American Dental Partners Appoints New Independent Outside Director

WAKEFIELD, MA--(MARKET WIRE)--Feb 24, 2009 -- American Dental Partners, Inc. (NasdaqGS:ADPI - News) announced today that Lonnie H. Norris, D.M.D., M.P.H. has been appointed to its board of directors.

Dr. Norris is Dean of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is a tenured professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Pierre Fauchard Academy, International College of Dentistry and American College of Dentists. Dr. Norris earned his doctor of dental medicine and master of public science degrees from Harvard University and in 1998 was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. In 2008, he was honored with the Tufts University Provost's Medal. Dr. Norris is also an active member of the American Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association, among many other dental organizations.

"We are pleased to have Dr. Norris join our board of directors," commented Gregory A. Serrao, Chairman, President and CEO of American Dental Partners. "Dr. Norris is a distinguished dental educator, clinician and community leader. Tufts' School of Dental Medicine is one of the nation's leading and largest dental schools, and Dr. Norris' near 30 years as a clinician and leader of Tufts will be an invaluable asset to American Dental Partners." Mr. Serrao concluded, "Understanding and anticipating trends and dynamics in dental education is fundamental to the long term success of our affiliated dental groups. American Dental Partners is pleased to be a partner to some of the nation's leading dental groups, and we look forward to Dr. Norris' contribution to their long-term success."

American Dental Partners is one of the nation's leading business partners to dental group practices. The Company is affiliated with 26 dental group practices which have 244 dental facilities with approximately 2,115 operatories located in 18 states.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: With the exception of the historical information contained in this news release, the matters described herein contain "forward-looking" statements that involve risk and uncertainties that may individually or collectively impact the matters herein described, including but not limited to the possibility that we may not realize the benefits expected from our acquisition and affiliation strategy, economic, regulatory and/or other factors outside the control of the Company, which are detailed from time to time in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's SEC reports, including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

     Contacts:
      
     Gregory A. Serrao
     Chairman, President and
     Chief Executive Officer
     781-224-0880
      
     Breht T. Feigh
     Executive Vice President, Chief
     Financial Officer and Treasurer
     781-224-0880
      
     American Dental Partners, Inc.
     401 Edgewater Place, Suite 430
     Wakefield, MA  01880
     Phone: 781/224-0880
     Fax: 781/224-4216