Guidelines for Manufacturer Relations

The ADA Professional Product Review aims to provide objective, balanced and fair evaluations of dental products.  The content is based on data collected, reviewed and analyzed by ADA scientists and consultants. Dialogue with manufacturers is a key component in the publication process.

The following are examples of how the Review manages communications with manufacturers.  These examples do not cover every situation, but in all cases, the Review bases its communications on the desire to provide readers with the best, most credible information, free from any real or perceived conflict of interest.
The Review may:

• Ask the manufacturer to provide names of current products.
• Request technical information, directions for use, bibliographies or other information, including product training or demonstrations, if deemed necessary.
• Ask for assistance with set-up for hands-on product evaluation forums or other methods used to gather dentist feedback on products.
• Ask the manufacturer to provide a limited supply of product(s) to support internal laboratory assessments and/or product forums or workshops (clinical simulations). Such requests typically are limited to high-cost, durable equipment that is returned to the manufacturer following the evaluation.
• Obtain feedback on planned test protocols and methods. The final protocol is sent to the manufacturer with its product’s test results.   
• Conduct a site visit to the manufacturer’s facility or hold a meeting at the ADA to discuss fair and objective test protocols and methods.
• Provide manufacturers with product test results and request feedback. Normally, the ADA only shares the results on a manufacturer’s own products. If information on other products is needed for context, it is provided without any company-specific identifiers. The ADA retains sole discretion over whether to publish any feedback received from a manufacturer.
• Contact a manufacturer’s customer service department to assess the company’s responsiveness to customers.

The ADA will consider requests from a manufacturer to:

• Tour the ADA Laboratories
• Discuss proposed test protocols before testing begins; or
• Share pertinent information on issues related to the professional product evaluation program.

In keeping with the Review’s aim to be unbiased, manufacturers are not permitted to participate in or view ADA testing in progress.  As a general rule, travel and related expenses for ADA and manufacturer staff are paid for by their respective organizations.
The Review:

• Refrains from discussing incomplete or interim test results. Exceptions may be necessary to:
• Clarify directions for use or procedures;
• Replace a faulty or damaged product;
• Resolve a problem with test methods that affects most or all product test results in a given category;
• Discuss questionable test results with a company when there is reason to doubt the accuracy of product test results.

• Does not suggest or accept financial support or compensation of any amount or kind from a manufacturer whose products are or may be under review.
• Does not state or imply that cooperation with requests for information or assistance is a condition for obtaining consideration from the ADA or any of its subsidiaries in connection with any other program or activity.

November 1, 2008