Understanding How California’s Dental Laws Have Changed The DIY Orthodontics Industry For The Better
Assembly Bill 1519, which California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law last year, has significantly impacted how the DIY orthodontic businesses like SmileDirectClub, Candid, and Byte (among others) conduct business. In the dentistry community, DIY clear aligners and DIY braces have generated controversy since some users have further harmed their smiles by utilizing DIY goods.
Because the teeth are shifted without the frequent and consistent monitoring and oversight of a professional orthodontist or, even better, a board-certified (Diplomate) orthodontist, these dental catastrophes occur. Although initially, access to a treating dentist and/or orthodontist and evaluation were promised to most of these patients.
The California Dental Board now has more authority to oversee and control orthodontics in California due to legislation. This includes mandating that orthodontic treatment only be performed after a dentist has examined a patient’s x-rays or bone imaging. If you don’t, you could be sued for dental malpractice.
This new regulation also requires anyone offering dental treatments to give their contact information and dental license number to a patient upon request. The rule also prohibits dentists from requiring clients to sign contracts that ban them from raising grievances over their dental care as an additional safeguard.
SmileDirectClub referred to these new policy modifications as “undebated, clinically unjustified, and ill-advised” in a statement. They stated that the proposed legislation would impose “unnecessary fees and difficulties for Californians who need care but struggle to afford it.” However, the board was merely requesting that SmileDirectClub safeguard patients’ safety to avoid unanticipated consequences, as it has been notified to the office of the California Attorney General during this period!
In any case, seeking the advice of a qualified professional rather than undertaking procedures that run the danger of seriously damaging a patient’s teeth is wiser and far safer for dental patients considering orthodontics. By enlisting the assistance of a professional, patients can significantly reduce their time, cost, and suffering.