Australian Dental Industry Association

The Story So Far

From 1925 to today: a century of leadership, advocacy and industry-building.

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”. Ninety 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

In 1925 the association focussed on market data for dental products. On the eve of the 1929 crash, ADTA called for close monitoring of deteriorating conditions, a tradition continued today through ADIA’s market intelligence reports and business condition surveys. During the Great Depression the association met infrequently; by 1939 it resolved that members support employees undertaking military service. With the outbreak of war, association business was suspended as importation and distribution of dental products moved to the armed services.

1946-2007

After the war, the Bureau of Dental Standards was formed at the University of Melbourne, a forerunner to today’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Through the 1950s-60s ADTA grew alongside a deepening relationship with the Australian Dental Association (ADA). The Australian Dental Research Foundation (ADRF) was formed in 1970 as a joint initiative and remains Australia’s primary funder of dental and oral-health research.

Trade exhibitions began in the late 1930s alongside ADA congresses, growing from ~50 booths in the 1980s to 150+ by the turn of the century. Australia’s premier event, ADX Sydney, was first convened in 2008 and is now managed by the association for the industry.

In 1985 the association adopted the name Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA). In 2014 ADIA became a company limited by guarantee to support modern governance and national growth.

1988-2012

ADIA was a founding member of the Association of International Dental Manufacturers (IDM) in 1988. The Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and the 2002 medical device regulations reshaped compliance for dental products and custom-made devices. In 2012, ADIA strengthened policy advocacy, joining the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AusChamber) and inaugurating the Dental Industry Meets Parliament roundtable in Canberra.

Today, ADIA member companies supply more than 95% of products used in Australian dentistry.

Recent milestones (2000-2025)

• 2006-2009First formal Strategic Plan sets measurable goals across governance, member services, policy and communications.
• 2007“Growing Dentistry” campaign and stronger TGA engagement; data tools like the Dental Industry Intelligence Report and Business Conditions Survey expand.
• 2015Transition to a company limited by guarantee improves oversight and sustainability.
• 2020-2022COVID response with toolkits and virtual programs; ADX returns with successful new events in Melbourne (2021) and Brisbane (2022) reconnecting the industry.
• 2022 & 2024Record-breaking ADX Sydney editions reinforce the event’s national leadership.
• 2023ADIA joins the Asia Pacific Dental Industry Association (APDIA) and launches the Leading with Vision Conference; Women in Dentistry Scholarship established.
• 2025Centenary celebrations; ADX Brisbane features ADIA’s koala mascot; major supporters include Henry Schein One and Whiteley Corporation.

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.