The Story So Far

Over four days in late July 1925, representatives of eleven companies agreed to form the Australian Dental Trade Association (ADTA) “to stabilise the conditions of trade”. One hundred years later, we celebrate those founders, and the people and businesses who ensured ADIA continues as the peak business organisation representing manufacturers and suppliers of quality dental products and services to dental professionals.

1925-1945  | Foundation and early challenges

In 1925 the association focused on gathering market data for dental products. On the eve of the 1929 stock market crash, ADTA called for close monitoring of deteriorating conditions, a focus that continues today through ADIA’s market intelligence reports and business condition surveys. During the Great Depression the association met infrequently, but by 1939 it had resolved that members should support employees undertaking military service. With the outbreak of war, association business was suspended as the importation and distribution of dental products moved to the armed services, primarily the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

1946-1969  | Post-war standards and partnerships

After the war, the Bureau of Dental Standards was formed at the University of Melbourne as a forerunner to today’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Through the 1950s and 1960s ADTA grew alongside a deepening relationship with the Australian Dental Association (ADA), which had been founded shortly after ADTA. This period laid the groundwork for stronger collaboration across standards, education and professional development in Australian dentistry.

1970-1984  | Research and exhibitions grow

In 1970 the Australian Dental Research Foundation (ADRF) was created as a joint ADTA and ADA initiative and remains Australia’s primary funder of dental and oral-health research. This strengthened the industry’s role in supporting evidence-based clinical practice and innovation. Trade exhibitions, which began in the late 1930s alongside ADA congresses, continued to expand through the 1970s and early 1980s, setting the stage for larger, association-managed shows.

1985-2007  | A broader industry and global links

In 1985 the association adopted the name Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), recognising a membership base that extended beyond dental product manufacturers and suppliers. A new constitution was adopted and the organisation was registered under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Vic), supporting a growing national footprint. ADIA was a founding member of the Association of International Dental Manufacturers (IDM) in 1988. IDM has since matured into an umbrella body representing global dental manufacturing interests, including ADIA and its member companies. The introduction of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and, in 2002, new medical device regulations reshaped compliance for dental products and custom-made devices in Australia, creating a more complex regulatory environment for ADIA members and the wider industry.

2008-Today  | ADX era and modern advocacy

Australia’s premier dental exhibition, ADX Sydney, was first convened in 2008 and is now managed by ADIA for the industry. Held biennially in Sydney, with companion events in Melbourne and Brisbane, ADX has grown into the leading meeting place for dental professionals, suppliers and innovators. In 2012 ADIA strengthened its policy advocacy by joining the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AusChamber) and inaugurating the Dental Industry Meets Parliament roundtable in Canberra, bringing member voices directly to senior decision-makers. To support modern governance and national growth, ADIA transitioned to a company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This structure supports contemporary expectations for financial oversight, transparency and strategic planning across a national membership.

Recent milestones (2000-2025)  | A closer look at the modern era

Today

Today, ADIA members supply more than 95% of products used in contemporary Australian dentistry. Membership continues to grow, and the association is financially strong, with a focus on advocacy, data, education and events that help members build resilient, innovative businesses.