FTC opposes NC dental legislation; the darker side of corporate dentistry

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continues to battle what it claims are anticompetitive practices by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.

In a letter sent May 25 to state lawmakers, the commission urges them to reject two pending pieces of legislation that would give the dental board more control over contracts between dentists and out-of-state dental management chains. The FTC is concerned that the legislation could deny consumers "the benefits of competition" that dental service organizations can offer, including the potential for lower prices, improved access to care, and greater choice. Read more.

In other Practice Management Community news, a recent Bloomberg report on the rise of private equity firms in dentistry has caused quite a stir in the dental community. In her in-depth follow-up to that report, Features Editor Donna Domino looks at what is driving these firms to invest in dental management companies and how the rise of corporate dentistry is beginning to reshape the practice of dentistry -- for better or worse.

And in the latest installment of our Leaders in Dentistry series, Contributing Editor Mary Otto spoke with Dr. Lynn Mouden, who took over as chief dental officer at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in February. Having been in private practice for 16 years before moving into public health, Dr. Mouden brings a practical eye to key issues impacting dentistry today, from Medicaid reimbursement to access to care.