The ADA s Seal of Acceptance Program has been in existence for nearly 70 years and earned an U.S. Presidential Commendation for outstanding self-regulatory action. The Seal helps prevent inferior products from falling into consumers hands because they are tested thoroughly to make sure they meet the Seal s rigorous standards. Products submitted to the ADA Seal of Acceptance Program must meet rigorous requirements for acceptance, requirements that 30 percent to 40 percent of products initially fail to meet. In addition to certifying compliance with FDA requirements, the Seal of Acceptance Program for toothbrushes requires manufacturers to meet stringent ADA Guidelines as well as applicable, specifications of the International Standards Organization. Manufacturers applying for the Seal pay a submission fee that is equal to approximately one-third of the product s actual evaluation costs.
Manufacturers also pay a nominal annual maintenance fee.
The maintenance fee defrays part of the ongoing cost of reviewing advertising for accepted products for truth and accuracy. ADA members, through their dues, pay for most of the operating costs of the Seal Program.