What is the value of the Seal? The Seal of Acceptance is designed to help dental professionals make informed recommendations concerning safety and efficacy of consumer products. Market research has shown that the ADA Seal on a product directly affects the purchase decisions of consumers.
What does accepted by the ADA mean? ›
The ADA Seal of Acceptance is not an endorsem*nt of a particular product, but a determination of the safety and effectiveness of the product pursuant to ADA guidelines.
What does ADA mean on toothpaste? ›
The American Dental Association (ADA) is a professional organization that sets high standards for oral healthcare products. To gain ADA approval, kinds of toothpaste must have met specific safety and efficiency standards to be certified by the organization.
What requirements are used to determine if a dental product qualifies for the ADA seal? ›
A company must submit safety testing certifications, provide claims of safety and efficacy, and instructions for use. A safety standard, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ADA standard No 120, must also be satisfied for approval. Although not mandatory, clinical studies may be provided for consideration.
What does ADA mean? ›
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.
What does ADA requirement mean? ›
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design—along with the Title II and Title III regulations—say what is required for a building or facility to be physically accessible to people with disabilities.
Can ADA accommodations be denied? ›
The ADA requires you and the employer to engage in an interactive process. Remember, the employer can only deny the request for accommodation if it's unreasonable. You may have legal recourse if the employer refuses or takes adverse action against you.
Which toothpaste has ADA seal? ›
In fact, Crest Pro-Health Gel Toothpaste - Clean Mint, Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste - Clean Cinnamon, Crest Pro-Health Night Toothpaste, and Crest Pro-Health Whitening are the toothpastes that have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance for protecting against all these areas: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, ...
Is Listerine toothpaste ADA approved? ›
LISTERINE® and the ADA Seal of Acceptance
The ADA sets high standards—including two 6-month studies showing a minimum 15% reduction in gingivitis and a mean of no less than 20% across the two studies—before awarding the seal. The LISTERINE® Brand is proud to reach these rigorous and thorough standards set by the ADA.
Are Colgate toothbrushes ADA approved? ›
For general oral health, a manual toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended by the ADA. Examples include the Colgate 360 Toothbrush which has soft tapered bristles and soft rubber polishing cups.
You may have noticed a logo on your toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash containers that says, “ADA Accepted,” meaning it is American Dental Association approved. If you haven't, you may want to reconsider the products you are using.
What does the ADA not apply to? ›
The ADA does not apply to religious organizations and private clubs, entities which historically have been exempt from federal civil rights laws.
What is ADA approved gum? ›
To date, the only chewing gums with the ADA Seal are sugar-free. They are sweetened by non-cavity-causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol. Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay.
What does the expression seal of approval mean? ›
noun phrase
: an action or statement that shows approval or official acceptance. The bill has the President's seal of approval. often used figuratively. Fans have given the band's new song their seal of approval.
What does the virtue acceptance mean? ›
The virtue of ACCEPTANCE means we accept ourselves and others just the way we are. God created all of us in His image, and God does not make mistakes. Being part of Gods family means that we love and welcome everyone just the way Jesus did.
What does ADA mean on a cruise ship? ›
All cruise ships that sail in U.S. waters must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning they must offer equal access for people who travel on cruise ships.
How much does the ADA seal cost? ›
Product manufacturers are charged $14,500 for each product the ADA evaluates. For products that are approved, manufacturers pay an annual fee of $3,500. According to the ADA, it does not make a profit from the program.
