New Jersey Dental Association

The New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA) is the statewide professional association for New Jersey dentists, affiliated with the American Dental Association. Organized on October 25, 1870 as the New Jersey State Dental Society, NJDA is one of the oldest state dental societies in the country and represents dentists through 12 local component societies: Atlantic-Cape May, Bergen, Central, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth-Ocean, Passaic, Southern, Tri-County, and Union.

NJDA's mission is to serve its members, support the dental profession, and advocate for the advancement of quality, ethical, and equitable oral healthcare for the public.

Member services

• Continuing education — in-person and virtual CE programs, including an annual licensure-requirement series and the annual convention.
• Legislative advocacy — NJDA's Dental Advocacy program monitors and engages with New Jersey legislative and regulatory matters, including political action through NJDPAC.
• Peer review and mediation — see below.
• Career and practice support — mentorship, practice-transition resources, and a career center for members.

Peer review mediation for patients

NJDA's Council on Peer Review offers free mediation to patients with a treatment concern, whether or not the treating dentist is an NJDA member. A patient submits a Request for Mediation; if informal mediation does not resolve the matter, a committee of at least three peer-review members holds a summary or plenary hearing and can direct a dentist to redo treatment or refund fees (not exceeding the fees paid). Either party may appeal a decision within 30 days.