PDA was organized in 1868 to serve the public by promoting the art and science of dentistry. It remains true to its original goals to serve the interests of the profession and the public.

Resolution HD-84-30 contains the following statement of PDA’s mission: “The purpose of the Pennsylvania Dental Association shall be to serve the public, improve their health, promote the art and science of dentistry and represent the interests of its members and the people they serve.”

Serve the Interests of the Public

• Promote optimal dental care for the public.
• Improve availability of dental care for all citizens of Pennsylvania.
• Speak authoritatively and responsibly on behalf of the public before governmental bodies.
• Educate the public with respect to the prevention of oral disease and to promote good oral health.

Serve the Interests of the Profession

• Promote optimal dental care for the public.
• Provide opportunities for professional growth and development and to promote the highest ideals of professionalism.
• Maintain and improve inter-relationships with all groups whose activities impact on dental practice.
• Retain and increase membership.
• Develop programs that inform and assist members in understanding and coping with the changing societal and professional climate.
• Be a strong advocate of dentists’ rights and serve as the official spokesperson for the profession.

PDA's structure consists of:

• Board of Trustees - The managing body of PDA that establishes rules, regulations and policies to manage the association. These policies are subject to final approval at the next session of the House of Delegates.
• Committees - Work on specific issues of importance to the association and are responsible for reporting on their progress and the completion of assignments to the Board of Trustees and House of Delegates.
• Task forces - Formed at the discretion of the PDA president and the board. The purpose of a task force is to help PDA proactively address specific and immediate issues that are not being handled by another PDA committee or council.

For more in-depth information about the governance structure, click here.

PDA and its members have been honored with several awards recognizing their significant contributions and achievements to organized dentistry, the dental profession and improving the oral heath of the public.

Each year, the Annual Awards Committee selects a recipient for the prestigious Distinguished Service Award, Recognition Award and Public Service Award to recognize those whose contributions of time and effort have been exceptionally significant. For more information on these annual awards, including a list of past recipients, click here.

PDA also has won awards for numerous publications, such as the Pennsylvania Dental Journal, its National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) program and membership initiatives and retention. Click here for a list of awards received by PDA.
 

PDAIS is an insurance agency created to provide PDA members, their families and their staff with a variety of business and personal insurance programs.


PDA is committed to increasing the value of membership while reducing reliance on dues income. To achieve this, PDA researches and secures high-quality products and services, such as credit card processing, examination gloves and electronic claims, to offer its members at competitive prices.
 

Pennsylvania Dental Association
3501 N. Front Street
P.O. Box 3341
Harrisburg, PA 17105

Phone: (717) 234-5941
Fax: (717) 234-2186
E-mail: Use PDA's Staff Directory to e-mail your question to the appropriate person.

Directions to PDA's Central Office