A federal judge ruled SmileDirectClub's digital scanning of patients' teeth does constitute the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene.
"SmileDirectClub's acts of taking digital scans of a patient's mouth for the purpose of having a dentist or orthodontist approve of a treatment plan for correcting a malposition of the patient's teeth falls squarely within the definition of the practice of dentistry," the judge's statement read.
SmileDirectClub has argued that the company does not actively engage in the practice of dentistry. Therefore, it cannot be regulated by state dental boards.
More articles on dental:
Virginia dentist pleads guilty to oxycodone conspiracy
Virginia dental practice used unsterile equipment, class-action suit alleges
Drs. Glenn Head, Richard Schott & more: 5 dentists making headlines
"SmileDirectClub's acts of taking digital scans of a patient's mouth for the purpose of having a dentist or orthodontist approve of a treatment plan for correcting a malposition of the patient's teeth falls squarely within the definition of the practice of dentistry," the judge's statement read.
SmileDirectClub has argued that the company does not actively engage in the practice of dentistry. Therefore, it cannot be regulated by state dental boards.
More articles on dental:
Virginia dentist pleads guilty to oxycodone conspiracy
Virginia dental practice used unsterile equipment, class-action suit alleges
Drs. Glenn Head, Richard Schott & more: 5 dentists making headlines