A New Bill to Benefit Dental Patients
Technological advances continue to be made in both the medical and dental worlds every year. Telehealth is one such example. This fairly new form of technology allows patients to access healthcare via the digital world, such as with a phone or computer. As a result, “Direct-to-consumer” care, or DTC, has come into the world. With regards to Orthodontic care, this allows a patient to receive treatment without visiting the dentist.
Direct-To-Consumer
Although this may seem very convenient, the patient may be negatively affected. In fact, according to the CDA, “Providing dental care to patients, especially moving teeth, without sufficient diagnostic information can potentially lead to serious patient harm, including loose or cracked teeth, gum recession and tooth loss. With emerging business models offering various dental services outside of a dental office’s four walls, including companies that provide direct-to-consumer orthodontic services, it is imperative that dental treatment continues to meet the standards of care.” It was further stated, “DTC orthodontic companies that are putting profits before patients by taking potentially unsafe shortcuts to the accepted standards of care.” In response to this, there is a new bill to benefit dental patients.
A New Bill to Take Effect
In support of patient well-being, the AB 1519 assembly bill was recently signed into law and will take effect in January 2020. With full support from the CDA, what will it accomplish? Please notice the following.
Traditional dental offices provide patients with their doctor's basic information. Likewise, a patient will receive such things as a dentist’s full name and state license number with DTC care.
A patient is able to submit a complaint about a licensee to the dental board. It does not matter whether or not an arbitration clause or nondisclosure agreement has been signed.
Best in Patient Care
It is sad to see how some technological advances have brought about a potentially negative result for patients. At Escondido Dental we want you to be up-to-date with dental news and information so that you can make informed decisions! Please contact us with any dental questions you may have!