American Dental Association
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
The ADA is the professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science, and professional advancement; leading a unified professional through initiatives in advocacy, education, research, and the development of standards.
- Income
- $237.1 million
- Spending
- $184.9 million
- Employees
- 497
- Volunteers
- 450
- Highest pay
- $870,723, executive director and secretary
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- Build a community for a professional association of over 169,500 dentists by developing and promoting member value, recruiting and retaining members, fostering collaborative tripartite network (national, state, local), provide leadership development, advance diversity and inclusion, and position ADA as America's leading advocate for oral health.
- Promoting high quality and effective processes for dental education, dental licensure and credentialing. This is accomplished through monitoring and disseminating information on dental education and licensure issues and conducting studies. There are also ongoing liaison activities with related organizations which also serve dental education and licensure including the recognized dental specialty certifying boards, sponsoring organizations, and allied dental organizations. ADA seeks to improve the quality of continuing education available for dentists. ADA accredited 1,425 education programs and nearly 44,417 individuals sat for certifying exams.
- Develop and produce ADA's annual meeting which includes scientific programs, general audience programs, and hands-on workshops for dentists and their staff. There are also special events such as the distinguished speaker series and keynote address for attendees of the annual session. There is a technical exhibition (ADA World Marketplace) for attendees to experience and test dental products and services for use in their dental practice. In 2024, there were 8,064 attendees, receiving 20,108 hours of continuing education, and 356 booths/exhibits in the ADA World Marketplace. Also included is ADA as the premier dental education provider by providing a continuing education program throughout the year that is comprehensive and integrated.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1951.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.