American Dental Association and Academy for Sports Dentistry Announce Collaboration to Advance Oral Health and Athlete Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, December 9, 2025 — The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) are pleased to announce a collaboration to enhance the visibility of sports dentistry within the broader dental community.

Sports dentistry focuses on the prevention and treatment of dental injuries and related oral diseases associated with sports and exercise. The ADA and ASD share a common mission to promote the highest standards of oral health care. This collaborative relationship builds on a mutual commitment to work together on initiatives that have the potential to span educational opportunities, including ASD certification and continuing education offerings, plus broader professional awareness efforts among current and future dentists.

“We are thrilled to announce this affiliation between the Academy for Sports Dentistry and the American Dental Association,” said ASD President Michael Salyzyn, D.D.S., F.A.S.D. “This alliance not only celebrates the artistry and dedication inherent in both fields, but also opens doors for every dentist to utilize the specialized skills of sports dentistry in their practice. This will facilitate prevention of injuries and promote evidence-based treatment in trauma situations. Together, we elevate the standard of care and champion innovation, ensuring our patients benefit from the best of both worlds.”

Over the coming months, members of the ADA and ASD can expect updates on the collaboration, which will include the development of a Sports Dentistry CE course, supported by ASD, for the ADA CE Catalog in 2026. ASD also offers certification courses, available to all dentists, through its website.

“The power of play and physical activity is undeniable for all ages,” said ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D. “A greater awareness of sports dentistry’s opportunities for our profession and its impact on the public’s oral and overall health will greatly benefit our dental community and the patients they serve.”

Future initiatives will include the development of an ADA Sports Dentistry Ambassador group to reinforce the specialty of sports dentistry among general practice dentists, as well as ways to explore reaching dental school students about sports dentistry.

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 159,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance has long been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), published monthly, is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

About the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD)
The Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) is the leading international organization dedicated to advancing the science, education, and practice of sports dentistry. Founded in 1983, ASD brings together dentists, physicians, athletic trainers, sports medicine professionals, and researchers committed to protecting athletes’ oral health and enhancing safety in sport.

ASD provides world-class continuing education, certification programs such as the Certified Sports Team Dentist course, and collaborative opportunities with athletic organizations worldwide. Through research, advocacy, and professional development, ASD promotes best practices in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related dental injuries, helping clinicians deliver the highest standard of care to athletes at every level.

To learn more, visit www.academyforsportsdentistry.org.