About the Rhode Island Dental Association

The Rhode Island Dental Association was founded in Providence on July 2, 1878 by a group of seven dentists.

Today, more than 600 members, representing over 90 percent of all practicing dentists in this state, belong to the Association. We are part of a three-level professional dental organizational structure which includes the American Dental Association - the national organization; the RIDA-a constituent society chartered by the ADA, and eight component dental societies throughout Rhode Island.

The object of the Association is to improve the dental health of the public and to promote the art and science of dentistry.

Structure of the Association
The governing body of the Association is the House of Delegates which determines the policies of the Association. It is comprised of the officers, board of trustees, past-presidents and elected delegates and alternates of the eight local component societies. The House meets in May and November annually. In May officers and council and committee members are elected and approved, and at each session resolutions are passed which direct the activities of the Association.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of five RIDA officers, a long term delegate, and eight elected trustees of the eight local component societies. The Board of Trustees is the managing body of the Association vested with full power to conduct all business of the Association subject to the laws of the State of Rhode Island, the Constitution and Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, and the mandates of the House of Delegates.

The Executive Office is located in Warwick, Rhode Island under the supervision of the Executive Director, Valerie G. Celentano.