The Alliance of the Pennsylvania
Dental Association (APDA) was
organized in 1950, when it was initially
created as the Women’s Auxiliary.
Many local societies had auxiliaries, some of which
had been created back in the 1930s. The statewide
auxiliary “was formed as a federation of the local
auxiliaries ‘to advise component auxiliaries in all
matters of organization, function and policy, and to
provide necessary information for carrying on the
dental health education program,” according to History
of Dentistry in Pennsylvania.
Over the past 68 years the members of the APDA,
spouses of member dentists, have taken a valuable
leadership role in dental health education, legislative
initiatives, children’s dental health, Senior Smiles
programs and many other projects. Alliance members
have been instrumental in so many of PDA’s public
relations efforts as well as the vital work of lobbying at
the Capitol during Day on the Hill visits. Their dedication
has also shined through in their work for Give Kids A
Smile Day and smokeless tobacco programs.
The members of the APDA have truly been partners in
all of the success PDA has enjoyed through the years.
MARCH/AP RIL 2018 | P EN N SYLVAN IA DEN TAL JOURNAL
53