NESO News

Victory in Rhode Island!

Rhode Island orthodontists, led by Dr. Cosmo Haralambidis and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), advocated on behalf of Rhode Island patients regarding teledentistry rules.

The group along with dental colleagues from across the state inundated state legislators with phone calls to oppose a proposed amendment to bill-H 6032. The AAO and the Rhode Island orthodontists expressed concern that if it passed in its current form, it would limit the Rhode Island Dental Board’s ability to regulate teledentistry unless the same requirements were also required for in-person treatment—a concern since teledentistry might allow a doctor to treat a patient who is never seen in person, thus requiring additional oversight to protect patients.

Dr. Ken Dillehay, DDS, MS, President of the AAO, reacted to the legislative victory, “Dr. Haralambidis, along with each of the Rhode Island orthodontists who contacted their state representatives, and the AAO’s Legal and Advocacy Team demonstrated the impact orthodontists can have on the legislative process, including the importance of educating legislators on issues of patient health and safety.”

Read the full Press Release here. http://ow.ly/SUVz50FrXqu