Mission Statement
The New Jersey Dental Association serves its members, supports the dental profession, and advocates for the advancement of quality, ethical and equitable oral healthcare for the public.
Vision Statement
The New Jersey Dental Association will be the essential resource and leading advocate for dentistry and the health of the public.
NJDA is founded on October 25, 1870
Organized on October 25, 1870 as the New Jersey State Dental Society, the NJDA's beginnings go back to the lecture room of the YMCA in Trenton, NJ. Twenty-seven prominent dentists in the state "called" for other dentists to join them in Trenton for a convention with the purpose of forming the society, and to "devise and adopt such other measures as may be deemed essential to our mutual improvement, and for the elevation of our common profession."
The first commercially manufactured foot-treadle dental engine and first electric dental engine receive patents
James B. Morrison received a patent for the first commercially manufactured foot-treadle dental engine. Morrison’s inexpensive, mechanized tool supplies dental burs with enough speed to cut enamel and dentin smoothly and quickly, revolutionizing the practice of dentistry.
George F. Green received a patent for the first electric dental engine, a self-contained motor and handpiece.
Essex Dental Society, the first component society was founded.
The first ADA annual session held in NJ was in Asbury Park, NJ.
The first issue of the NJ Dental Journal was published
Dr. Charles S. Hardy was Editor, Dr. Edward T. Taylor was Advertising Manager and Dr. T.J. McLernon was Secretary-Treasurer.
First annual banquet for the President of NJ Dental Society
The banquet was held on March 15, 1913 at the Hotel Sterling, Trenton NJ, in honor of Dr. William I. Thompson.
100th Annual Session of the New Jersey State Dental Society
The 100th Annual Session of the New Jersey State Dental Society was held on May 9th- 13th, 1970 at the Shelburne Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ.
NJDA began supporting the New Jersey Special Olympics in October 1997.
The New Student Component was established
On November 18, 1998, the House of Delegates of the NJDA voted unanimously to revise its bylaws in order to create a new component. The New Student Component was established at UMDNJ (University of Medical and Dentistry of NJ).
NJDA and other oral health organizations joined together to establish a Statewide Oral Health Coalition.
Dr. Maxine Feinberg was inducted as NJDA's first female president.
NJ is one of the first State Dental Associations to adopt the Give Kids A Smile Program.
NJ hosted GKAS for the first time on February 21, 2003.
NJDA's House of Delegates Meeting goes virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NJDA launches the My Career My Community Program at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Executive Director Arthur Meisel retires after 50 years with NJDA
Reva Brennan is named Chief Executive Officer
