Association‌ of‌ State‌ &‌ Territorial‌ Dental‌ Directors
3858‌ Cashill Blvd.,‌ Reno,‌ NV‌ ‌89509
Phone‌ 775-626-5008‌‌
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The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) is a national non-profit organization representing the directors and staff of state/territorial public health agency programs for oral health. It was organized in 1948 and is one of 20 affiliates of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). ASTDD formulates and promotes the establishment of national dental public health policy, assists state/territorial dental programs in the development and implementation of programs and policies for the prevention of oral diseases; builds awareness and strengthens dental public health professionals' knowledge and skills by developing position papers and policy statements; provides information on oral health to health officials and policy makers, and conducts conferences for the dental public health community.

A strong and effective governmental oral health presence in states and territories to assure optimal oral health.

ASTDD provides leadership to:
  • promote and support a governmental oral health presence in each state and territory,
  • increase awareness of oral health as an important and integral part of overall health,
  • address oral health equity,
  • promote evidence-based oral health policies and practices, and
  • assist in the development of initiatives to prevent and control oral diseases.

The ASTDD Membership consists of the chief dental public health officer (state dental director) of the state health department or equivalent agency, and the U. S. Territories. ASTDD also offers Individual or Organizational Associate Membership which is open to any public agency, voluntary organization, tribal entity and/or health professionals employed or interested in dental public health. Members and Associate members serve on and chair committee's or work groups, receive the ASTDD newsletter, are enrolled on the ASTDD list serve, and participate in the ASTDD Annual Business Meeting held in conjunction with the annual National Oral Health Conference. Individual Associate member dues are $75.00 per year. Organizational Associate Membership dues are $400 per year.

Apply online for ASTDD Membership

ASTDD Member Quotes
"My career in oral health has taken me many places throughout the country. During this time, I always made sure to continue my ASTDD associate membership. In fact, it was because of my membership that l learned of the job that brought me back home. Thanks to ASTDD, I am now home in Rhode Island serving as its Dental Director."
Samuel Zwetchkenbaum, Dental Director, Rhode Island
"When I joined the ASTDD I had no idea that it would lead to helping set our nation's public health priorities. But it did. When working with the CDC as a member of the ASTDD Data Committee, I was asked to give feedback and comment on the Healthy People 2030 oral health objectives. I am grateful for the opportunity."
Beth Anderson, Oral Health Epidemiologist, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
"As the ASTDD Liaison to the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, ASTDD has given me the opportunity to combine my two lifelong career passions. The experience has been incredible. Thank you ASTDD!"
Barbara Park, Public Health Consultant, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors
"I knew very little about oral health when I joined ASTDD. I quickly got involved in committees, presented at conferences, and made friends all over the country. Who could have imagined that in only six years I would be on the ASTDD Board of Directors. I'm amazed every time I think of it."
John Welby, Director, Oral Health Literacy, Maryland Office of Oral Health

ASTDD Key Messages

State Oral Health Programs make an essential contribution to public health and must be continued and enhanced. Resources to Support ASTDD Key Messages.

  • 1. A successful SOHP must have diversified funding that includes funding for state and local evidence-based programs.
  • 2. A successful SOHP needs a continuous, strong, credible, forward-thinking leader.
  • 3. A successful SOHP needs a complement of staff, consultants and partners with proficiency in the ASTDD Competencies for SOHPs.
  • 4. A successful SOHP needs one or more broad-based coalitions that include partners with fiscal and political clout.
  • 5. A successful SOHP must have valid data (oral health status and other) to use for evaluation, high quality oral health surveillance, a state oral health plan with implementation strategies, and evidence-based programs and policies.

Announcements, Publications & Documents

COVID-19 Resources

Organizational Associate Members

ASTDD would like to thank and recognize our Organizational Associate Members
  • American Dental Hygienists' Association
  • KoKua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services
  • National Network for Oral Health Access
  • Oral Health Kansas
  • OPEN (Oral Health Progress and Equity Network)
  • Organization for Safety, Asepsis & Prevention (OSAP)
  • School-Based Health Alliance
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Virginia Health Catalyst
  • West Virginia Oral Health Coalition
  • Wyoming Primary Care Association

National Oral Health Conference

The 2022 NOHC will be in Fort Worth, Texas April 11-13, 2022 with weekend workshops on April 9 and 10, 2022. Click here for details. You can still register for the on-demand content from the virtual 2021 NOHC!

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Campaign for Dental Health: Life is Better with Teeth

Advertising on ASTDD's website does not imply an endorsement by ASTDD of a company's products or services.

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