When you shop for a dental product, you should always look for The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. All products displaying The Seal have been rigorously tested to be safe, effective, and all claims on the packaging have been proven accurate. Today there are over 300 dental products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance, whether you are looking for toothpaste or dental floss.
Any company vying for the Seal of Acceptance must meet rigorous scientific testing requirements. The ADA often requires companies requesting The Seal to meet higher standards than the even law requires. Once a product is approved, the ADA requires that it carry The Seal of Acceptance on the label and a Seal Statement on any advertising. This statement lets consumers know the exact reason why the product earned the ADA Seal.
Example Seal Statement:
“The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs’ Acceptance of Save-A-Tooth is based on its finding that the solution in Save-A-Tooth has been shown to increase the survival rate of a knocked-out-tooth, when used as directed. Although data show that the solution is effective up to 24 hours, the survival rate is highest if the knocked-out-tooth is implanted by a dentist within one hour.”
Any company seeking The Seal of Acceptance on their product must meet the following five requirements:
No. 1 Supply a list of ingredients and other relevant information about the product to the ADA.
No. 2 Provide data from clinical or laboratory studies backing up claims for product safety, effectiveness, and claims the company will be making when promoting the product.
No. 3 Conduct clinical trials in strict compliance with the guidelines and procedures set by the ADA.
No. 4 Provide evidence of proper supervision of manufacturing and laboratory facilities used to ensure purity and uniformity and proof that the product is manufactured in compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
No. 5 Supply all product packaging and labeling for review and approval, and comply with ADA standards for accuracy.
As a non-profit helping the public find access to safe and effective dental products and technologies, the ADA has been setting rigorous standards for over 125 years now. It receives no payment for its endorsement which allows it to set strict standards. Even after a product earns The Seal of Acceptance, it is only valid for five years. After that, the company will need to reapply and requalify to ensure compliance with all ADA standards.
What this means for you as a consumer is that you can shop with confidence, knowing the product carrying the hard-earned ADA Seal is safe, that it works, and that all claims have been substantiated. If you have questions, or would like to schedule your next dental visit, you can reach our team at 802-879-7811 today!