Today (1 July): The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) is delighted that the CQC have provided further clarity on the position of Direct to Consumer Orthodontic providers and the fact that they must be CQC registered.
In their statement, (https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/stories/registration-requirements-providers-%E2%80%98direct-consumer%E2%80%99-orthodontic-treatment) the CQC are very clear:
“We consider orthodontic treatments provided to patients following an intra oral scan or when a patient has taken impressions themselves to be regulated activity. This is in the same way that treatment planning and diagnosis associated with aligners is also regulated activity. Regulated activities are listed in Schedule 1 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. In this case, they come under the regulated activities of Treatment of disease, disorder or injury and Diagnostic and screening procedures.”
The statement goes on to say: “We can use our regulatory powers to prosecute such offences.”
In a recent BOS members’ survey (April 2021), 82% of members were ‘concerned about more patients seeking DIY orthodontics during and following the pandemic’. In fact, it has been a concern for BOS members for a number of years.
BOS Director of External Relations, Anjli Patel said,
“This news from the CQC is very welcome. This is something that BOS have been calling for, for a long time. As we have highlighted before, this is a patient safety issue and we hope that this action will provide more certainty for those seeking orthodontic treatment.
One of our primary concerns about DIY orthodontics is that many patients were said to be unaware of the identity of their supervising dentists. Today’s announcement will mean this is rectified.”
The BOS first duty of care is to patients – the charity’s ultimate beneficiaries are patients, and benefits to patients are provided through the advancement of knowledge, practice and standards. The Society advises that anyone seeking orthodontic treatment should speak to a dentist or orthodontist first.
Further info:
Chris Baker:
07947 470896, chris.baker@coronadental.co.uk
Emma Pelling:
Teen wins national award for his story of life-changing treatment after losing his front teeth
Yusuf Anwer, 18yrs, from Croydon credits his orthodontist Dr Sadiq as transforming his life when others had given up.
Orthodontist wins prestigious award
A Consultant Orthodontist from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust was today awarded the prestigious Colyer Gold Medal from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) – the highest accolade available from the College.
BOS releases teledentistry guidance
Today (4 February): The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) has released its guidance on teledentistry and remote interactions in orthodontic care.
BOS joins European consensus: ‘DIY Orthodontics’ is hazardous for patients
The British Orthodontic Society is delighted to join a Europe wide consensus that sees 31 professional dental and orthodontic societies, associations, and institutions from 25 countries come together to endorse and fully support a Joint Declaration regarding the unacceptable and potentially unsafe remote treatment of malocclusions. This Declaration by EFOSA (European Federation of Orthodontic Specialists Associations) clearly states the basic requirements that must be met for any orthodontic treatment.
BOS welcomes report which aims to improve access and standards of care for patients in hospital dentistry
The Consultant Orthodontist Group (COG) of the British Orthodontic Society are delighted to support the publication of the GIRFT report into Hospital Dentistry. Recommendations in this new report aim to improve access and standards of care for patients, and knowledge of activity to the secondary care trusts and wider NHS.
Supporting the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group
The British Orthodontic Society are proud to be supporting the DDAG initiative.
British Orthodontic Society welcomes GDC statement on DIY Orthodontics
Today (13 May): The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) wholeheartedly welcomes the GDC statement (link) and accompanying guidance for both patients and professionals regarding direct-to-consumer orthodontic treatment.
