The purpose of dental boards is to insure that dentists stay in line, both professionally, ethically and clinically. They also make sure that dentists’ advertising and dental marketing stays in line too.

Many states in the U.S. have restrictions on how dentists can advertise, market to, and incentivise dental patients for their dental practice.

The American Dental Association (ADA) offers its members guidelines on marketing and advertising ethics. “Statements shall be avoided which would… contain a material, objective representation, whether express or implied, that the advertised services are superior in quality to those of other dentists, if that representation is not subject to reasonable substantiation,” reads the organization’s official Code of Conduct. “Subjective statements about the quality of dental services can also raise ethical concerns.”

The Wealthy Dentist asked dentists if they feel that state dental boards unfairly restrict dental practice marketing. Two out of three dentists answered no – dental boards are just protecting the public’s best interest. But one out of three dentists are frustrated by the limitations dental boards put on advertising and other dental marketing efforts.

In today’s 24/7 Internet connected society, a dental practice that doesn’t market itself will most likely fail. “Dental boards are restricted from prohibiting advertising because it would be considered restraint of trade,” commented one prosthodontist. However, that is not to say the dental boards don’t try. Complained one Missouri dentist, “Our board is mostly made up of small minds from small towns who would like to return to the 19th century.”

To hear more of what dentists had to say about dental boards and dental marketing restrictions, Click on Play and watch the following short video —

To hear more of what dentists had to say about ( ), Click on Play to watch the following video–

Dentists, what are your thoughts on dental boards and dental marketing restrictions?