American Dental Association

This week, “Dental Sound Bites™” says hello to newly-installed President of the ADA, Thomas Paumier, D.D.S. Dr. Paumier discusses his plan for addressing dentists’ concerns, thoughts on leadership and his vision for the ADA and dentistry as a whole. Listen in the ADA Member App, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Credentialing doesn't have to be overwhelming as a new dentist. Your colleagues shared their biggest tips to help you be prepared and avoid delays, including leveraging the free ADA Credentialing Service. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dkRsTZKj

#ADANow: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning about unauthorized clear aligners sold directly to consumers. According to the FDA, the lack of appropriate professional supervision may increase the risk of complications, and an in-person examination by a dentist or orthodontist with ongoing supervision of your treatment can help lower the risks. Learn more about the FDA’s guidance at ADA.org/DTCclearaligners.

#ADAICYMI: Drs. Karin Irani and Rhett Raum were installed as ADA officers for the 2026–2027 term on October 12 in Indianapolis, IN, during the ADA House of Delegates Meeting. Dr. Irani was voted ADA President-elect and Dr. Raum was elected Second Vice President. Learn more at ADA.org/newofficers

October 19–25, 2026 is International Infection Prevention Week, which honors the dedicated professionals who protect patients, staff and communities from healthcare-associated infections. Your well-being is important to your dentist and dental staff. That’s why infection control procedures are in place at your dental office. Learn more at MouthHealthy.org/infection

Ever wonder how your dental materials and devices are safe and compatible? Or why there’s a single set of CDT codes? That is ADA standards at work. Watch Dr. Ansen Lai explain how this work impacts dentistry’s day-to-day.

ICYMI: “Dental Sound Bites™” brought on Alexander Lee, D.M.D., professor and assistant dean for dental informatics at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine, to talk about AI in the dental industry. Hear about what tools are available to dentists, the dilemmas surrounding its use and what opportunities lie ahead. Listen in the ADA Member App, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Your ADA membership helps give dentistry a stronger voice, supporting insurance reform, practice-friendly tax policies, oral health protections and access-to-care initiatives. Swipe through a few 2026 highlights, then visit ADA.org/wins to see more wins your membership helped make possible.

#ADAICYMI: Leaders from the ADA and ADA Foundation gathered with other Scientific Session attendees Oct. 8 to pack 500 health and comfort kits for underserved veterans. The ADA Foundation hosted the Pack and Give Back in partnership with the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, which will distribute the kits to veterans at the DVNF Veterans Resource Fair on November 9 in Maryland. Colgate and Henry Schein were event sponsors. Learn more at ADA.org/veterankits

NOW OPEN: Give Kids A Smile® 2027 Event Registration & Product Donation Requests Register your 2027 event through November 15 to receive free product and join us in celebrating 25 years of GKAS! Gkas.ada.org/login With 2027 being a milestone year, we want to celebrate the stories behind the smiles. If GKAS has touched your life – or the life of someone you know – we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a volunteer, parent, teacher, community partner, or past participant, Share your story or connect us with someone we should feature at GKAS@ada.org.