Louisiana Dental Association

The Louisiana Dental Association (LDA), established in 1878, is the largest professional health organization for dentists in Louisiana — a statewide grassroots organization whose purpose is to promote, advocate for, and protect the dental profession. The LDA has nearly 1,900 members.

LDA members join a "tripartite" system with a single application and dues payment: membership in the LDA, the American Dental Association, and one of nine local component dental societies covering the state. The LDA calls this structure the "Power of Three," pairing local camaraderie and support with state and national advocacy.

2026 Regular Session — bills affecting dentistry

• SB 4 — A renewed push to ban community water fluoridation was amended instead of passed as a ban; as signed, it requires a petition from 15% of a community's registered voters before an election on local water fluoridation can be held, while preserving the state's existing fluoridation mandate for larger water systems.
• SB 192 (Act 360) — Dental offices are automatically opted out of virtual credit card claim payments from dental insurers and must affirmatively opt in to accept them; effective for policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.
• SB 155 (Act 743) — Requires dental insurance coverage for medically-necessary treatment clearance and basic extractions for patients diagnosed with cancer.
• HB 222 (Act 629) — Requires Louisiana Medicaid to cover a dental procedure when medically necessary to clear an enrollee for another Medicaid-covered medical procedure.
• HB 475 (Act 649) — Requires a licensed healthcare professional to verbally disclose, before an appointment, any use of a recording device or AI transcription software during treatment.

More information on LDA membership, continuing education, and advocacy is available at ladental.org.