Have Orthodontists successfully manipulated the Alberta Dental Association to Inflate Orthodontic Prices? Michael Zuk DDS The public would be shocked to learn about forces inside the dental association that are being used to reduce competition for orthodontists in Alberta. For over 7 years a number of orthodontists have been working together to discredit alternative forms of orthodontic braces provided by general dentists. Some of the things that have happened are so bizarre they may be difficult to believe, but I believe it will not stop unless it discussed openly. As one of the first dentists in Canada to offer ‘shorter term orthodontic braces’ it was not a surprise to suffer some skepticism from the local orthodontic specialists. Things quickly escalated into a full blown war and there were negative radio ads telling people to report my advertising to the dental association, attempts to prevent me from buying orthodontic supplies, threats to my staff, online slander and interference with orthodontic training. I discovered an orthodontist’s practice newsletter incorrectly inferring that I only had a weekend course in braces when he knew otherwise. Gossiping specialists even spread rumors that ‘faster orthodontics’ would destroy the roots of teeth. It was especially disappointing to learn that specialists I had been referring patients to for years were spreading some of these lies. Now the orthodontic journals recognize the benefits of having braces on for shorter times (less root damage, tooth decay and gum disease) – but convenience for the patient is the most important thing. In spite of these scientific findings, the orthodontists involved in this conspiracy have convinced the Complaints Director who is a non-dentist to ignore the research and pretend dentists around the world are not offering ‘quicker orthodontics’ (even though two of the complaining offices now offer patients inventions that claim to straighten teeth faster). They have built a case against my advertising and are using the ignorance of the dental association on these matters against my practice. This type of activity is likely a breach of Competition Law. In response I decided to run for the dental board based on the promise to remove the Complaints Director and replace her with a qualified dentist. I was elected and found the ‘old boys club’ was not open to recognizing the problem and I decided to resign and form a lobby group to help dentists who were victimized by what I see as a corrupt system that breaches the public trust. Certain orthodontists are manipulating the dental association in an attempt to protect their turf, when even ADA consultants admit the orthodontists should not be allowed to prevent general dentists from offering braces. This problem is not just affecting my practice - many dentists in Alberta have been targeted by the dental association which has made ridiculous rules that include forbidding ‘before & after’ photos on websites, mentioning the number of years in practice and listing additional training a dentist may have invested in to provide a specific service. Oddly members of the ADA board are often seen violating these same rules, while other dentists are charged outrageous fees for doing the same thing. Many dentists are considering legal action against the dental association, but change will be more likely if the public gets involved. Dentistry needs to have competition to help give patients affordable alternatives. Not everyone can afford a specialist for dental treatment and ADA lawyers are taking advantage of the lack of leadership that is letting the orthodontists manipulate the system. To learn more visit AlbertaDentalAssociationProblems.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 06:12:36 +0000
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