Missouri Dental Association

The Missouri Dental Association (MDA) is Missouri's constituent organization of the American Dental Association, representing dentists statewide with advocacy, continuing education, and member resources. Its executive office is at 3340 American Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65109 (phone 573-634-3436, fax 573-635-0764).

Advocacy — 2026 legislative session

The Missouri Legislature's 2026 regular session ended May 15, 2026. Notable outcomes for dentistry:

• More for Your Smile — the MDA's Dental Loss Ratio campaign continued building momentum even though the underlying legislation did not reach a hearing; 272 individuals sent 498 patient form letters and 9 sent an additional 18 dental-team letters to legislators. The campaign is expected to resume for the 2027 session.
• Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact — interstate compact legislation was considered but did not advance to final passage in 2026; Missouri is not currently part of such a compact.
• Dental Medicaid funding — the FY27 budget maintained 2022's increased Medicaid reimbursement rates and funding for general anesthesia dental codes at about 63% of the 50th-percentile usual, customary, and reasonable rate; the Donated Dental Services Program held steady at $180,000, while the Elks Mobile Dental Services van was funded at $350,000 (down from $400,000 the prior year).
• Dental Hygienist Scope of Practice (HB 2137) — legislation the MDA opposed did not advance in 2026.

Continuing education and training

• Dental Team Education — via moefda.org, the MDA offers EFDA (Expanded Function Dental Assistant) training, Basic Skills Review courses, and Nitrous Monitoring courses for Missouri EF credentials.
• Connect4Success — the MDA's annual CE and networking meeting; the 2027 gathering is scheduled June 24–26, 2027 at the Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, MO, alongside the MDA House of Delegates.
• Dental Day at the Capitol — scheduled March 3, 2027 in Jefferson City.
• Fluoride trainings — sessions offered around the state in August and September 2026, worth 4 continuing education units.
• CE Broker guidance — the MDA published a CE Broker overview for members on January 20, 2026 to help licensees navigate the Board's mandatory CE reporting system.

More information, including the full text of the Missouri Dental Practice Act, is available at modental.org.