Iowa Dental Association

The Iowa Dental Association (IDA) is the professional membership organization for Iowa dentists, in existence since 1863. IDA represents more than 1,800 member dentists — roughly 80% of all licensed dentists in the state — and, as a tripartite organization, members also belong to the American Dental Association (ADA) and their local district dental society.

2026 legislative results

• HF 2395 (defeated) — IDA helped defeat the most aggressive anti-fluoridation bill in Iowa's recent history, which would have banned fluoride additives in all public and private water systems statewide.
• HF 648 (signed into law, May 6, 2026) — an IDA-backed law creating a moderate sedation host permit, letting dentists bring in a licensed third-party sedation provider.
• HF 2126 (defeated) — would have extended the statute of limitations for dental malpractice claims from two to five years; IDA prevented the bill from advancing.
• HF 2782 — the 2026 HHS budget bill preserved the 2025 dental Medicaid rate increase and added an ongoing Medicaid dental-rate review comparing Iowa to contiguous states.

2025 legislative results

• Dental Medicaid increase — a $2.1 million budget increase for the dental Medicaid program, the first such investment in more than two decades.
• SF 470 (signed May 1, 2025) — insurance reform limiting prior-authorization revocations and overpayment recoveries against dentists.
• HF 805 (effective July 1, 2025) — removed the requirement for dental assistants to register with the Board before practicing under a dentist's supervision.

IDA hosts the IDEAS Annual Session and local district CE meetings, offers the IADAPT wellness program — three free, confidential coaching or therapy sessions with a licensed provider — and provides legislative advocacy, career services, and member discounts. More information is available at iowadental.org.