American Dental Association Reaffirms Policy Opposing Direct-to-Consumer Dentistry

CHICAGO, December 12, 2023 — In light of recent news reports concerning a direct-to-consumer (DTC) manufacturer and marketer of teeth aligners, the American Dental Association (ADA) reaffirms its policy which strongly opposes offers of direct-to-consumer dentistry because of the potential for irreversible harm to individuals, who are treated as “customers” rather than as patients. Under virtually all states’ laws and as is reflected in ADA Policy, the dentist is ultimately responsible for the patient’s care and is the only individual licensed and qualified to accept responsibility.

Moving teeth without knowing all aspects of a patient’s oral condition has the potential to cause bone loss, lost teeth, receding gums, bite problems, jaw pain, and other damaging and permanent issues. Without the involvement of a licensed dentist, patients lose an essential quality control checkpoint—their dentist—to ensure all aspects of their treatment are performed and are progressing in the best interests of the patient. Supporting dentists in providing quality care to patients for optimal oral and overall health is at the core of the ADA’s mission. The ADA’s primary concern around DTC dentistry has always been patient safety, first and foremost.

The ADA and its members are committed to patients, and no patient should be abandoned or left behind. ADA encourages any individual who will no longer have access to customer service—or is considering other DTC dental products or services—to speak with a dentist in their area. Oral health and overall health are deeply connected, and the ADA encourages all patients to find a dentist they can visit regularly.

Visit MouthHealthy.org/DIYdentistry to learn more about DTC dentistry, and FindADentist.ada.org to locate an ADA member near you.

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 159,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance has long been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), published monthly, is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.