Orthodontist Urges Lawmakers to Regulate DIY Orthodontic Treatments with Clear Aligners

To address this issue, Joseph urged lawmakers to consider legislation that would require individuals intending to use clear aligners at home to first undergo an in-office examination with an orthodontist to assess their oral health. These initial consultations are typically offered free of charge by orthodontists and serve as a screening process to determine if the patient qualifies for treatment.

During the meeting, Delegate Amy Summers noted that the existing loophole in the law allowing these at-home treatments was intentional due to a shortage of dental care providers in many areas of the state. Hallie Mason, executive director of the West Virginia Dental Association, supported this claim, indicating that there are approximately 865 dental care professionals in the state. However, the state has seen a net loss of -3.5% dentists with ten years of experience or less, partly due to many dentists being over the age of 65 and younger ones relocating to other states.

Dr. Michael Medovic, a retired dentist and trustee of the American Dental Association, also spoke at the meeting. He commended West Virginia for having a balance between general practitioners and specialists, with approximately 75% of dental doctors in the state being general practitioners. He estimated that there are around 50 orthodontists across the state, with about 20 dental providers in each of the other specialized areas.

In addition to the orthodontic issue, other topics were discussed during the meeting. Ben Beakes, executive director of the West Virginia Association of Health Plans, informed lawmakers that the number of Medicaid-approved beds available for drug treatment in the state has increased from 648 in July 2019 to 1,610 currently. Beakes also mentioned that health plan providers want the ability to choose which facilities they will reimburse for care based on outcomes and quality of care provided.

Representatives from Wonderschool childcare providers, Ashley Gibson and Sarah Dougherty, addressed the need for childcare in West Virginia and discussed the programs they offer. John Antal, director of clinical services, and Jacquelyn Knight, hospital CEO, spoke about the Orchard Park Hospital, which provides inpatient acute psychiatric care to adolescents. They reported that since its opening in late September, the facility has had an average of five youths per day, with a maximum of eight at one time. Many of the admitted individuals are considered at risk of self-harm or harm to others.

Orchard Park Hospital is located within the former Robert C. Byrd Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Center on Eoff Street.