National Dentist’s Day is on Saturday, March 6, 2027, and it falls on March 6 every year. It’s a day to thank the dentists, hygienists and assistants who keep your teeth healthy. It’s also a good nudge to book a checkup if you’re overdue.
When Is National Dentist’s Day?
It’s always March 6. It’s an unofficial appreciation day, so dental offices stay open as usual.
Who Started National Dentist’s Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: the world’s first dental school
It opened in Baltimore in 1840 as the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. Two dentists, Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris, founded it. The school still operates as the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
When the ADA was founded
The American Dental Association began on August 4, 1859, in Niagara Falls, New York. Twenty-six dentists left a national meeting and met across the street at Grant Hall. A plaque there was rededicated in August 2026.
Why Thank Your Dentist?
Dental care prevents pain and protects overall health. As of 2025, there were 205,088 professionally active dentists in the U.S., according to the ADA’s Health Policy Institute. That’s 60 for every 100,000 people, though the ratio varies by state.
About 39.4% of dentists are women. Roughly 21% work in an ADA-recognized specialty, such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
Public health has helped, too. Community water fluoridation began in the U.S. in 1945, and the CDC says it reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults. You can ask your water utility whether your tap water is fluoridated.
How to Celebrate National Dentist’s Day
- Write a thank-you card: mention something specific, like how they calmed your child’s nerves.
- Leave a review: a detailed review naming the hygienist or assistant who helped you means a lot to a small practice.
- Bring a healthy treat: skip the candy and drop off a fruit basket or good coffee for the office.
- Book your next visit: schedule your cleaning while you’re thinking about it.
- Swap your brush: if yours is three months old, replace it, along with the kids’ brushes and any frayed ones.
- Teach kids to brush: play a two-minute song so children brush long enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I brush my teeth?
The ADA says brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth once a day.
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Every three or four months, the ADA says, or sooner if the bristles fray.
How often should you see a dentist?
It depends on your mouth. Ask your dentist to set a schedule; people with gum disease or frequent cavities may need visits more often than twice a year.
Sources
- American Dental Association Health Policy Institute – The Dentist Workforce
- ADA New Dentist Blog – World’s first dental school celebrates 175th anniversary
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy – Brushing Your Teeth
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – About Community Water Fluoridation
- ADA News – Historic plaque returns to ADA founding site (2026)