About ADIA

ADIA Code of Practice

Guidance for ethical interactions between suppliers and oral health professionals, keeping decisions evidence-based and patient-centred.

Along with other associations in the therapeutic products sector, ADIA publishes guidance for the interaction between suppliers and healthcare professionals. At the heart of the Code is that promotional activity must not encourage a dental professional to do other than select patient treatment options wisely, only when necessary, and to use dental products safely and effectively.

Key documents

ADIA Code of Practice, Edition 2The current edition of ADIA's guidance for ethical supplier and professional interactions.Download PDF

TGA Therapeutic Goods Advertising CodeThe regulatory framework for advertising therapeutic goods in Australia.View TGA Advertising Code ?

ACCC False & Misleading AdvertisingACCC guidance on avoiding false or misleading claims in advertising and promotions.Read ACCC guidance ?

Background to the Code

ADIA developed the framework governing interactions between dental product suppliers and dental professionals in response to Australian Government concerns about self-regulation across therapeutic industries. Through ADIA's Parliamentary Engagement Strategy and constructive relationships with key parliamentarians, the industry preserved a self-regulatory model rather than transferring promotional oversight to the TGA.

Underpinning principlesThe key to complying with Edition 2 is understanding the Code's principles and supporting guidance, which ensure decisions about treatment options are based on sound clinical evidence, not incentives or undue influence.

Businesses coveredThe Code applies to all ADIA member businesses and to any business exhibiting at an ADIA-managed trade show as a condition of participation.

General principles

Members must comply with all relevant legislation at all times.
Members must not engage in unethical behaviour, misleading or deceptive conduct, or unfair or unconscionable practices.
Members must respect the ethical requirements and professional codes that apply to dental professionals.

These principles complement, but do not replace, statutory requirements such as the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

Quality use of therapeutic goods

Dental professionals choose suitable therapeutic goods only when necessary and in the patient's best interests.
Therapeutic goods are used safely and effectively.
Diagnostic and treatment options are selected wisely, based on evidence and patient need, free from undue influence.
Decisions are made independently of any inappropriate inducement or offer by the dental industry.

In practice, businesses must not offer incentives connected to the ordering, purchase or supply of therapeutic products that would likely influence a clinician's diagnostic or treatment decisions.

Making a complaint

1Verify coverageConfirm the business is an ADIA member and/or an exhibitor at an ADIA-managed exhibition.

2Check the principlesReview the Code's underpinning principles and identify which may have been breached.

3Collect evidenceGather supporting materials such as ads, promotional literature, or screenshots of web content.

4Lodge your complaintWrite to ADIA identifying the business and how the activity breaches the Code. Request the complaint form via email.

Submission detailsSecretary
ADIA Code Complaints Committee
GPO Box 960, Sydney NSW 2001
national.office@adia.org.auAnonymous complaints are not considered. Consumers or non-industry complainants may request identity suppression; legal processes may still require disclosure.

Guidance for advertising complaintsThe Code applies to advertisements directed exclusively to dental and oral healthcare professionals. Complaints about false or misleading conduct should be directed to the ACCC under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Consumer-directed advertisements are regulated by the TGA Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.