Professional Associations

The American Medical Association (AMA) is a professional association for medical physicians. It sest standards for the education and conduct of medical physicians who are members. AMA has a Department of Investigation and a Department of Health Education to assist the consumer and the medical profession.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is a professional association for dentists. It sets standrads and rules of conduct for its members and assists in public education for consumers.

Private and Consumer Agencies

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit, voluntary, selfregulating organization supported by private firms for their protection against unfair competition and misleading advertising. This agency works closely with businesses to resolve problems with consumers. The agenct has no legal power but encourages businesses to maintain a favorable reputation and distributes educational materials for consumers.

The Consumers’ Research and Consumer’ Union are private groups that test and rate products on an impartial basis. They are supported by donations and by the sales of their publications. These publications compare prices, performance, and safety of a variety of brand name products.