By the Numbers — Counting Down 2025
As we count down the final days of 2025, it’s a fitting time to reflect with gratitude on a year filled with meaningful progress and accomplishments for the Texas Dental Association and its members.
Interestingly, 2025 is no ordinary year — mathematically speaking or otherwise.
A Year That Adds Up
2025 is a perfect square year, the only one this century. It’s the square of 45 (45 × 45 = 2025). The previous perfect square year was 1936, and the next won’t occur until 2116.
Adding to the intrigue, 45 is also the sum of the integers 1 through 9. And on February 28, 2025, all seven planets aligned in the night sky — a rare celestial event.
It all adds up: 2025 was truly a standout year. And thanks to the dedication of TDA leadership and staff, it was also a year marked by significant achievements in support of our members.
Legislative Advocacy: A Year of Impact
Advocacy remains a top priority for TDA, and 2025 proved to be a highly productive year during the Texas Legislature’s 89th regular session. Key accomplishments included:
Medicaid funding: TDA secured $140 million in new Medicaid funding to increase reimbursement for commonly billed codes — the first increase since 2007.
Dental insurance protections: TDA successfully blocked harmful legislation that would have eliminated equal payment mandates for dentists treating out-of-network patients.
Do-it-yourself orthodontics safeguards: Legislation was passed requiring an in-person exam by a Texas-licensed dentist before any orthodontic appliance can be sold or prescribed.
Pediatric anesthesia coverage: In partnership with the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, TDA helped pass SB 527, mandating insurance coverage for general anesthesia in medically necessary pediatric dental procedures — a significant benefit for both dentists and patients.
The TDA Meeting: Education, Connection, and Innovation
For 145 years, TDA has hosted its annual meeting, and the 2025 TDA Meeting continued that proud tradition.
More than 4,000 dental professionals attended.
Attendees had access to 100 CE courses across 30 dental topics.
Over 4,100 TDA Dental Concierge subscribers were supported in tracking CE licensing requirements, with hundreds of hours of affordable continuing education provided.
In 2025, TDA also successfully launched the Emerging Speakers Program, spotlighting new voices in dentistry. The 2026 lineup is already taking shape and can be viewed at tdameeting.com/emerging-speaker-program.
Looking ahead to 2026, TDA will introduce its first partnership with the Pankey Institute, offering the Essentials 1 course during the TDA Meeting. More details are available at tdameeting.com.
TDA Smiles Foundation & Texas Mission of Mercy
Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) hosted two record-setting events in 2025:
Abilene: 6,139 treatments provided, valued at $920,448
Houston: 5,461 treatments provided, valued at $887,393
These events exemplify the generosity and commitment of Texas dentists, and TDA extends sincere thanks to all who participated statewide.
Additional highlights include:
The TDA Smiles Foundation increased its scholarship amount to $2,000 per student.
TMOM was featured as Halliburton’s charity of choice in the New York Stock Exchange’s Global Giving Campaign.
TDA Financial Services Insurance Program
Powered by CapCare, TDA members now have access to a Healthcare Member Benefits Program that utilizes a national PPO network. The program is available to dental-practice employers with employees, 1099 contractors, and sole proprietors.
TDA Perks
In 2025, TDA Perks:
Launched a redesigned, more user-friendly website to make navigating benefits easier.
Introduced free disability coverage for D3 and D4 dental students in El Paso and San Antonio.*
The Value Adds Up
These accomplishments demonstrate that you can count on TDA. The value of membership continues to grow, and the benefits truly add up.
Please feel free to reach out to TDA staff or your TDA Board if you need support or have questions. Thank you for being part of our community.
