National Dental Association Terms of Use

Last Updated: September 11, 2025

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the National Dental Association ("NDA") website (ndaonline.org) and related digital services (collectively, the "Website"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Website.

About the National Dental Association

The National Dental Association is a professional association founded in 1913, dedicated to advancing oral health equity and supporting minority dental professionals. We serve over 6,000 Black dentists and represent more than 30 million Black Americans through our network of state and local chapters.

Website Description and Updates

This is a dynamic website with content updated regularly to serve our members and the dental community. All information is current as of its publication date or last modification. We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any aspect of the Website at any time without prior notice.

Intellectual Property Rights

NDA Content and Materials

All content on this Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, audio clips, video content, data compilations, software, and the overall design and arrangement of materials, is the property of the National Dental Association or its licensors and is protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Trademarks and Service Marks

  • The "National Dental Association" name and logo are registered trademarks of the National Dental Association
  • "NDA" is a service mark of the National Dental Association
  • Other trademarks, service marks, and logos appearing on the Website belong to their respective owners
  • All affiliated organization marks (SNDA, NDHA, NDAA, etc.) are protected intellectual property

Permitted Use

You may:

  • View and browse the Website for personal, educational, or professional purposes
  • Download and print individual pages for personal reference
  • Share links to our content through appropriate channels
  • Use our content for educational purposes with proper attribution

Prohibited Use

You may not:

  • Reproduce, distribute, modify, or republish Website content without written permission
  • Use automated systems (robots, spiders, scrapers) to access or collect Website data
  • Frame any portion of the Website or incorporate it into other websites
  • Use NDA trademarks, logos, or service marks without express written consent
  • Create derivative works based on our content
  • Remove or alter copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices

User Accounts and Member Services

Account Registration

  • Members and users must provide accurate, complete, and current information
  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
  • You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
  • We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms

Member Responsibilities

  • Maintain current professional licensing and standing
  • Provide accurate professional and contact information
  • Use member services in accordance with professional ethical standards
  • Respect the privacy and professional reputation of other members

Professional Directory

  • Member directory information is provided for professional networking and public service
  • Members control their directory profile visibility and information
  • Directory information should not be used for unauthorized marketing or solicitation
  • Commercial use of directory data requires express written permission

User-Generated Content

Submissions and Communications

When you submit content to our Website (including but not limited to comments, forum posts, survey responses, or professional information), you:

  • Grant NDA a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute such content
  • Represent that you have the right to submit such content
  • Agree that your content will not violate any laws or third-party rights
  • Understand that we may monitor, edit, or remove content at our discretion

Content Standards

All user-generated content must:

  • Comply with professional ethical standards and conduct
  • Respect the dignity and privacy of patients and colleagues
  • Avoid discriminatory, harassing, or offensive language
  • Not contain false, misleading, or defamatory statements
  • Comply with applicable laws and regulations
  • Maintain the professional reputation of the dental community

Professional Communications

  • All communications should reflect the professional standards expected of dental healthcare providers
  • Confidential patient information must never be shared or discussed
  • Professional disagreements should be handled respectfully and constructively
  • Marketing or promotional content requires prior approval

Third-Party Links and Services

External Websites

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources. These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. The NDA does not:

  • Endorse or guarantee the accuracy of third-party content
  • Control the privacy practices or terms of use of external sites
  • Accept responsibility for third-party products, services, or content
  • Warrant the security or reliability of external links

Continuing Education Partners

  • CE courses and programs are provided by approved third-party providers
  • Participants must comply with provider-specific terms and requirements
  • The NDA facilitates access but does not guarantee course content or outcomes
  • CE credit awards are subject to provider and state board requirements

Corporate Partners and Sponsors

  • Partnership relationships do not constitute endorsements of all products or services
  • Members should evaluate products and services independently
  • Corporate partner information is provided for member benefit and convenience
  • Partnership terms and benefits may change without notice

Professional Services Disclaimer

No Professional Advice

Content on this Website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute:

  • Professional dental, medical, legal, financial, or practice management advice
  • Recommendations for specific treatment protocols or procedures
  • Endorsements of particular products, services, or practice methods
  • Substitutes for professional judgment and individual patient assessment

Practice Decisions

  • Individual treatment and practice decisions remain the sole responsibility of licensed practitioners
  • Website content should not replace consultation with qualified professionals
  • Clinical guidelines and information reflect general principles, not specific patient care directives
  • Practitioners must use their professional judgment and expertise in all clinical situations

Educational Content

  • Educational materials are designed for qualified dental professionals
  • Information may not reflect the most current research or best practices
  • Continuing education requirements vary by state and specialty
  • Practitioners are responsible for meeting their individual licensing and education requirements

Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

Website "As Is" Provision

The Website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. The NDA makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to:

  • Merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement
  • Accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information
  • Uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Website
  • Security of data transmission or storage

Limitation of Damages

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the NDA shall not be liable for any:

  • Direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses
  • Damages resulting from unauthorized access to or alteration of your data
  • Damages arising from reliance on Website content or services
  • Interruption or cessation of Website services

Maximum Liability

In no event shall the NDA's total liability to you exceed the amount you paid to the NDA in the twelve months preceding the claim.

Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our Website, you consent to our data practices as described in our Privacy Policy.

Membership Terms and Professional Standards

Membership Requirements

  • Membership is subject to our membership requirements and professional standards
  • Members must maintain good standing with applicable licensing boards
  • Membership benefits and privileges may change periodically
  • The NDA reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership for cause

Professional Conduct

Members and users are expected to:

  • Uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct
  • Respect patient confidentiality and privacy
  • Maintain professional competence and continuing education
  • Support the NDA's mission of advancing oral health equity
  • Engage respectfully with colleagues and the broader dental community

Disciplinary Actions

The NDA may take appropriate action, including account suspension or membership termination, for:

  • Violations of these Terms of Use
  • Unprofessional conduct or ethical violations
  • Misuse of member services or directory information
  • Failure to maintain professional licensing or standing

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the NDA, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the Website or violation of these Terms
  • Your submission of content or information to the Website
  • Your violation of any third-party rights
  • Your professional conduct or practice activities

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland and the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Website shall be resolved through:

  1. Informal Resolution: Good faith discussions between the parties
  2. Mediation: Non-binding mediation if informal resolution fails
  3. Binding Arbitration: Final and binding arbitration under the American Arbitration Association rules
  4. Jurisdiction: For any court proceedings, exclusive jurisdiction in the courts of Maryland

Modifications and Updates

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when posted on the Website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Website after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Notice of Changes

For significant changes, we will provide advance notice through:

  • Email notifications to registered users
  • Prominent Website announcements
  • Member communications and newsletters

Severability and Entire Agreement

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and the NDA regarding use of the Website.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use, please contact:

National Dental Association
Attn: Executive Director
3517 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010

Email: info@ndaonline.org
Phone: 202-885-9492

Professional Ethics Statement

The National Dental Association is committed to the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity. Our Website and services are designed to advance oral health equity, support professional development, and serve the communities we represent. We expect all users to share this commitment and to use our resources in ways that reflect positively on the dental profession and advance our collective mission of improving oral healthcare access and quality for all people.

By using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. These terms reflect our commitment to serving the dental profession while protecting the interests of our members, users, and the communities we serve.