Read About the Risks of Corporate Dentistry: Why the House Should Pass Senate Bill 655
A new investigative report highlights the risks in profit-driven dentistry:
“Consumer and practitioner complaints abound: Crowns placed on baby teeth that are about to fall out. Children strapped to papoose boards systematically without their mothers or others to reassure them. Being told to wipe down instruments rather than sterilize them. Production quotas for dentists. Time limits for hygienists.”
The report – “Private equity firms eye big profits in dentistry” – was published by the respected professional website Dr.Biscuspid.com, which covers dental-industry and practice-management developments.
The report found:
“A growing number of private equity firms are investing in dental management companies, which they see as one of the few growth areas in the current economic recession.”
The same companies are behind the opposition in North Carolina to Senate Bill 655, which will strengthen the existing state law that ensures dentists and patients, not corporate managers, make patient care decisions.
Click here to read more.
Dental Society Running TV Ad Supporting Senate Bill 655
The North Carolina Dental Society today began broadcasting a television ad supporting Senate Bill 655 and calling on the General Assembly to put patient care ahead of corporate profits.
The ad features an Apex dentist, Dr. Ronald Venezie, explaining the need for the bill. He says:
“Passing it will make sure that you and your dentist decide your dental care, not some big, out-of-state, investor-owned corporation. Big corporations put profits first. Your dentist puts quality care first. Support Senate Bill 655. Because your care is more important than corporate profits.”
Click on the video above or here to see the ad.
Who Do You Trust With Your Dental Care?
Here’s one way to look at the debate over Senate Bill 655: Who is on each side?
Supporting the bill:
- North Carolina Dental Society
- North Carolina Academy of General Dentistry
- North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Hygiene Association
- North Carolina Dental Assistants Association
- Old North State Dental Society
Opposing the bill:
- An alliance of big, investor-owned dental management corporations – most of them based outside North Carolina.
- The Wall Street private equity funds and hedge funds that own many of the corporations – and expect them to produce big profits.
Question: Who do you trust?
