NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact:              Robert S. Johns

                            Executive Director             

                            National Dental Association                  

                            202-588-1697                                           

                            This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION HOSTS 100th YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT THE GAYLORD IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND  

National Harbor, MD - December 10, 2009 – In a press conference on Monday, December 14th at 10:00 AM, the National Dental Association (NDA) will announce its decision to host its 100th Year Anniversary Convention in 2013 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The formal press conference will be held in the Maryland Room at the Gaylord, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland, 20745.

The decision was based on the State of Maryland’s commitment to oral health and the overlapping missions of Governor Martin O’Malley’s Administration and the NDA.  "Prince George's County and Maryland legislators have demonstrated unprecedented leadership and support of oral health initiatives. We are appreciative of this collaboration and look forward to hosting the NDA's Centennial in Maryland," stated NDA President,

Dr. Michael Battle.

The death of young Deamonte Driver created a groundswell of support that resulted in Governor O’Malley’s adoption of several recommendations and appropriations for oral health. The Deamonte Driver Dental Project is administered by the Robert T. Freeman Dental Society Foundation (RTFDSF), under the umbrella of the NDA. It is a grassroots community initiative for children's oral health that was developed by members of the RTFDS and funded by the State of Maryland.

Dr. Fredrick D. Clark, President-elect of the Robert T. Freeman Dental Society stated, “We are proud to play a role in cultivating public-private partnerships that address the needs of children and the underserved. We are committed to the mission and ideals of the NDA and are dedicated to achieving our goal of building a viable, sustainable model for the nation through the Deamonte Driver Dental Project."

ABOUT THE NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION:

The NDA is based in Washington D.C., representing the concerns of over 10,000 African American and minority dentists, as well as dental students, hygienists, assistants and auxiliaries across the country.  The mission of the NDA speaks directly to service of underserved communities, education and advocacy for its members, and recruitment of under -represented minorities into the profession. Please log on to www.ndaonline.org  for further information.