FTC Settles With Alabama Dental Board Over Teledentistry Rules

The Federal Trade Commission has reached a proposed settlement with the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama over allegations that the board stifled competition by requiring on-site dentists in scanning teeth for aligners.

The board agreed to stop blocking clear aligner companies, such as SmileDirectClub LLC, and their employees, including dental hygienists, from providing services through remote treatment, according to an agency statement on Tuesday.

After SmileDirectClub and other startups started offering lower cost scanning options, the board introduced new rules that blocked their services in the state unless they operated with a licensed dentist on site, the FTC said. ...