Today’s FDA: Celebrating 100 Years

celebrating 100 years!

1924

Through wars, hurricanes, recessions and even a pandemic, the FDA’s journal delivers useful information to members.

1932

Today’s FDA Fast Facts

The first editor was Dr. A. B. Whitman, of Orlando. During his tenure, the editor was made a member of the state executive council.

Number of editors throughout the years: 16

More than 8,000 members receive Today’s FDA; approximately 16,000 Florida dentists (members and nonmembers) receive the Nov/Dec “Membership Issue.”

Average page count in 2020: 82.

The FDA’s publications staff produced more than 500 journal pages last year alone!

The issue that travels the farthest is mailed more than 6,600 miles to Israel.

1969 1958

1945

The Florida Dental Association (FDA), established in 1884 as the Florida State Dental Society (FSDS), is one of the oldest associations in the state. This journal, which was initially distributed as a quarterly publication called Bulletin, began in 1922 and has now reached a major milestone: 100 years in print.

While many of the subjects covered in articles have varied through the years and now focus on technology, practice management and emerging trends, there also are topics that have remained consistent. Regulatory challenges, diagnostic discussions, social events and association business have been perennial favorites.

Through the years, there have been several changes — as would be expected. They include different names, altered publication schedules and growing distribution lists. Another example is that, for more than a decade, Today’s FDA also has included a digital edition with interactive links. However, it is important to note that it has been a printed journal for a century. While the FDA has many methods for communicating with members, nonmembers, elected officials and the public, such as email distributions, social media posts and even phone calls, the journal has been a consistent print piece mailed to Florida dentists.

Designed to help members succeed, there has been a continual effort to use the publication to inform, connect and educate members. Another theme that has been consistent during the journal’s 100 years is evolution. Improvements in appearance, approach and an effort to provide valuable insight have occurred throughout the publication’s history and will surely continue in the future. For now, we are excited to present this redesigned 100th anniversary issue!

1990

TFDA Timeline

1922: The FSDS established its Quarterly Bulletin.

1929: An appropriation of $100 was made for publication of the Bulletin and it was changed from a quarterly publication to a monthly journal.

1931: The Bulletin was renamed Florida Dental Journal and was considered the official organ of the FSDS.

1938: The journal name was changed again; this time to Journal of the Florida State Dental Society.

1968: The society’s name was changed to the Florida Dental Association and the publication’s name was changed back to Florida Dental Journal.

1990: The journal got its present name, Today’s FDA.

2010: A change was made from monthly to bimonthly publication and distribution, with the Nov/Dec membership-focused issue distributed to all Florida-licensed dentists, even those who aren’t presently FDA members.

2021: Total circulation: 57,099

2021

1981 1981 2012