American Dental Association Health Foundation - U.S. Patents

The American Dental Association Health Foundation is a non-profit research funding arm of the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA was established in 1859. At this time the organization has more than 149,000 members and it has become the world's largest and oldest national dental association. Frequently the ADAHF will fund research on various dental health issues or research projects.

For example, a recent one year study conducted by Eric Fung, Ph.D., a pharmacologist at the UNMC College of Dentistry was funded by an ADAHF $50,000 grant according to a report in the January 20th, 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Several years ago concerns were raised among scientists after research in mice that suggested Bisphenol A - a chemical used in sealants and other plastic products - may pose a health hazard to humans. The chemical has been said to mimic estrogen, the female hormone. Estrogen has been associated with causing cancer. Dr. Fung’s study is believed to be the first to determine if Bisphenol A is present in the saliva and blood of patients. An investigation was also made regarding the chemical level found in each patient.

These grants appear to be one of the common avenues where patents from new discoveries, technologies or improvement to existing technologies result in being assigned to the ADAHF by the inventor. It clear revenue is anticipated from these research investments via royalties and licensing arrangements with manufacturers and/or other users of the newly discovered technology applications. These revenues are often used to help finance the future grants and research efforts of the ADAHF.

It is our opinion that this process can often create a conflict of interest for the ADAHF and the American Dental Association. If adverse health impacts are subsequently discovered by other professionals and/or research organizations, it can adversely impact the benefactors of the original discovery. Therefore, motivation for sound and reasonable objectivity by primary benefactors is removed. Often benefactors will initiate process that cleverly disputes or attempts to deny the subsequent credible adverse findings by objective third parties of the benefactor's original discovery simply to protect their previous financial investment and from potential product liability.

Of primary major concern to us is the position of the ADA with respect to amalgam filings and fluoridation processes. As you can see from the US Patent office links listed below, the ADAHF holds or has held several patents in these two important areas.

Therefore, it is our opinion that consumers should always keep and open mind when reviewing information that may be essential in a critical health application. We encourage you to invest sufficient time to review and carefully evaluate various opinions, clinical research and reference information before making a possible life-altering medical or dental decision.

With over 45 years of successful holistic dentistry, Dr. DeFelice and his associates have discovered proven and effective natural solutions to improving your dental and physical health. We invite you to review our website and contact us if you have any questions on the information presented here.