Australian Dental Association
Encyclopedia
The Australian Dental Association, established on 19 June 1928, is an Australia
n professional organisation of dentist
s which has as its aim the encouragement of the dental health of the public and the promotion of the art and science of dentistry. There are Branches of the Association in all States and a Provisional Branch in the Northern Territory; its national secretariat is located in Sydney
. Membership is voluntary and over 90% of dentists in Australia are members. This membership implies an obligation for members to practise their profession in accordance with the high standards laid down by the Association.
The ADA is active in raising public awareness over a number of dental-related issues, such as the promoting of water fluoridation
(notably for Brisbane
, the only Australian state capital which does not practice water fluoridation); the wearing of mouthguard
s during sporting activities; and the warning against tongue piercing
as a dental health hazard.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n professional organisation of dentist
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a 'dental surgeon', is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The dentist's supporting team aides in providing oral health services...
s which has as its aim the encouragement of the dental health of the public and the promotion of the art and science of dentistry. There are Branches of the Association in all States and a Provisional Branch in the Northern Territory; its national secretariat is located in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
. Membership is voluntary and over 90% of dentists in Australia are members. This membership implies an obligation for members to practise their profession in accordance with the high standards laid down by the Association.
The ADA is active in raising public awareness over a number of dental-related issues, such as the promoting of water fluoridation
Water fluoridation
Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay. Fluoridated water has fluoride at a level that is effective for preventing cavities; this can occur naturally or by adding fluoride...
(notably for Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
, the only Australian state capital which does not practice water fluoridation); the wearing of mouthguard
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums...
s during sporting activities; and the warning against tongue piercing
Body piercing
Body piercing, a form of body modification, is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewelry may be worn. The word piercing can refer to the act or practice of body piercing, or to an opening in the body created by this act or practice...
as a dental health hazard.
See also
- Smiley's Good Teeth Puppet Theatre