The how and why of the ADA's evaluation program for dental therapeutic products

Since 1930, the Council on Dental Therapeutics of the American Dental Association has been evaluating dental drug products for safety and efficacy through its Acceptance Program. To date, numerous products have been evaluated, and many hundreds have received the council's seal of acceptance. Acceptance criteria are rigorous, and the council relies on expert consultants to evaluate the supporting data. There are no manufacturer fees involved with the Acceptance Program. When a product has been awarded the seal, it means that adequate data have been submitted, and that the product is safe and does what it says it will do. This paper describes, in detail, how the Acceptance Program works.