AAO Offering Guidance to SmileDirectClub Patients After the Company’s Abrupt Closure

AAO Offering Guidance to SmileDirectClub Patients After the Company’s Abrupt Closure | Image Credit: © American Association of Orthodontists

Last week SmileDirectClub (SDC) announced its abrupt shut down, which left many patients with questions and concerns about their ongoing orthodontic treatment. Today, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is offering guidance to those patients impacted by the recent closure of SDC, and patients being approached by other "mail-order" teeth straightening companies.

"The best thing SmileDirectClub patients can do at this point is to book an in-person exam with a licensed orthodontist in their area," Myron Guymon, DDS, MS, President of the AAO, says in today’s press release. "Most SmileDirectClub patients have not had an x-ray or in-person exam, which are critical to ensuring an accurate diagnosis and safe and effective treatment plan."

The AAO suggests patients of SDC and others concerned about mail-order orthodontics take the following steps:

1. Make an appointment with a local licensed orthodontist. For a searchable list of experienced orthodontists in every state, US territory and Canadian province visit https://aaoinfo.org/locator.
2. At the appointment, share all concerns and past treatments. Feel confident knowing that an orthodontist has specialized education and experience and has helped patients in similar situations.
3. If finances are a concern, when booking the appointment, ask about complimentary consultations offered by many AAO orthodontists.
4. Beware of other mail-order orthodontic companies feeding on SDC's failure. AAO emphasizes the importance of an in-person examination and x-rays before starting any orthodontics with a provider to avoid irreparable harm.
5. For patients with complaints, including those who may be unable to contact the dentist that was supervising their SDC treatment, AAO recommends reaching out to state dental boards that have individual complaint processes for dental treatments. For a list of state dental boards, visit: https://www2.aaoinfo.org/advocacy/laws-regulations/info-for-dental-boards/.

Earlier this week, Dental Products Report reported that SDC had posted a statement on its website last Friday reading: SmileDirectClub has made the incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately.

The statement added that new customers interested in aligner treatment through the company were out of luck as “aligner treatment is no longer available through our telehealth platform.”

Read the full article SmileDirectClub Closes Operations and Some Customers May Be Stuck in the Middle of Their Treatments [Update] here.

AAO members are all highly trained orthodontic specialists dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care to protect a patient's health and safety throughout their orthodontic treatment.

"We are committed to helping SmileDirectClub patients navigate through this challenging situation," adds Dr Guymon in the press release. "Our members are available to provide the care and support patients need to achieve a healthy and confident smile."

In its statement last week, SDC says it plans to provide additional information “once the bankruptcy process determines next steps and additional measures customers can take.”

The AAO represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the US, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, it is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist.