Arkansas State Dental Association

The Arkansas State Dental Association (ASDA) has represented Arkansas dentistry since 1893 and describes itself as the unified voice of the profession in the state, affiliated with the American Dental Association. ASDA represents more than 1,000 member dentists organized across five district dental societies, and recently welcomed Dr. Judd Burns, DMD, as its new Executive Director.

ASDA's dues fund three memberships in one application — ADA, ASDA, and the member's local district society — along with member pricing at the Annual Session and Fall Seminar CE conferences, advocacy at the Capitol and in Board rule-making, and access to a directory of endorsed vendors (including PAIS, an insurance agency wholly owned by ASDA) at member rates.

Confidential peer support

ASDA operates a confidential peer review program for patient-grievance mediation handled by colleagues rather than the licensing board, with no record placed on a dentist's license. Separately, the Arkansas Medical Foundation's AMF Help Program offers a 24/7 confidential hotline — (501) 224-8967 — for dentists, physicians, and their families dealing with burnout, substance use, or depression. It is free and open to anyone in the profession, not just ASDA members.

2025 legislative session results

• Act 1025 (SB347) — The first update to Arkansas's Medicaid dental fee schedule in 18 years, raising reimbursement to roughly 60% of commercial rates and injecting an estimated $23 million in combined state and federal dental funding, effective September 2025
• Act 395 (SB111) — Established Arkansas's participation in the multi-state Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, endorsed by the ADA and promoted by the U.S. Department of Defense
• Act 568 (HB1241) — Restored Medicaid coverage for high-complexity adult oral health care delivered at UAMS or the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine

More information is available at arkansasdentistry.org.