Indian Dental Association is an authoritative, independent and recognised voice of dental professionals in India. Established in 1946, Indian Dental Association endeavours to meet public needs while representing the dental profession. The association currently has more than 75,000 members, 500 local branches, 29 state branches and 9 Union Territory branches and 1 Defence branch across India. The professional association is committed to public oral health, ethics, science and advancement of dental professionals through its initiatives in advocacy, education, research and development of standards.
Overview
Indian Dental Association was founded in 1946 by Dr. Rafiuddin Ahmed, also known as the ‘Father of Dentistry’ in India. He served two terms as the President of the association while actively handling prime duties and responsibilities. Initially, the association was called as The All India Dental Association, but was later renamed as Indian Dental Association, as it is known today. Indian Dental Association has dental professionals as its members spread across state and local branches effectively harnessing its vast resources aimed at attaining professional excellence. The State Branch has its jurisdiction within the state territory and covers all members of the State or Union Territory. Every state branch acts as the coordinating link between the Head Office and local branches. It oversees the functions and activities of its local branches. IDA members include dental professionals, dental students and affiliates. Members become a unified voice of the association addressing major dental and oral health issues in the nation. The organisation focuses on public oral health through various IDA Health Initiatives and National Oral Health Programme. The Association's official publication is the Journal of the Indian Dental Association, along with other publications like Clinical Dentistry, IDA Times, Oral Health, Product Profile, Dental Events and Student Digest. Indian Dental Association also focuses on educational programmes to advocate, promote and encourage continuing dental education by enhancing knowledge and skills of the dental professionals. IDA Foundation is the represents the philanthropic and humanitarian values of the dental profession, generously giving back to help meet the oral health needs of the vulnerable populations of India who have lower income.
Advocacy
The association is the voice of dental professionals that advocates `optimal health for all' before the government and for policy makers. The association represents Indian dentistry, defending sound science and fair dealings on behalf of patients and the profession. It frequently explores possible participation in lawsuits that may be of national significance to dentistry. It is watchful for bills and regulatory action that could be harmful to the dental professional and the oral health of Indians. The association strives to work toward solutions to lack of access to care and improved wellness for the most vulnerable.
