AGD addresses concerns about Invisalign proficiency requirements

Jun 21, 2009

In response to member inquiries regarding Align Technology's new proficiency requirements for Invisalign, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is investigating measures to address concerns about the impact of these requirements on general dentists, the organization announced.

The AGD thinks the new requirements have two aspects the general dentistry community should note: the requirement for completion of at least 10 Invisalign-specific continuing education credits, and the requirement for the start of at least 10 Invisalign patient cases each year. Many AGD members voiced concerns regarding the second aspect, the academy noted.

"The number of patient cases started each year may not fully be within the dentist's control for the following reasons," said Vincent Mayher Jr., D.M.D., M.A.G.D., immediate past president of the AGD, said in a news alert. "First, especially in the present economy, a dentist cannot determine patient volume. Second, dentists are ethically obligated to treat their patients according to their needs and wants, not according to the requirements of a third party. Third, although many general dentists are highly proficient in Invisalign, orthodontists and large general dental practices will receive the bulk of patients seeking or needing Invisalign."

"We have spoken with Align executives and they have not provided anything to support the claim that the dentist who does nine patient cases is 0% proficient while the dentist who gets the 10th patient walking through the door becomes 100% proficient. In reality, one dentist may perform 12 cases poorly while another dentist may perform eight cases perfectly. However, with Align's requirements, there is no outcome or quality assessment," Dr. Mayher said.

The AGD is also investigating alternate educational pathways to aid general dentists in achieving or maintaining proficiency in orthodontic treatment.