A Fort Smith, AR, orthodontist has agreed to stop offering prophylaxes to the general public after being summoned before the Arkansas State Board of Examiners.
Earlier this month, Ben Burris, DDS, MDS, signed a consent order with the dental board in which he agreed not to offer dental cleaning, according to an arkansasbusiness.com story. Dr. Burris said he feared the board would file charges against him if he didn't agree to the consent order.
During a September session with the board, Dr. Burris said the service is within the realm of his specialty and not a violation of the state's Dental Practice Act. He said the prophys, which were done by staff hygienists, help address access-to-care issues in areas where it is lacking.
The board asserts that he violated the law because dental specialists aren't allowed to practice outside their area of expertise. But Dr. Burris cited other instances in which dentists have ventured into such work, such as braces.
Dr. Burris said he was targeted because of his pricing (he charged $98 for an adult and $68 for a child for a cleaning and an exam), about half of what dentists typically charge in his practice areas.
Dr. Burris pledged to start a campaign to change Arkansas law so that dental specialists can provide basic teeth cleaning services. Dr. Burris is launching a website, IChooseMySmiles.com, to provide information to consumers, regulators, and state legislators.
