Founded in 1937, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry provides a focus for meeting the challenge to improve oral health and total health for all citizens through the development and support of effective programs of oral health promotion and disease prevention. Our mission is to provide leadership in ensuring optimal oral health for individuals and communities by developing partnerships; translating evidence into policies and programs; and developing talent and leadership in the field of public health dentistry.
AAPHD has over 40 student chapters across the country to serve as a venue for members to get together, exchange views, and attend continuing education courses and social activities, interact in local communities to provide programs and activities that directly impact oral health, and various activities.
The AAPHD Foundation, the charitable arm of the AAPHD, provides monetary support for dental public health education and research.
Membership is open to all individuals concerned with improving the oral health of the public. Members come from many professions in addition to dentists and hygienists, and include physicians, nurses, public health professionals, educators, foundation representatives, private practitioners, students…the list goes on.