During this period, a small group of independent dental distributors began discussing ways to compete with the national chains, yet maintain their independence. The idea of forming a cooperative evolved from that discussion.

This small group of pioneers shared their idea with other dental distributors, and serious discussions began regarding the potential advantages of a cooperative enterprise. An historic meeting took place in Chicago at which many of ADC's charter Members were present. That meeting was the beginning of a revolution for the independent dental distributors who later became a part of the cooperative.

A series of organizational meetings followed that Chicago meeting. The American Dental Cooperative, Inc. was incorporated in 1976, beginning operations in 1977, becoming the first distributor cooperative in the dental industry.

The Members of ADC continue to function as dental equipment and supply distributors - many are second- and third-generation family businesses. The average Member firm has been in business nearly 75 years - many much longer than that.

Although the membership roster changes from time to time, ADC Members collectively control over 11% of the dental retail market with sales in excess of $400 million. ADC's collective buying power makes the cooperative a major force in the dental marketplace.

In 1995, ADC introduced the first self-branded products in our history. The Quala® brand dental product line announced our entry into this important new area of business. The quality-centered Quala product line offers our Members and their customers the best combination of price and quality available in the industry - with an ever-growing product line to meet customer needs.

In 1995, ADC's Board of Directors approved the implementation of significant new strategies designed to further improve the competitive position of its Members and increase services offered to improve the value of membership in ADC. The new direction was dictated by the continuation of rapid industry change and stiffened competition from national distributors.

In 1999, ADC was acquired by National Distribution and Contracting, Inc. (NDC), a company that currently owns three medical cooperatives representing close to 300 dealers and annual sales in excess of 6.6 billion dollars. This decision will enable ADC Members to remain competitive in a consolidating market.

Membership in ADC is open to any dental equipment and supply distributor who can meet its eligibility requirements, is financially sound, and will abide by ADC's regulation.