As a consumer, you have probably discovered that not all marketing claims are truthful, and products are not always as advertised. The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance found on dental products ensures that a product is safe and effective and does exactly what it claims to do. With more than 300 dental products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance you are likely to find the seal on a product you are currently using.
The ADA is a non-profit helping the public find access to safe and effective dental products and technologies by setting rigorous standards for over 125 years now. The ADA receives no payment for their endorsements which allows them to set strict standards. Any company vying for the Seal must meet rigorous scientific testing requirements and all its advertising must be truthful. 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 as well as a Seal Statement on any advertising. This Statement lets consumers know the exact reason why the product earned the ADA Seal.
This is The Seal Statement on the Save-A-Tooth label: “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.”
The following Requirements must be met for the ADA Seal of Acceptance:
Supply a list of ingredients and other relevant information about the product to the ADA.
Provide data from clinical or laboratory studies backing up their claims for product safety, effectiveness, and any claims the company will be making as they promote the product.
Conduct clinical trials in strict compliance with the guidelines and procedures provided by the ADA.
Provide evidence of proper supervision of the manufacturing and laboratory facilities used to ensure purity and uniformity. They must also prove that the product is manufactured in compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
They must supply all product packaging and labeling for review and approval, and will need to comply with ADA standards for accuracy and truthfulness in advertising.
Even after a product earns the The Seal of Acceptance, it is only valid for five years. After that, if the company still wants to claim The Seal on its labeling, it will need to reapply and requalify with the ADA to ensure they are still in compliance with all ADA standards.
When you purchase a dental product with carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance, you can be sure that the product is safe, that it works, and that all claims have been substantiated. Now that is shopping with confidence! And that is why your dentist refers ADA approved products for you.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule your next dental visit, please contact Lakeland Dental Care at 601-981-8166 today.