FOR YOUR INFORMATION.................June 13, 1988


     The American Dental Association has asked the Federal Trade
Commission to modify a 1982 order that prohibits the group from
restricting nondeceptive advertising by its members.  The ADA
asked that it be allowed to enforce guidelines concerning
dentists' claims of specialization.
     The 1982 order settled charges that the Association
illegally restricted members' advertising and reduced
competition.  The order prohibits the ADA from restricting
truthful, nondeceptive advertising, but provides that the
organization may adopt and enforce ethical guidelines governing
advertisements that the ADA reasonably believes are false and
deceptive.
     The ADA has asked the FTC to add a provision to the order
allowing it to enforce its current rules regarding dentists'
claims of specialization.  According to the group's petition, the
FTC is currently investigating the ADA's restrictions on
specialization claims.
     The ADA is based in Chicago.
     The petition will be subject to public comment for 30 days,
until July 13.  Comments should be addressed to Office of the
Secretary, Federal Trade Commission, 6th St. and Pennsylvania
Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.
     Copies of the petition are available from the FTC's Public
Reference Branch, Room 130, same address; 202-326-2222; TTY 202-
326-2502.

                              # # #


MEDIA CONTACT:     Susan Ticknor, Office of Public Affairs,
                   202-326-2181

STAFF CONTACT:     M. Elizabeth Gee, Bureau of Competition,
                   202-326-2756

(FTC Docket No. 9093)
(ADAPet)