There are several trends that have brought concern about patient outcomes in the dental industry.
Here are three trends to know:
Unlicensed dentistry
Cases of unlicensed dentistry being performed on patients are on the rise, particularly with services such as veneers and braces.
Becker's has reported on several cases of unlicensed dentistry in various states this year. This issue has led dentists and dental organizations to increase education and spread awareness about patients seeking care from unlicensed individuals.
The North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners reported receiving more complaints about veneer techs — individuals who are not licensed to perform dental work — in September. Bobby White, CEO of the dental board, said the board has filed at least 12 injunctions in the past year and a half against individuals who are accused of practicing dentistry without a license. In addition to an increase in veneer technicians, the board has also seen an uptick in reports of unlicensed dentists installing braces.
The American Dental Association also warned the public against visiting veneer techs earlier this year.
To combat this issue, the Illinois State Dental Society and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations launched a campaign to educate residents about the risks associated with unlicensed dentistry. The campaign, called "Fake Dentist, Real Risk - Verify Before You Trust," aims to educate Illinois residents and push them to only seek care from licensed dentists. It also promotes verifying dental licenses and resources for reporting unlicensed services.
Mail order orthodontics
Many dentists have grown concerned about the potential harm that can be caused by patients using mail-order orthodontics and direct-to-consumer aligners without visiting a dentist.
In September, the American Association of Orthodontists urged dentists to report adverse events with direct-to-consumer clear aligners to the FDA.
A survey indicated that 77% of AAO member respondents have seen new patients requiring retreatment after using a mail-order orthodontic treatment model without an initial in-person exam. The AAO said the FDA is interested in learning more about orthodontists' experiences with patients requiring retreatment from mail-order orthodontic treatment models without an initial in-person examination.
The organization later asked members to sign a letter to the FDA highlighting the risks and harms related to direct-to-consumer clear aligners. This feedback could lead to a response from the FDA, including a public warning to patients about this type of treatment.
Fluoride debates
Debates about the effectiveness of fluoride on patients' dental health have come up this year, both within the dental industry and at the political level.
In August, the National Toxicology Program released a report stating that drinking water with more than double the recommended limit of fluoride was associated with lower IQ levels in children. Following the report's release, several healthcare organizations spoke out in support of water fluoridation, citing evidence that the U.S. Public Health Service's current recommended level of 0.7 milligrams/liter of fluoride concentration in drinking water is safe and effective at reducing the risk of tooth decay.
A federal judge later ruled in September that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must address the impact fluoride has on drinking water. Several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, reiterated their support for current fluoride recommendations after the ruling.
Robert Kennedy Jr., a potential public health pick for President-elect Donald Trump's second term, said earlier this month that Mr. Trump would aim to remove fluoride from public water sources once he is in office.
In a post on X, Mr. Kennedy claimed fluoride is associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders and thyroid disease, but did not cite any evidence or studies.