The American Dental Association has a long and rich history. It began in 1859 when twenty-six dentists met in Niagara Falls, New York to form a professional society. Learn more about the ADA through the years and how it functions. The ADA Health Foundation—the charitable arm of the American Dental Association—has a new look and name! It is now known as the ADA Foundation. This new foundation includes the former ADA Relief Fund; the ADA Endowment & Assistance Fund, Inc; and the ADA Emergency Fund, Inc. In addition to funding grants for dental research, education, scholarships and access to care, the Foundation now supports Charitable Assistance Programs such as relief grants to dentists and their dependents who are unable to support themselves due to injury, a medical condition or advanced age; and grants to those who are victims of disasters. Learn more about the ADA Foundation.