Policy Resources
Protecting the health and well-being of orthodontic patients is one of the highest priorities of the CAO. The following resources are provided to facilitate a deeper understanding of the most significant issues facing orthodontic patients.
CAO Position on DTC Orthodontics
The CAO has significant concerns about certain components that are common to direct-to-consumer orthodontic treatment, such as the patient never being seen in-person and the absence of x-rays prior to beginning treatment. These concerns are based on reliable, peer-reviewed scientific evidence, and are focused on protecting the health and well-being of the patient.
Learn more about CAO’s position in this one-page summary
CAO Recommendation for Diagnostic Records
Assessing patients properly before beginning treatment is essential to patient safety and effective treatment planning. This begins with collecting basic but critical information about the patient’s oral health through a variety of records.
See what records are needed before beginning treatment
The Importance of In-person Examinations
An in-person examination by a dentist or orthodontist prior to beginning orthodontic treatment is essential. The CAO joins our national organization, the AAO in advocating for laws that require an in-person examination prior to orthodontic treatment, based on reliable scientific evidence.
This summary lays out the need for laws requiring an in-person examination
The Importance of Radiographic Imaging
Radiographic imaging (x-rays and other types) is an essential component of the evaluation and diagnosis that must occur prior to beginning orthodontic treatment. The CAO advocates for laws that require radiographic imaging prior to orthodontic treatment, based on reliable scientific evidence.
This new summary lays out the need for laws requiring radiographic imaging
Teledentistry Catch-22
Dental boards and state legislatures have expressed concern that patients who elect to receive orthodontic treatment through mail-order are not being adequately protected. Mail-order orthodontic companies are using a catch-22 hoping to prevent legislators and dental boards from codifying, in statute or regulation, a standard of care that would protect these patients.