With a membership of more than 150,000, the American Dental Association is the world s largest dental association. The organization serves as a facilitator of the national dental research effort, which includes promotion of adequate funding for the research and training conducted by oral health organizations throughout the United States. It also provides the latest research, guidelines, standards and recommendations to dental professionals, as well as consultation regarding insurance matters and financial security. Founded in 1859, the American Dental Association is also the world s oldest dental association. It was established by 26 dentists who met in Niagara Falls, N.Y., to form a society for professional dentists. The American Dental Association has headquarters in Chicago.